Why in News?
The Ol Chiki script is currently in the news because of the national-level Centenary Celebrations marking 100 years of its creation. President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the centenary function in New Delhi, highlighting the script as a "powerful symbol" of Santhali identity.
Key Information About Ol Chiki Script
- Origin & Creator: Invented in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu (also known as Guru Gomke) in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.
- Language: It is the official and indigenous writing system for Santhali, an Austroasiatic language spoken by the Santhal tribe.
- Alphabet Structure:
- It consists of 30 letters.
- Unlike many Indic scripts that are abugidas (syllabic), Ol Chiki is a true alphabet, giving vowels equal status with consonants.
- The shapes of the letters are based on natural objects and actions relevant to tribal life, such as birds, hills, and traditional tools.
- Constitutional Status: The Santhali language, along with its Ol Chiki script, was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003 via the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act.
- Geographical Reach: It is primarily used in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam, as well as by Santhali-speaking populations in Bangladesh and Nepal.
- Digital Growth: The script is supported by Unicode and is increasingly used in digital media, school textbooks, and literature.
Events and Commemorations
- Venue: Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi (Centenary Inauguration).
- Dignitaries: Attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
- Felicitations: The President honoured 10 achievers from the Santal community for their work in promoting the script.
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