Bhubaneswar: As part of Odisha government’s efforts to promote tribal culture, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik released a dictionary on Santali language on Saturday,
The chief minister released the Santali-Odia-English dictionary, published by Janajati Bhasa Sanskruti Pratisthan, at Naveen Nivas in Bhubaneswar. The dictionary has been compiled by eminent expert on Santali language Chaitanya Prasad Majhi with the help of other linguists.
Naveen also released 21 textbooks written in tribal languages of Soura, Kui, Gondi and Munda for primary classes on the occasion. Addressing the representatives of tribal communities present at the event, the chief minister said the dictionary would immensely contribute to create awareness about Santali language. The books in tribal languages would attract the students to school education, he added.
It may be noted that Santali language has been included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. The government has been working on publishing primary textbooks in 11 other tribal languages.
Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe Development, Minorities and Backward Class Welfare Minister Jagannath Saraka, secretary of the department Ruparoshan Sahu and director Indramani Tripathy also spoke. 5(T) secretary VK Pandian was also present.
