Honorable President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language at a special function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, marking a historic step towards greater linguistic inclusion and democratic accessibility. The Constitution has been published in Santhali using the Ol Chiki script, enabling Santhali-speaking communities to read, understand and connect with the country’s supreme law in their mother tongue.
The release is being seen as a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening the bond between constitutional values and tribal communities, ensuring that language does not become a barrier to legal awareness and civic participation.
President Emphasizes Importance of Mother Tongue Access
Addressing the gathering, Honorable President Murmu described the occasion as a moment of pride and happiness for the Santhali community. She said that making the Constitution available in one’s own language empowers citizens, deepens their understanding of fundamental rights and duties, and encourages active participation in the democratic process.
The President highlighted that the initiative carries added significance as India is celebrating the centenary year of the Ol Chiki script, which was developed to give Santhali a distinct written identity. She praised the efforts of the Union Ministry of Law and Justice for publishing the Constitution in Santhali using Ol Chiki during this milestone year, calling it a meaningful tribute to Santhali linguistic and cultural heritage.
Senior Leaders Attend Rashtrapati Bhavan Event
The event witnessed the presence of several senior dignitaries, including Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan and Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal. Officials and representatives associated with linguistic and legal initiatives also attended the function, underlining the importance of inclusive governance and outreach.
Boost To Legal Awareness Among Santhali Speakers
Santhali is one of India’s oldest living tribal languages and was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003. The language is widely spoken across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar by millions of people belonging primarily to the Santhal tribal community.
The publication of the Constitution in Santhali is expected to significantly improve legal literacy among Santhali-speaking citizens. It is also seen as a step towards preserving linguistic diversity while ensuring that constitutional principles reach every section of society, particularly tribal and indigenous communities.
The initiative reinforces India’s commitment to inclusive development, cultural preservation and equal access to constitutional knowledge, aligning with the broader vision of strengthening democracy at the grassroots level.
