Ostana, Italy | June 30, 2026
In a landmark moment for indigenous languages and cultures, renowned Santali scholar and linguist Dr. Sripati Tudu has brought international recognition to the Santali language and the Ol Chiki script by receiving the prestigious Premio Giovani (Youth Award) at the 18th Ostana Prize – Writings in Mother Tongue, held in Ostana, Italy.
The award marks the first-ever international literary recognition for Santali language and literature from the globally acclaimed Ostana platform, a milestone celebrated across the Santali community and academic circles in India.
Dr. Tudu, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Santali at Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University (SKBU), Purulia, was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the preservation, promotion and globalisation of the Santali language through literature, education, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and community engagement.
A Historic Global Recognition
The Ostana Prize, organised by the Italian cultural association Chambra d’Òc in collaboration with the Municipality of Ostana, honours writers and language activists working to preserve indigenous and minority languages around the world. This year’s festival brought together representatives of dozens of endangered languages from across the globe.
The jury recognised Dr. Tudu for successfully connecting Santali’s rich literary heritage with modern technology and making the Ol Chiki script accessible to younger generations through digital platforms and educational initiatives.
Santali Culture Takes Centre Stage in Europe
The four-day international festival became a proud showcase of Santali identity, language and culture.
One of the major highlights was the launch of Dr. Tudu’s latest book, “Santali Parsie Lagid Europe Sanghar”, regarded as the first Santali travelogue launched in Europe. Written during his journey across Europe, the book captures real-time travel experiences, offering readers a unique literary perspective.
Adding to the historic occasion, the Santali song “Debon Tingun Adivasi Bir” was performed before an international audience for the first time. Accompanied by the traditional rhythms of the Tumdah and Tamak drums, the performance received an enthusiastic response from delegates representing diverse linguistic communities.
The celebrations concluded with a vibrant Santali cultural dance dedicated to the martyrs of the 1855–56 Santal Hul, introducing audiences in Italy to one of India’s most significant indigenous freedom movements.
A Distinguished Academic Journey
Born in the remote village of Muragram in West Bengal’s Bankura district, Dr. Tudu has dedicated his academic career to advancing Santali language and literature. After completing his higher education at the University of Burdwan, he qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET) in 2013 and joined Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University in 2016. He earned his Ph.D. from Bankura University in 2025 for his research on the structure and development of the Santali novel.
Among his most celebrated achievements is the complete translation of the Constitution of India into Santali using the Ol Chiki script, published in 2021. The work earned national appreciation, including praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Mann Ki Baat and recognition from the Governor of West Bengal and the Ministry of Culture.
Pride for the Santali Community
The international honour has been widely welcomed by scholars, students and members of the Santali community, who see it as a defining moment in the global recognition of their language and literary heritage.
Dr. Tudu’s achievement demonstrates that indigenous languages can thrive on the world stage through scholarship, innovation and cultural pride. His success is expected to inspire a new generation of researchers, writers and language activists dedicated to preserving and promoting Santali for future generations.
