THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, December 29: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday said that the state government is committed to ensuring the teaching of the Santali language in the Olchiki script, reaffirming its resolve to protect, preserve, and promote tribal languages and culture.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the 22nd Santali “Parsi Maha” and the centenary celebrations of the Olchiki script, held at Dishom Jaher, Karandih, Jamshedpur.
President Droupadi Murmu Attends as Chief Guest
The event was attended by President of India Droupadi Murmu as the Chief Guest, while Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren were present as Special Guests.
The President, along with the Governor and the Chief Minister, performed a traditional puja at Karandih Jaherthan and paid tribute to Guru Gomke Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the inventor of the Olchiki script, by garlanding his statue.
Respect and Dignity of Tribal Community Increasing: CM
Addressing the gathering, Hemant Soren said the respect and recognition of the tribal community are increasing across the country, largely due to the efforts of President Droupadi Murmu.
He said that programmes organised at Rashtrapati Bhavan have consistently highlighted tribal culture, traditions, and identity, giving national prominence to tribal communities.
“No amount of praise would be sufficient for the contribution of the Hon’ble President towards empowering the tribal society,” the Chief Minister said.
Government Committed to Tribal Languages and Culture
The Chief Minister said the Jharkhand government is working continuously towards the preservation, protection, and enrichment of tribal languages, in collaboration with tribal communities.
He also expressed pride in honouring writers and intellectuals who have contributed to the development of Santali language and literature, stating that such efforts play a crucial role in strengthening cultural identity.
Guru Gomke Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s Legacy Remembered
Hemant Soren said that the Santali language and its script, Olchiki, have a distinct identity today because of the historic contribution of Guru Gomke Pandit Raghunath Murmu, who gave Santali its own script nearly a century ago.
“As long as the Olchiki script and the Santali community exist, Pandit Raghunath Murmu will remain immortal,” he said.
Dignitaries Present
Among those present were Lok Sabha MP and Advisor, All Santali Writers Association, Kalipada Soren, President, All India Santali Writers Association, Laxman Kisku, President, Jaher Than Committee, C.R. Manjhi, and representatives of the Santali community.
