NewKerala.com

Preserve Roots, Embrace Progress: President Murmu at Santal Conference

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the 9th International Santal Conference in Darjeeling, honoring the community's history of rebellion against exploitation led by figures like Tilka Majhi and Sido-Kanhu. She highlighted key milestones for the Santali language, including its inclusion in the Constitution's Eighth Schedule in 2003 and the invention of the Ol Chiki script by Pandit Raghunath Murmu. The President emphasized the need for tribal communities to preserve their language, folk traditions, and environmental sensitivity while embracing modern development through education and skill development. She called for a harmonious balance between progress and nature, focusing on health and economic empowerment without forgetting one's roots.

Key Points: President Murmu at Santal Conference: Preserve Roots, Embrace Progress

  • Honoring Santal freedom fighters like Tilka Majhi
  • Santali language added to Constitution's 8th Schedule
  • Celebrating Ol Chiki script inventor Pandit Raghunath Murmu
  • Balancing cultural preservation with modern development
  • Focus on education, health, and economic empowerment for tribal youth
2 min read

Preserve roots, embrace progress: President Murmu at 9th International Santal Conference

President Droupadi Murmu addresses the 9th International Santal Conference, urging the community to preserve language and culture while embracing education and development.

"We should resolve to preserve our language and culture, prioritise education and maintain unity and fraternity in society. - President Droupadi Murmu"

Darjeeling, March 7

President Droupadi Murmu graced the 9th International Santal Conference at Darjeeling, West Bengal, on Saturday, an official release from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that it is a matter of pride for the Santal community that our ancestor, Tilka Majhi, raised the banner of revolt against exploitation nearly 240 years ago. Nearly 60 years after his revolt, the brave brothers Sido-Kanhu and Chand-Bhairav, along with the brave sisters Phoolo-Jhano, led the Santal Hul in 1855.

The President said that the year 2003 will always be remembered in the history of the Santali community. That year, the Santali language was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Last year, on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Constitution of India, written in the Santali language in the Ol Chiki script, was released.

The President said that in 1925, Pandit Raghunath Murmu invented the Ol Chiki script. Recently, we have celebrated the centenary of this invention. His contributions provided Santali speakers with a new opening for expression. He also composed plays such as "Bidu Chandan," "Kherwal Veer," "Dalege Dhan," and "Sido Kanhu - Santal Hul." In this way, he spread the light of literature and social consciousness within the Santali community. She said that members of Santal community should read other languages and scripts, but be connected with their own language.

The President said that tribal communities have preserved their folk music, dances and traditions for centuries. They have maintained a sensitivity to nature, passed down from generation to generation. She emphasised that the lesson of nature conservation must be passed to future generations, a release stated.

She underlined that along with preserving folk traditions and the environment, our tribal communities must embrace modern development and move forward on the journey of progress. She expressed confidence that members of tribal communities, including the Santal community, will set an example of the harmony between progress and nature.

The President said that the need of the hour is to focus on education, health and economic empowerment. Tribal youth must progress through education and skill development. But in all these efforts, they should not forget their roots. She said that we should resolve to preserve our language and culture, prioritise education and maintain unity and fraternity in society. This will help us in building an empowered society and a strong India, a release added.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Preserving roots while embracing progress is the perfect balance for any community. The story of Pandit Raghunath Murmu inventing the Ol Chiki script is inspiring. Our tribal communities have so much to teach us about living in harmony with nature.
A
Aman W
A very balanced speech. Education and skill development are key, but not at the cost of losing one's cultural identity. I hope the government backs these words with concrete policies for tribal education and healthcare in remote areas.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in India, it's heartening to see the recognition of indigenous history and language. Tilka Majhi and the Santal Hul are stories of courage that deserve to be in our mainstream history books. More power to the Santali language!
K
Karthik V
The emphasis on learning other languages while staying connected to your own is spot on. That's the Indian way - absorbing the new without discarding the old. We need more such conferences to celebrate our rich tribal heritage across all states.
N
Nisha Z
While the sentiment is good, I hope this isn't just symbolic. The real test is in implementation. Are there enough schools teaching in Santali? Are tribal youth getting equal opportunities in the job market? Actions matter more than speeches.
V
Varun X

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50