100 Years of Ol Chiki: President Urges Santhali Language Protection

President Droupadi Murmu marked the 100th anniversary of the Ol Chiki script by urging the community to actively protect and promote tribal languages, cultural practices, and traditional wisdom. This significant centenary event, hosted at the Dishom Jaherthan complex in Karandih, East Singhbhum district, celebrated the enduring legacy of Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s innovative script. The President declared that the Ol Chiki script has cemented the Santhali community’s cultural pride and unique identity. Demonstrating her personal connection, President Murmu began her address with a Santhali Nehor prayer song, a melody from her childhood, invoking blessings from ‘Jaher Ayo’ for societal well-being. Speaking entirely in Santhali, she shared the profound emotional impact of her visit to this culturally important site. The President acknowledged and praised the relentless dedication of Santhali writers and social activists in their ongoing mission to preserve the Ol Chiki script and the Santhali language. She pointed to the Union government’s historic step of publishing the Constitution of India in the Ol Chiki script as a crucial advancement for linguistic representation. Furthermore, President Murmu emphasized that meaningful governance hinges on making laws and administrative details accessible in the vernacular. The celebration included a special recognition ceremony where President Murmu honored twelve individuals for their exceptional contributions to the advancement of Santhali language and literature. The Governor and Chief Minister conveyed their unwavering support for the preservation of tribal heritage.