President Droupadi Murmu on Monday urged people across the country to remain connected to their mother tongues, emphasising that linguistic roots play a vital role in preserving cultural identity and social harmony. She called for collective efforts to ensure inclusive development and cultural continuity.
The President was addressing the 22nd Santali ‘Parsi Maha’ and the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script at the Dishom Jaherthan courtyard in Karandih, on the outskirts of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district.
Beginning her address on a spiritual note, President Murmu sang a prayer to ‘Jaher Aayo’ in the Santali language, drawing warm appreciation from the audience. Delivering her speech in Santali, she underlined the importance of preserving one’s native language.
“There is no harm in learning multiple languages, but one should never forget their own mother tongue. When speaking with your community, always try to communicate in your native language,” the President said.
Highlighting the progress of the Santali language, she noted that the Ol Chiki script has now found a place on digital platforms, which should be effectively used to further promote and preserve the language among younger generations.
President Murmu also appreciated Tata Steel for its contribution towards the promotion of the Ol Chiki script and Santali culture, stressing that societal progress requires joint efforts from institutions, communities, and individuals.
She informed the gathering that the Centre has released ₹24,000 crore for the development of particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) across the country. During the event, the President also felicitated 12 distinguished Santali personalities for their contributions to Santali literature and cultural development.
The programme marked 100 years of the Ol Chiki movement, which was launched in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the creator of the Ol Chiki script. President Murmu paid tribute to him by garlanding his bust at the venue.
The event was attended by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, TMC MP and Padma Shri awardee Kalipada Soren, and several other dignitaries.
As part of her three-day visit to Jharkhand, the President will also attend the 15th convocation ceremony of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jamshedpur. On Tuesday, she is scheduled to visit Gumla to address the Antarrajyiy Jansanskritik Samagam Samaroh–Kartik Jatra.
