President Murmu Releases Constitution in Santhali Language Using Ol Chiki Script

In a landmark ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu officially released the Constitution of India translated into the Santhali language, presented in the unique Ol Chiki script. This momentous achievement represents a significant advancement in promoting linguistic diversity and accessibility within the nation, enabling millions of Santhali speakers to directly access and comprehend the foundational legal document of the country in their native tongue. The event highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure that constitutional rights and principles reach every citizen, irrespective of linguistic barriers, thereby fostering deeper inclusion and empowerment across diverse communities.

During her address, President Murmu articulated profound pride and happiness on behalf of the entire Santhali population, emphasizing that this translation eliminates longstanding obstacles to understanding the Constitution's core tenets. She elaborated on how this development would enhance civic awareness, encourage active participation in democratic processes, and reinforce the bonds of national integration by making the document's provisions relatable and meaningful to tribal citizens who have historically relied on intermediaries for such knowledge.

The release gains additional historical weight as it aligns with the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script, a writing system developed in 1925 by the visionary Pandit Raghunath Murmu. President Murmu extended heartfelt appreciation to Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal and his dedicated team for their meticulous work in accomplishing this translation during the script's hundredth anniversary, thereby paying fitting tribute to its enduring contribution to Santhali literature and identity.

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The ceremony was graced by distinguished figures, including Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, whose attendance underscored the high-level governmental recognition and support for initiatives aimed at cultural preservation and equity. This collective presence symbolized a unified commitment from various arms of the state to uphold and advance policies that honor India's rich mosaic of languages and traditions.

Santhali, formally incorporated into the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 92nd Amendment Act of 2003, remains one of the oldest surviving languages in India, spoken extensively by tribal populations across states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar. This translation not only affirms the language's vitality and cultural significance but also embodies the constitutional ideals of justice, liberty, and equality, ensuring that these values resonate profoundly within indigenous communities for generations to come.

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