9th International Santal Conference

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, attended the 9th International Santal Conference in Darjeeling, West Bengal, on March 7, 2026, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and historical contributions of the Santal community.

Addressing the gathering, the President said the Santal community takes pride in the legacy of their ancestor Tilka Majhi, who raised the banner of revolt against colonial exploitation nearly 240 years ago. She also recalled the historic Santhal Hul, led by the courageous brothers Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu, along with Chand Murmu and Bhairav Murmu, and the brave sisters Phoolo Murmu and Jhano Murmu, who united tribal communities against British rule.

The President noted that 2003 marked a historic milestone when the Santali language was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, granting it official recognition.

She also mentioned that last year, on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Constitution of India translated into the Santali language in the Ol Chiki script was released.

Highlighting the importance of the script, the President said that Raghunath Murmu invented the Ol Chiki script in 1925, which became a defining cultural and linguistic identity for the Santali community. She added that the country recently celebrated the centenary of this historic invention.

Source: PIB