Bhubaneswar, 12 May (H.S.): The centenary celebration of the Ol Chiki script for the Santali language and the 120th birth anniversary of Guru Gomke Pandit Raghunath Murmu were commemorated with grandeur today at Mahuldiha in Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj district. The state-level event witnessed the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi as the chief guest.
During the celebration, the Chief Minister made several key announcements aimed at preserving and promoting Santali language and culture. He declared that Pandit Murmu’s ancestral home in Dandabosh would be developed into a memorial pilgrimage site, and his final resting place would be transformed into a historic heritage center.
To mark the 100th year of the Ol Chiki script, the state will host a year-long series of cultural and academic programs. The Chief Minister also announced plans to organize an international seminar on Santali language, and the establishment of an Ol Chiki Library in Baripada to ensure wider access to Pandit Murmu’s works.
Further, he unveiled proposals to set up an Open-Air Theater and Museum dedicated to Pandit Murmu, along with a historic building at his workplace, committing a special financial package of ₹50 crore for these initiatives.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said, “Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s life is not just a biography—it is a movement, a vision, and a journey of art and culture. The Ol Chiki script is more than a literary creation—it is a symbol of identity, dignity, and the cultural awakening of a community.”
He added,“Language is not just a medium of communication—it is the soul of a community. A society that takes pride in its language always moves forward. Ol Chiki represents that pride, shaping individuals into a collective force rooted in education, unity, and culture.”
Highlighting the state’s initiatives, he said that the Odisha government has always prioritized the Santali language—introducing it in primary education, developing textbooks, training teachers, and establishing language research centers.
The CM further emphasized that “Pandit Murmu continues to be a guiding light for the Santali community. Our youth must embrace his values, knowledge, and cultural pride. Respect for other languages, religions, and cultures, alongside self-respect, is the foundation of social harmony.”
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to open more research centers and educational institutions in Murmu’s name.
“Pandit Murmu is not just a symbol of knowledge and education; he is a beacon of the deep values rooted in this land. By honoring his contributions, we inspire future generations,” he concluded.
Other dignitaries present included Minister for Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, who said:“Guru Gomke was like a flower whose fragrance lingers long after it has withered.”
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Dr. Krushnachandra Mohapatra described Pandit Murmu as a person of divine strength, while Minister for Forest and Environment Shri Ganesh Ram Singkhutia said the celebration had revived history in a profound way.
As part of the program, the Chief Minister conferred the prestigious Guru Gomke International Award on renowned Santali language scholar Shri Chunda Soren, along with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. A commemorative publication on the life of Pandit Murmu was also unveiled.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
