President urges youth to preserve language, culture and traditions

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday left a lasting impression on the audience by singing a song in the Santhali language during the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script held in Karandih. The moment became historic as the audience listened spellbound to the President’s melodious rendition, while Chief Minister Hemant Soren, seated on the dais, closed his eyes and immersed himself in the song.

Beginning her address with the traditional Santhali greeting ‘Johar’, President Murmu highlighted the deep emotional and cultural connection between language, identity, and self-respect.

She emphasised that while it is important in today’s globalised world to learn and speak multiple languages, it is equally essential to preserve and promote one’s mother tongue.

Addressing the younger generation, she urged them to take responsibility for safeguarding their language, culture, and traditions.

The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, marking the formal inauguration of the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script.

In her address, the President lauded the contribution of Santhali writers, stating that their role in protecting the self-respect, identity, and existence of the tribal community is unparalleled. She noted that the All India Santhali Writers Association has been working relentlessly year after year for the promotion of Ol Chiki, carrying forward the legacy of Pandit Raghunath Murmu, who invented the script in 1925.

Recalling history, President Murmu said that before the creation of Ol Chiki, the Santhali language was written in multiple scripts such as Roman, Devanagari, Odia, and Bengali, often leading to incorrect pronunciation and dilution of its original form. The creation of Ol Chiki, she said, emerged as a powerful symbol of Santhal identity and cultural assertion.

Referring to the recent publication of the Constitution of India in the Santhali language using the Ol Chiki script, the President said the translation was released on December 25 to mark the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

She described the move as a major step towards empowering the Santhali community. Since Santhali is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, she said, people must also be aware of the country’s laws and governance system.

President Murmu noted that Santhals live across various parts of India and abroad, including metropolitan cities.

In such circumstances, Ol Chiki serves as a strong unifying identity that binds the community together. She said the centenary celebrations were also part of a broader effort to strengthen this unity.

She underlined the importance of education in the mother tongue and called for holistic development of the Santhal community through learning rooted in language and culture.

Highlighting the indigenous wisdom of tribal communities, the President said that Santhals have always followed an environmentally friendly way of life, from which the modern world can learn valuable lessons.