Jamshedpur — President Droupadi Murmu on Monday called upon people to protect and promote tribal language, culture, and traditional knowledge during the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district.
The event, held at the Dishom Jaherthan complex in Karandih, marked 100 years of the Ol Chiki script developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu. The President said his work laid a strong foundation for the Santhali community’s cultural pride and identity.
Before beginning her speech, President Murmu rendered a Santhali Nehor prayer song, which she said she had learned as a child. The song, she explained, seeks blessings from Jaher Ayo, symbolising Mother Nature, to lead society on a righteous path.
Delivering her address entirely in Santhali, the President said her visit to the holy site was deeply emotional. She appreciated the dedication of Santhali writers and social activists who have continued efforts to preserve the Ol Chiki script and language.
She described the publication of the Constitution of India in the Ol Chiki script by the Union government as a historic initiative that strengthens linguistic inclusion. The President further said that effective governance requires that laws and administrative information reach people in their mother tongue.
During the ceremony, President Murmu felicitated 12 individuals for their significant contributions to the promotion of Santhali language and literature. Governor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren reaffirmed their support for preserving tribal identity and heritage.
With inputs from IANS