THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, February 23: A delegation of the Pandit Raghunath Murmu Heritage Trust, Rairangpur, Odisha, today met Chief Minister Hemant Soren at his official residence on Kanke Road to discuss a proposal to organise the Olchiki Centenary Celebrations in Dubai, including a special event at the Burj Khalifa, on April 11 and 12, 2026.
The Trust presented its plan to take the centenary celebrations of the Olchiki script — the writing system of the Santali language — to a global platform, highlighting tribal linguistic and cultural heritage before an international audience.
The proposal assumes greater significance as President Droupadi Murmu had earlier attended the Olchiki Centenary Celebrations in Jamshedpur, reinforcing the national importance of the script and its relevance for the Santali-speaking community across Jharkhand, Odisha and neighbouring states.
Significance of Olchiki
Olchiki was developed in the 1920s by Pandit Raghunath Murmu to provide a distinct script for the Santali language, which had earlier been written in other scripts. Its creation marked a historic step in strengthening tribal identity, enabling literary development and formalising education in Santali.
Santali is now recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, and the Olchiki script has emerged as a symbol of cultural pride and linguistic assertion among tribal communities.
During the meeting, the delegation presented the Chief Minister with a specially prepared map of Jharkhand translated into the Olchiki script by the Survey of India.
The delegation included Chunian Murmu, President of the Trust; Anta Alok Baske, Treasurer; and Dr Dumni Mai Murmu, Member.
The proposed Dubai event is expected to enhance the global visibility of Olchiki and showcase tribal heritage at an international level.
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