ROURKELA, November 24: (Reported by Sanatan Mahakud): The city of Rourkela witnessed a vibrant and historic two-day festival marking the 100th anniversary of the Ol Chiki script, the unique writing system for the Santali language. The event, held with great fanfare at the Civic Center, was a joint effort by the Rourkela branch of ASECA, the Naha Tirla Gaonta, and the ASECA Juwan Gaonta. 
The celebrations commenced today with a rich display of cultural heritage. A grand cultural procession, featuring traditional dance and music, started from the Sector 6 Telephone Bhawan and wound its way to the Civic Center at 10 AM. The procession set a festive tone for the day's main events.
Following the parade, the centenary ceremony began with a formal inauguration. The chief guest, Shri Shobhanath Besra, a founding member of ASECA, officially opened the gathering. He underscored the profound significance of the occasion for the Santali community worldwide.
The celebration served as a platform for in-depth discussions on the promotion, dissemination, and challenges facing the Ol Chiki script. Several guest speakers delivered insightful addresses on a range of related topics. Dr. Naku Hansda provided a comprehensive analysis of the Ol Chiki script's structure and history. Another speaker, Shri Deviprasanna Besra, led discussions on the identity and existence of tribal communities.
The role of culture and social values was a central theme. Smt. Basanti Murmu emphasized the critical importance of preserving the society's traditions, customs, and cultural ethos. Focusing on social progress, Smt. Shoba Hansda, Karni Murmu, and Fulmani Hemram collectively addressed the issues of women's education and reform within the tribal society.
The international relevance of Ol Chiki was also highlighted. Smt. Mayan Murmu, a speaker who traveled from Jersey, USA, gave a detailed talk about teaching and learning the Santali script in foreign countries. Adding a thought-provoking perspective, Dr. Duli Hembram raised a crucial question about the societal position of women after they receive an education through the Ol Chiki medium.
The final session featured a Santali poetry reading, coordinated by Smt. Salima Marandi. The audience found the recitation highly enjoyable and engaging.
The program also included a moment of honor for those who have contributed significantly to Santali literature and the Ol Chiki script. The organization recognized and awarded several individuals for their exceptional service. The awardees included Shri Ruiha Marandi, Boyha Biswanath Tudu, Siddhialal Murmu, Shirip Chandra Soren, Krupasindhu Balay, Jayaram Tudu, Salkhu Murmu, Jhan Murmu, Laxmi Hansda, Smt. Kamalakshi Marandi, and Shri Ramesh Chandra Patra.
Furthermore, the ceremony bestowed special honors upon specific individuals. The organization awarded Bagharay Charan Hemram with the Gurugamke Samman, Tasildar Hansda with the Sam Pargana Samman, and Hari Mohan Hembram with the Kayel Pancha Samman. Additional honorees included Somanath Hansda, Ramray Majhi, Lakhay Baske, Bhimwar Murmu, and Dr. Debraj Hansda.
A key point of discussion was the official recognition of the Santali language. Due to the widespread use and growing necessity of Ol Chiki, the Central Government of India included Santali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution on December 22, 2003. Today, people use this script not only in the Odisha districts of Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Kendujhar, and Sundargarh but also in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and in the neighboring countries of Nepal and Bangladesh.
The conclave featured special deliberations on the promotion, expansion, and future of education through the Ol Chiki medium. Thousands of lovers of language, literature, and culture from Odisha and other states attended the event to participate in this significant milestone.
According to ASECA member Shri Ramesh Chandra Patra, the audience was utterly captivated by the cultural programs, which featured a captivating rhythm of dance, song, and music throughout the event.
The celebrations commenced today with a rich display of cultural heritage. A grand cultural procession, featuring traditional dance and music, started from the Sector 6 Telephone Bhawan and wound its way to the Civic Center at 10 AM. The procession set a festive tone for the day's main events.
Following the parade, the centenary ceremony began with a formal inauguration. The chief guest, Shri Shobhanath Besra, a founding member of ASECA, officially opened the gathering. He underscored the profound significance of the occasion for the Santali community worldwide.
The celebration served as a platform for in-depth discussions on the promotion, dissemination, and challenges facing the Ol Chiki script. Several guest speakers delivered insightful addresses on a range of related topics. Dr. Naku Hansda provided a comprehensive analysis of the Ol Chiki script's structure and history. Another speaker, Shri Deviprasanna Besra, led discussions on the identity and existence of tribal communities.
The role of culture and social values was a central theme. Smt. Basanti Murmu emphasized the critical importance of preserving the society's traditions, customs, and cultural ethos. Focusing on social progress, Smt. Shoba Hansda, Karni Murmu, and Fulmani Hemram collectively addressed the issues of women's education and reform within the tribal society.
The international relevance of Ol Chiki was also highlighted. Smt. Mayan Murmu, a speaker who traveled from Jersey, USA, gave a detailed talk about teaching and learning the Santali script in foreign countries. Adding a thought-provoking perspective, Dr. Duli Hembram raised a crucial question about the societal position of women after they receive an education through the Ol Chiki medium.
The final session featured a Santali poetry reading, coordinated by Smt. Salima Marandi. The audience found the recitation highly enjoyable and engaging.
The program also included a moment of honor for those who have contributed significantly to Santali literature and the Ol Chiki script. The organization recognized and awarded several individuals for their exceptional service. The awardees included Shri Ruiha Marandi, Boyha Biswanath Tudu, Siddhialal Murmu, Shirip Chandra Soren, Krupasindhu Balay, Jayaram Tudu, Salkhu Murmu, Jhan Murmu, Laxmi Hansda, Smt. Kamalakshi Marandi, and Shri Ramesh Chandra Patra.
Furthermore, the ceremony bestowed special honors upon specific individuals. The organization awarded Bagharay Charan Hemram with the Gurugamke Samman, Tasildar Hansda with the Sam Pargana Samman, and Hari Mohan Hembram with the Kayel Pancha Samman. Additional honorees included Somanath Hansda, Ramray Majhi, Lakhay Baske, Bhimwar Murmu, and Dr. Debraj Hansda.
A key point of discussion was the official recognition of the Santali language. Due to the widespread use and growing necessity of Ol Chiki, the Central Government of India included Santali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution on December 22, 2003. Today, people use this script not only in the Odisha districts of Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Kendujhar, and Sundargarh but also in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and in the neighboring countries of Nepal and Bangladesh.
The conclave featured special deliberations on the promotion, expansion, and future of education through the Ol Chiki medium. Thousands of lovers of language, literature, and culture from Odisha and other states attended the event to participate in this significant milestone.
According to ASECA member Shri Ramesh Chandra Patra, the audience was utterly captivated by the cultural programs, which featured a captivating rhythm of dance, song, and music throughout the event.
Posts
0 Comments