Rourkela, November 23: (Report- Sanatan Mahakud): The city of Rourkela witnessed a vibrant two-day celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the Ol Chiki script, the unique writing system for the Santali language. The event, which began on November 23rd, is a joint initiative by the Rourkela branch of ASECA, the Naha Tirla Gaonta, and the ASECA Juwan Gaonta. The festivities are taking place at the Civic Center with great enthusiasm. 
The centenary celebrations commenced today with a rich display of Santali culture. A colorful and energetic cultural procession started from the Sector 6 Telephone Bhawan and made its way to the Civic Center. Participants filled the streets with traditional music and dance, setting a festive tone for the historic occasion.
Following the procession, the main inauguration ceremony for the centenary gathering took place. The chief guest for the event was Shri Shobhanath Besra, a founding member of ASECA, who formally inaugurated the celebrations.
The event featured insightful discussions from several guest speakers who addressed various topics related to the promotion, spread, and challenges of the Ol Chiki script. Dr. Naku Hansda provided a detailed analysis and discussion on the Ol Chiki script itself. Devi Prasanna Besra led discussions on the identity and existential significance of tribal communities. Another speaker, Smt. Basanti Murmu, emphasized the critical importance of preserving the social customs, conduct, values, and culture of the Santali people.
Adding a poignant and thought-provoking perspective, Dr. Duli Hembram raised a crucial question in her address. She asked about the place and role of women in society after they become educated through the medium of the Ol Chiki script.
The Ol Chiki script holds a significant place in India's linguistic landscape. Due to its widespread use and adoption by the general public, the Central Government officially recognized its importance. On December 23, 2003, the government included the Santali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This recognition was a monumental step for the language community.
The script's influence extends far beyond Odisha. While it is used in the Odia districts of Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh, its reach also spans the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. Furthermore, the script sees use in neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.
A highlight of the first day's ceremony was the honoring of individuals who have made notable contributions to the propagation of Ol Chiki and Santali literature. The organization recognized and awarded the following persons: Ruiha Marndi, Bayha Biswanath Tudu, Siddhialal Murmu, Shirip Chandra Soren, Krupasindhu Balay, Jayaram Tudu, Salkhu Murmu, Jhan Murmu, Laxmi Hansda, Smt. Kamalakshyi Marndi, and Shri Ramesh Chandra Patra.
The celebrations are set to continue on November 24th, with plans to confer special honors upon three more individuals. Bagharay Charan Hembram will receive the Gurugamke Samman, Tasildar Hansda will be honored with the Sam Pargana Samman, and Hari Mohan Hembram will be awarded the Kayel Pancha Samman.
The gathering has also served as a platform for serious discussion about the future. Participants engaged in conversations about the promotion, spread, progress, and future prospects of education through the Ol Chiki medium.
According to ASECA member Shri Ramesh Chandra Patra, the event has seen massive participation. Thousands of lovers of language, literature, and culture from Odisha and other states have joined the festival to celebrate this major milestone for the Santali language and its unique script.
The centenary celebrations commenced today with a rich display of Santali culture. A colorful and energetic cultural procession started from the Sector 6 Telephone Bhawan and made its way to the Civic Center. Participants filled the streets with traditional music and dance, setting a festive tone for the historic occasion.
Following the procession, the main inauguration ceremony for the centenary gathering took place. The chief guest for the event was Shri Shobhanath Besra, a founding member of ASECA, who formally inaugurated the celebrations.
The event featured insightful discussions from several guest speakers who addressed various topics related to the promotion, spread, and challenges of the Ol Chiki script. Dr. Naku Hansda provided a detailed analysis and discussion on the Ol Chiki script itself. Devi Prasanna Besra led discussions on the identity and existential significance of tribal communities. Another speaker, Smt. Basanti Murmu, emphasized the critical importance of preserving the social customs, conduct, values, and culture of the Santali people.
Adding a poignant and thought-provoking perspective, Dr. Duli Hembram raised a crucial question in her address. She asked about the place and role of women in society after they become educated through the medium of the Ol Chiki script.
The Ol Chiki script holds a significant place in India's linguistic landscape. Due to its widespread use and adoption by the general public, the Central Government officially recognized its importance. On December 23, 2003, the government included the Santali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This recognition was a monumental step for the language community.
The script's influence extends far beyond Odisha. While it is used in the Odia districts of Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh, its reach also spans the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. Furthermore, the script sees use in neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.
A highlight of the first day's ceremony was the honoring of individuals who have made notable contributions to the propagation of Ol Chiki and Santali literature. The organization recognized and awarded the following persons: Ruiha Marndi, Bayha Biswanath Tudu, Siddhialal Murmu, Shirip Chandra Soren, Krupasindhu Balay, Jayaram Tudu, Salkhu Murmu, Jhan Murmu, Laxmi Hansda, Smt. Kamalakshyi Marndi, and Shri Ramesh Chandra Patra.
The celebrations are set to continue on November 24th, with plans to confer special honors upon three more individuals. Bagharay Charan Hembram will receive the Gurugamke Samman, Tasildar Hansda will be honored with the Sam Pargana Samman, and Hari Mohan Hembram will be awarded the Kayel Pancha Samman.
The gathering has also served as a platform for serious discussion about the future. Participants engaged in conversations about the promotion, spread, progress, and future prospects of education through the Ol Chiki medium.
According to ASECA member Shri Ramesh Chandra Patra, the event has seen massive participation. Thousands of lovers of language, literature, and culture from Odisha and other states have joined the festival to celebrate this major milestone for the Santali language and its unique script.
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