A delegation representing Fagun, a monthly newspaper published in the Santali language, met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan to submit a memorandum advocating for broader official recognition and the widespread adoption of the Santali language and its distinct Ol Chiki script across national institutions.
Led by Surukuni Murmu, Associate Editor of Fagun, the delegation reported a highly positive response from the President. President Murmu assured the team that various ongoing efforts are actively being made to promote and develop the Santali language and Ol Chiki script.
The memorandum highlighted key national-level demands, emphasizing the need for the Ol Chiki script to be extensively used in major competitive examinations and educational institutions. Specific mentions were made regarding the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the National Eligibility Test (UGC NET), the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), and the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL).
Furthermore, the team urged the universal adoption of the Ol Chiki script across state-level institutions in Santali-speaking regions, including Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Assam. To improve information reach and cultural preservation, the delegation also called for dedicated, full-fledged television and radio broadcasting services for the Santali language under Doordarshan and All India Radio.
In an additional major demand, the delegation requested the inclusion of the Santali language written in the Ol Chiki script on Indian currency notes.
