On December 25, 2025, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu released the Constitution of India translated into the Santhali language written in the Ol Chiki script at a special programme held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. This was a major milestone for linguistic inclusion and tribal empowerment in India. adda247+1
The release reflects India’s constitutional commitment to inclusivity, cultural respect, and democratic accessibility for all citizens. Millions of Santhali-speaking tribal communities across states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar can now read and understand the supreme law of the land in their mother tongue
This translation is not just a symbolic event but an effort to strengthen democratic participation. The availability of the Constitution in Santhali helps tribal citizens connect more deeply with their constitutional rights, duties, and democratic values. This move fosters linguistic pluralism which is a cornerstone of India’s democratic ethos.
President Murmu emphasized that language shapes identity, participation, and constitutional awareness. By making the Constitution accessible in Santhali, the government encourages wider civic engagement and enables citizens to engage with governance in a language familiar to them.
A special feature of this initiative is the use of the Ol Chiki script, which was created in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu. This script was developed specifically to write the Santhali language and has since become an integral part of Santhal identity and heritage. The year 2025 marks the centenary of the Ol Chiki script, making this release even more meaningful.
The President appreciated the Ministry of Law and Justice and the National Translation Mission for their efforts in completing this work during the script’s 100th anniversary. Santhali was previously included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, granting it official recognition in national policymaking and education.
Making the Constitution available in Santhali not only enhances access but also reinforces the cultural dignity and identity of tribal communities. This step supports constitutional literacy among marginalized groups and aligns with constitutional provisions aimed at protecting linguistic minorities.
The President also highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous languages, promoting environmental values inherent in tribal cultures, and encouraging literary contributions that enrich Santhali literature and oral traditions.
The release of the Constitution in Santhali significantly increases constitutional literacy among tribal communities. Citizens who previously could not access the Constitution in their native language now gain a direct understanding of their fundamental rights, duties, and democratic principles. This boosts informed participation in civic life — an important factor for aspirants preparing for exams like UPSC, State PSCs, and other government services.
This development underscores the linguistic diversity of India by acknowledging and celebrating regional and tribal languages at the highest national level. With 22 languages recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, making the Constitution available in Santhali enhances inclusivity in governance and policy.
The use of the Ol Chiki script strengthens the preservation and promotion of Santhali language and culture. It encourages language learning and helps tribal students relate to constitutional values in their own cultural context — an important aspect for civil services and social science topics in competitive exams.
Overall, this news reflects India’s commitment to unity in diversity, furthering democratic participation and cultural preservation, which are key themes across general studies, polity, and governance syllabi for competitive exams.
Santhali is one of India’s ancient tribal languages, traditionally spoken across Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar. Through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act (2003), Santhali was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, giving it official recognition as one of India’s scheduled languages.
In 1925, Pandit Raghunath Murmu created the Ol Chiki script to accurately represent the sounds of the Santhali language, replacing diverse other scripts that failed to capture its linguistic nuances. Over a century, Ol Chiki has become a symbol of tribal identity and cultural unity.
India’s Constitution emphasizes the protection and promotion of linguistic diversity. Articles like Article 350A focus on ensuring that citizens can receive primary education and official communication in their language. Translating the Constitution into Santhali advances this vision.
The current initiative aligns with broader national efforts to make the Constitution accessible in all 22 scheduled languages, including translations into other languages like Maithili and Sanskrit in previous years.
Q1: When was the Constitution of India released in the Santhali language?
A1: It was released on December 25, 2025 by President Droupadi Murmu.
Q2: Which script is used for the Santhali edition of the Constitution?
A2: The Ol Chiki script, created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925.
Q3: When was Santhali added to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution?
A3: Santhali was added through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.
Q4: Which Indian states have the highest population of Santhali speakers?
A4: Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar.
Q5: Why is this translation significant for tribal communities?
A5: It promotes constitutional literacy, linguistic inclusion, and cultural identity, empowering tribal citizens to understand their rights and duties.
Q6: What is the historical significance of Ol Chiki script?
A6: Created in 1925, it enabled writing of the Santhali language accurately and strengthens tribal identity and cultural preservation.
Q7: Which organizations were involved in translating the Constitution into Santhali?
A7: The Ministry of Law and Justice and the National Translation Mission.
Q8: How does this release help competitive exam aspirants?
A8: It enhances knowledge of Indian constitutional amendments, scheduled languages, and tribal inclusion, which are frequent topics in UPSC, State PSC, and other government exams.
V.O. Chidambaranar Port IGBC Platinum certification and BEE Shunya recognition highlight India’s first major port…
Joe Simon Kannada filmmaker news: Veteran Sandalwood director Joe Simon passed away during a KFCC…
RBI M&A financing limit 2026 allows banks to fund up to 20% of Tier‑1 capital…
Private ISS mission NASA agreement signed with Vast Space to launch astronauts via SpaceX Dragon…
RBI proposes tighter lending norms for REITs and InvITs to reduce credit risk and ensure…
RBI approves Sanjay Agarwal’s 3-year extension as MD & CEO of AU Small Finance Bank.…