In spite of reservation, there has not been much progress in tribal development for which a special drive is essential in the country. To bring backward tribals to mainstream, development of their mother tongue and educating them through their own language is barely necessary, opined Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren at a State-level Santali language meet held at Keonjhar on Sunday.
More than 5,000 Santali tribal men and women gathered together in the DD College playground to commemorate the 11th National level Santali Bhasa Divas, where many eminent guests belonging to the Santal community spoke on the historic achievement in declaration of Alchiki, a Santali language, as a regional language by the Government of India.
The leaders of the Santal tribe expressed their dissatisfaction regarding non-appointment of Alchiki teachers in the Santal dominated village schools. Although the Jharkhand Government has recognised Santal language as a regional language of education and official communication, States like Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh should also come forward to promote the language in the Santal dominated areas. Cutting across party lines, political leaders belonging to the Santal tribe participated in this State level convention to show their solidarity and concern for development and mark the identity of Santal community. Soren arrived on the spot by a helicopter at 1 pm and was welcomed by a cheering crowd.
Former MP Sudam Marandi and State president of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha addressed the gathering as an honourable guest.
Although Santal language has been recognized by the Government since December 22, 2002, but no steps have been taken by the Government to provide scope for higher education in the tribal language. For this, the Santals have to struggle hard and unite together for their rights, Marandi said.
Santal language Management Committee president Shiv Shankar Mardi, All India Majhi Pargana Mahal general secretary Tahsildar Hansda, Keonjhar Municipailty chairperson Mina Majhi and former MlA Mohan Majhi were among others present on the occasion.