Governor Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the ‘Workshop on Ol’Chiki script (Santhali)’ at Shaheed Smriti Sabhaghar, Central library Building, Ranchi University on Thursday. The workshop has been organised by Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts, Ranchi Regional Centre.
The programme was marked by the lighting of the lamp by the Governor and other eminent guests, including Professor RK Pandey, Vice Chancellor, Ranchi University and Professor SN Munda, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, who graced the occasion as Guests of Honour. Dr. B.N. Jha (Vidit), Former Principal, grace the occasion as an expert of OlChiki Script.
Dr. Bachchan Kumar, Regional Director, IGNCA, RRC welcomed the Governor, while Dr. B.N. Jha ‘Vidit’, Former Principal, S.P. College, Dumka, who is a scholar of Santhali language, gave a brief introduction about the Ol’Chiki script, its invention and development. He also spoke about Santhal and Santhali culture. “In the journey of development of India, there is no such path where the Santhali culture and people have not set foot on. History has not done justice to them. Whenever there would be unbiased depiction of Indian history, the contribution and importance of Santhals will definitely find a proper place. They are majorly populated, possess a rich art and culture, ethnic lifestyle, yet, they did not have a script of their own. Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s Ol’Chiki invention in the year 1925 was an unparalleled contribution to the Santhal Society,” he said.
Prof. S. N. Munda said that the Santhali is an Austro-Asiatic language. When this language is explored, its close relation with nature can be depicted. He also congratulated IGNCA, RRC for conducting such an important workshop which will help popularise Ol’Chiki script.
Dr. R.K. Pandey expressed his concern about arousing the encouragement of learning Ol’Chiki Script among the upcoming generation. He also said that script not only helps the formation of a language’s literature but also retains its culture and lifestyle.
The Governor expressed her delight to be present on the inaugural occasion of the workshop. She herself being a scholar in Ol’Chiki script, gave an educative introduction about the same. She said, “The figures drawn to depict a sound are the script. Script plays the most important role for development of human race. From primitive times, writing is considered as holy and lord Brahma is praised as the inventor of script. Previously, Santhali did not have their own script and used other language’s script for their own text.
The use of different scripts for writing Santhali has hindered the development and utilization of Santali language. This, in turn, has effectively marred the progress of Santali language in several fields such as philosophy, history, religion, science, novel, prose, poetry etc.