Dumka (Santal Pargana) | September 1, 2026
A delegation of various Adivasi social organisations from Santal Pargana met former Jharkhand Chief Minister and former Odisha Governor Raghubar Das in Jamshedpur, seeking greater use of the Ol Chiki script in Santali educational materials published by NCERT and other institutions under the Central Government.
Under the banner of Parsi Arichali Marang Buru Akhra, Dumka (Santal Pargana), the delegation submitted a memorandum requesting that Santali textbooks, reference materials, teachers’ guides, educational publications and digital learning resources be made available in Ol Chiki.
Taking note of the demand, Raghubar Das wrote to Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, requesting necessary steps to address the issue and ensure appropriate availability of Santali educational resources.
The participating organisations thanked Das for taking up the matter with the Union Education Minister. They pointed out that Santali is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India and stressed that availability of educational materials in its indigenous script is important for the language’s academic development, wider use and preservation.
The organisations expressed hope that the Government of India would take a positive decision in the interest of Santali language education, linguistic rights and the preservation of the community’s rich cultural heritage. They said such a step would also respect the aspirations of millions of Santali speakers living in Jharkhand, other parts of India and abroad.
The memorandum was jointly submitted by representatives of Marang Buru Akhra, Santal Association for Awareness and Reform, Kherwar Sawnta Even Baisi, Ol Chiki Hul Baisi, Disom Marang Buru Yug Jaher Akhra, Disom Marang Buru Santali Arichali Ar Lackhar Akhra, and other social organisations under the banner of Parsi Arichali Marang Buru Akhra.
The delegation included Paresh Murmu, Seben Murmu, Subhash Kisku, Sanjay Murmu, Anthony Kisku and Anup Hansda, along with other representatives.
