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President Murmu Sings in Santhali, Champions Tribal Language at Ol Chiki Centenary

President Droupadi Murmu delivered her entire address in the Santhali language and sang a traditional prayer at the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script. She paid tribute to the script's creator, Pandit Raghunath Murmu, emphasizing the script's role in Santhali identity and cultural self-respect. The President highlighted key empowerment steps, including the publication of the Constitution in Ol Chiki, and stressed the need for governance information to reach the community in its own language. She also honored 12 individuals for their contributions to promoting the Santhali language and script.

Key Points: President Murmu at Ol Chiki Script Centenary in Jharkhand

  • Sang a traditional prayer
  • Delivered full speech in Santhali
  • Honoured 12 language promoters
  • Highlighted Constitution in Ol Chiki
  • Stressed linguistic inclusion
2 min read

Jharkhand: Prez Murmu sings in Santhali at Ol Chiki centenary, stresses preservation of language and culture

President Droupadi Murmu sang and spoke in Santhali, stressing language preservation at the Ol Chiki script's 100-year celebrations in Jharkhand.

"His work is foundational to the cultural self-respect and identity of the Santhali community. - President Murmu on script creator Pandit Raghunath Murmu"

Jamshedpur, Dec 29

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday called for the preservation of traditional knowledge, language, culture, and tribal identity at the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script of Santhali at the Dishom Jaherthan place of worship complex in Karandih in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district.

Paying tribute to Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the creator of the Ol Chiki script, the President described his work as foundational to the cultural self-respect and identity of the Santhali community.

Before beginning her address, President Murmu sang a traditional Santhali Nehor prayer song for nearly three minutes. She said she had learned the song in her childhood, and that it invokes Jaher Ayo (Mother Nature) to guide society on the path of light.

The President delivered her entire speech in the Santhali language at the event, jointly organised by the All India Santhali Writers Association and the Dishom Jaherthan Committee.

She described her visit to the sacred site as an emotional moment, saying she felt the love of her people and the blessings of the deities.

Appreciating the role of Santhali writers and social workers, the President said they have been relentlessly working to preserve the Ol Chiki script and the Santhali language, carrying forward the unfinished vision of Pandit Murmu.

She termed the publication of the Constitution in the Ol Chiki script by the Union government on the occasion of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birth centenary as a landmark step towards empowering the Santhali community.

Stressing the importance of linguistic inclusion, President Murmu said that after Santhali's inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, it is essential that information related to laws, governance and administrative systems reaches the community in their own language.

At the ceremony, the President honoured 12 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the promotion of the Santhali language and the Ol Chiki script.

Governor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren also addressed the gathering. The Governor said Raj Bhavan's doors are always open to the people and assured full cooperation in initiatives for tribal development.

The Chief Minister reiterated the state government's commitment to preserving the Santhali language, culture and tribal identity.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Preserving tribal languages and scripts is crucial for our diverse cultural fabric. Ol Chiki getting its due recognition, and the Constitution being published in it, is a massive step forward. We must ensure this isn't just symbolic but leads to real administrative and educational inclusion.
R
Rahul R
A very positive event. However, I hope the commitment shown here translates into concrete action on the ground. Many tribal languages are still struggling for basic resources and teachers in schools. The government needs to follow through with adequate funding and policy support.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Jharkhand, it's heartening to see national focus on Santhali culture. President Murmu's personal connection to the song makes it so authentic. Tribal knowledge systems hold immense wisdom about nature and sustainability that the modern world needs.
K
Karthik V
Jai Johar! This is true 'Unity in Diversity' in action. Honouring Pandit Raghunath Murmu's legacy and empowering the community through their own script is how we build a stronger India. Every language is a treasure that must be protected.
N
Nidhi U
Wonderful to see. But let's also remember the many other tribal languages and scripts across India that need similar attention and preservation efforts. We need a comprehensive national plan for all indigenous linguistic heritage.

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

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