Jamshedpur:
The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, recited a traditional prayer of the Santhal community, expressing reverence to ‘Jaher-Ma’, during the closing ceremony of the 22nd Santali Parsi Maha and the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script held in Jamshedpur. The moment reflected her deep respect for tribal faith, culture, and indigenous traditions.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu highlighted the cultural richness of the Santhal community and emphasised that Santhali literature derives its strength from the community’s vibrant oral traditions, folk narratives, and devotional songs. She noted that these oral forms have played a crucial role in preserving the identity, history, and values of the Santhal people across generations.
President Droupadi Murmu recited a prayer of Santhal community expressing reverence to 'Jaher-Ma' at the closing ceremony of Parsi Maha and centenary celebrations of Ol Chiki at Jamshedpur.
President Droupadi Murmu said that the Santhali literature gains strength through oral… pic.twitter.com/beL7Bn62ZK
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The President observed that tribal languages and literature are not merely means of communication but are living repositories of collective wisdom, ecological consciousness, and cultural continuity. She encouraged sustained efforts to preserve and promote indigenous languages like Santhali, especially through education, literature, and intergenerational transmission.
The ceremony, commemorating 100 years of the Ol Chiki script created by Guru Gomke Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925, witnessed the presence of dignitaries, scholars, writers, and representatives of the Santhal community from across the country. The event marked a significant milestone in celebrating linguistic heritage and reaffirming commitment to safeguarding tribal identities.
President Murmu’s participation and her recitation of the Santhal prayer resonated deeply with the audience, symbolising inclusivity, cultural pride, and national recognition of indigenous traditions.
