On the 119th birth anniversary of the great Santali litterateur and inventor of Olchiki script, Guru Gomke Pandit Raghunath Murmu, on Friday, Chief Minister Hemant Soren arrived at Dandbos, Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj, Odisha to pay homage to Pandit Raghunath Murmu. The CM paid tributes by garlanding his Samadhi Peeth (memorial) and statue there. During this, the Chief Minister visited the Samadhi Peeth complex and interacted with the local people.
Addressing the function organized here in the memory and honour of Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the Chief Minister said that we can never forget his unforgettable contribution in the development of Santali language and literature. He gave a new script to Santali in the form of Olchiki. Especially his role in preserving and enriching the tradition, art culture and language-literature of the tribal society is recorded in golden letters in the pages of history. He devoted his entire life to spread the message of education, especially among the tribals. The creations and works of Pandit Raghunath ji are immortal. Today, Santali language and literature has its own rich tradition, so Pandit Raghunath Murmu's biggest contribution is in this.
The Chief Minister said that there have been many heroes like Dharti Aba Birsa Munda, Tilka Manjhi, Amar Shaheed Sido-Kanhu, Veer Budhu Bhagat and Telanga Khadiya, who led the movements against the exploitation and injustice of the British rule and landlords. Tribal heroes have never bowed down against injustice and have never been afraid. He shook the roots of British rule with his bravery, struggle and leadership ability. We are proud of such brave martyrs.
Minister in the state government Champai Soren and many dignitaries were present on the occasion.