Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced sweeping measures to promote Santali language and culture during the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script and the 120th birth anniversary of its creator, Pandit Raghunath Murmu. The grand event, held in Mahuldiha, Rairangpur, underscored the script’s role in preserving tribal identity and empowering communities through language.
Celebrating a Cultural Icon
Praising Pandit Murmu as a "symbol of tribal art, culture, and consciousness," CM Majhi emphasized that the Ol Chiki script was more than a linguistic achievement—it was a movement that strengthened Santali identity. "Language is the essence of existence; societies that cherish their mother tongue thrive," he said.Key Announcements
1. Memorial Development
- Pandit Murmu’s home in Dandabosh will become a memorial pilgrimage site.
- His burial place will be designated a heritage monument.
2. Year-Long Centenary Celebrations
- Statewide events will mark 100 years of Ol Chiki.
- An international seminar will be organized to globalize Santali language promotion.
3. Cultural & Educational Projects (₹50 Crore Allocation)
- Republication of all works by Pandit Murmu.
- An Ol Chiki library in Baripada.
- Open-air theater, museum, and heritage center dedicated to Murmu’s legacy.
4. Institutional Recognition
- A medical college already bears Murmu’s name; more research centers are planned.
- Enhanced Santali integration in primary education, including teacher training and textbooks.
Leaders Pay Tribute
- Minister Suryavanshi Suraj likened Murmu to "an eternal flower whose fragrance lingers."
- Dr. Krushnachandra Mahapatra (Housing Minister) hailed him as a "divine force."
- Ganeshram Singhkhuntia (Forest Minister) called the event a "revival of history."
Honoring Contributors
- Researcher Chunida Soren received the Guru Gomke International Award (₹1 lakh).
- Murmu’s descendant Chuniyan Murmu and writer Padma Shri Dr. Damayanti Besra were felicitated.
A commemorative booklet on Murmu’s life was released.
Dignitaries Present
Key attendees included MPs Mamata Mahant and Navacharan Majhi, MLAs Jalena Nayak, Bhadab Hansda, and Bisweshwar Tudu (Pandit Murmu Trust Secretary).A Legacy of Empowerment
The CM stressed that Murmu’s philosophy—rooted in cultural pride and mutual respect—remains vital for tribal communities. The year-long celebrations and global seminar aim to amplify Santali’s reach, ensuring Murmu’s vision endures.ଗୁରୁ ଗମକେ ପଣ୍ଡିତ ରଘୁନାଥ ମୁର୍ମୁଙ୍କ ଜୟନ୍ତୀ ଅବସରରେ ମୟୂରଭଞ୍ଜ ଦାଣ୍ଡବୋସ୍ ଠାରେ ତାଙ୍କ ବାସଭବନ ଓ ସମାଧି ପୀଠରେ ଶ୍ରଦ୍ଧାଞ୍ଜଳି ଅର୍ପଣ କରିବା ସହିତ ଅଲଚିକି ଲିପି ଉଦ୍ଭାବନର ଶତବାର୍ଷିକୀ ଏବଂ ଗୁରୁ ଗମକେ ପଣ୍ଡିତ ରଘୁନାଥ ମୁର୍ମୁଙ୍କ ୧୨୦ତମ ଜନ୍ମବାର୍ଷିକୀ ଉତ୍ସବ ସମାରୋହରେ ଯୋଗ ଦେଇଛନ୍ତି ମାନ୍ୟବର ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ… pic.twitter.com/aPwM6RxW0b
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"Pandit Murmu didn’t just create a script; he ignited a cultural renaissance," Majhi remarked. "These initiatives will safeguard his legacy for future generations."The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mayurbhanj Collector Hemakant Say, reaffirming Odisha’s commitment to linguistic diversity and tribal heritage.
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