Bhubaneswar: Odisha celebrated the centenary of the Ol Chiki script and 120th birth anniversary of its creator, Guru Gomke Pandit Raghunath Murmu in a grand way on Monday. The mega event was held at Mahuldiha in Rairangpur area of Mayurbhanj district on the occasion.
Speaking as chief guest at the event, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stressed on the state’s commitment to preserving the Santali language and culture.
Making a number of significant announcements, Majhi revealed plans to transform Pandit Murmu’s residence in Dandbose into a memorial pilgrimage site and his burial place into a heritage memorial.
To commemorate the Ol Chiki script’s centenary, a year-long statewide celebration was announced, along with an international seminar to promote the Santali language. An Ol Chiki library, a Pandit Raghunath Murmu Open Theatre-Museum, and a heritage building will be established in Baripada, with funding package of Rs 50 crore.
Addressing the gathering, Majhi described Pandit Murmu as a movement and a cultural icon whose Ol Chiki script revolutionised Santali identity.
“Language is not just a tool for communication; it is the embodiment of pride and existence. The Ol Chiki script is a symbol of this pride, fostering education and unity,” he said. He highlighted the state’s efforts in promoting Santali through primary education, textbooks, teacher training, and research centers, pledging to further strengthen these initiatives.
The event also saw the felicitation of Santali language researcher Chunda Soren with the Guru Gomke International Award and a Rs 1 lakh cash prize. A souvenir on Pandit Murmu’s life was unveiled, and his descendant Chuniyan Murmu and Padma Shri recipient Damayanti Beshra were honored.
Ministers Suryabanshi Suraj, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, and Ganeshram Singhkhuntia lauded Murmu’s legacy, with Suraj likening him to a fragrant flower and Mahapatra calling him a figure of extraordinary power.
