Bhubaneswar: In a landmark announcement, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revealed that the Odisha government is actively considering introducing education in the Santali language, spanning from kindergarten to post-graduation. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the 7th annual conference of the All India Santali Writers’ Association-Odisha branch at Ashok Batika in Keonjhar.
Highlighting the importance of the Ol-Chiki script, created in 1925, the Chief Minister paid tribute to its visionary creator, Pandit Raghunath Murmu. Majhi expressed his commitment to making “Mission Ol-Chiki 2025” a resounding success, emphasizing the need to promote education and preserve the Santali language.
Addressing the Santali writers and scholars, Majhi encouraged them to work towards disseminating Santali culture, traditions, and literature through their works. He urged writers to translate renowned books into Santali while also translating Santali literature into other languages. This, he said, would enhance the reach and visibility of the language on a national and global scale. He emphasized that translated literature should be a priority for the literary community to further enrich Santali’s presence.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the significant role of the tribal community in Odisha’s development journey. Expressing optimism, he stated that tribal society will contribute immensely to achieving “Developed Odisha 2036” and play a key role in shaping a prosperous and self-reliant India.
During the event, several individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Santali literature. Suresh Kumar Hembram was honored with the Shyam Sundar Hembram Award 2024 for his book “Sonali Gharanj,” while Durga Soren received the same award for her acclaimed short story “Uni Kulid Akay?” Arsu Hansadah was presented with the Yadumani Beshra Samman for her poetry collection “Arasi,” and Laxman Marndi was acknowledged for his lifelong contribution to Santali literature. Others, including Bhagwat Hembram, Gobinda Hansada, Mohan Soren, Madhusudan Murmu, and Jyotilal Hembram, were also recognized for their role in promoting Santali writers.
Chief Minister Majhi further honored Ramjit Tudu and YouTuber Laba Hansada for their efforts in popularizing the Santali script-type board, which was lauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Mann Ki Baat address. Majhi also highlighted the constitutional significance of the Santali language, recalling its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution in 2003, achieved during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The event, which brought together writers, scholars, and policymakers, also saw the release of the association’s literary magazine and souvenir. Prominent voices such as Sarashakana MLA Bhadab Hansdah, Baripada MLA Prakash Soren, former coordinator of the Santali Sahitya Academy Madan Mohan Soren, and Padma Shri recipient Damayanti Beshra addressed the gathering.
Concluding his address, Chief Minister Majhi reiterated the Odisha government’s commitment to empowering the Santali-speaking community and fostering an environment where the language, culture, and traditions can thrive. He expressed confidence that the collective efforts of writers, educators, and the government would pave the way for a vibrant future for Santali literature and education.