Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi joined the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script invention today, paying tribute to its creator, Pandit Raghunath Murmu, as a beacon of Santali identity and cultural revival.
The event, held at Silisuan in Keonjhar district, highlighted Murmu’s enduring contributions to tribal language, education, and social empowerment.
In his address, CM Majhi described Pandit Murmu not just as an individual but as a movement, a consciousness, an institution, and a symbol of Santali pride. “He was a visionary who ignited light in the darkness, bringing education, identity, and dignity to a marginalised and excluded society,” the Chief Minister said. Emphasising the script’s significance, he noted that Ol Chiki connects people to their present while inspiring progress toward the future.
Pandit Raghunath Murmu, revered as the “creator,” developed the Ol Chiki script as his “creation,” marking a new chapter in cultural advancement beyond mere linguistic change. To enrich the Santali language, Murmu authored numerous songs, plays, textbooks, and folk literature in the script. He tirelessly promoted it across Santali-inhabited regions in Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar, educating communities on its necessity.
Among his key initiatives, Murmu launched the weekly magazine Sagen Sakam to propagate Santali literature and established the Baba Tilka Majhi Library. He also founded the Tribal Socio-Educational and Cultural Association to drive social, educational, and cultural upliftment for the Santali community. CM Majhi pointed out that Murmu’s work not only gave a new identity to the Santali society but also paved the way for other tribal communities to develop their own scripts.
The Chief Minister further highlighted milestones in Santali recognition, including its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003. Today, Santali is taught in schools across tribal-dominated areas in Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar, with many colleges and universities offering courses in the Santali language and literature. Extending the government’s commitment, Majhi mentioned ongoing efforts to promote other tribal languages such as Ho, Mundari, Gadaba, Kui, and Oraon.
The centenary event underscored the vital role of indigenous scripts in preserving cultural heritage and fostering inclusive development, drawing participants from various tribal communities.