Odisha government plans to offer education in the Santali language from kindergarten through postgraduate levels, announced Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday.
At the seventh annual conference of the All India Santali Writers’ Association’s Odisha Branch in Keonjhar, Majhi stressed the importance of implementing education in the Ol-Chiki script and Santali language by 2025. This initiative would honour Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the Ol-Chiki script’s creator.
On this occasion, while commemorating Guru Gamke Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the Chief Minister advocated for the successful execution of “Mission Ol-Chiki 2025,” coinciding with the script’s centenary. He declared the mother tongue as fundamental to the tribal community’s advancement and identity.
Majhi also celebrated the Santali language’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003, under the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership and the then Central Government, as a proud milestone for the community.
The Chief Minister called on Santali authors to selflessly and earnestly work towards enhancing the language, culture, traditions, and education of the Santali-speaking populace. He supported translating significant works into Santali and vice versa to broaden the language’s reach.
Majhi urged unity within the tribal community, stressing the need to preserve their language, culture, and traditions alongside pursuing education. He voiced his aspiration for the tribal society to make a significant impact on “Developed Odisha 2036,” contributing to the development of both Odisha and India.
During the event, the Chief Minister unveiled a literary magazine and a souvenir issued by the association. Suresh Kumar Hembram received the Shyam Sundar Hembram Award 2024 for his distinguished work in Santali literature with his book “Sonali Gharanj.”
Durga Soren was presented with the Yuva Puraskar for her short story “Uni Kulid Akay?” while Arsu Hansdah earned the Yadumani Beshra Samman for her poetry collection “RC.” Renowned author and social activist Laxman Marndi was acknowledged for his extensive contributions to Santali literature.
The Chief Minister also commended Bhagwat Hembram, Govinda Hansada, Mohan Soren, Madhusudan Murmu, and Jyothilal Hembram for their support of Santali authors at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, he recognized Ramjit Tudu and YouTuber Lav Hansada for their promotion of the Santali script’s type board, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded during his Mann Ki Baat broadcast.