Baripada, Odisha: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the inaugural session of the 36th Annual Conference and Literary Festival of All India Santali Writers’ Association at Baripada, Odisha on November 20, 2023.
During her address, the President expressed appreciation for writers and researchers dedicated to the Santhali language and literature. She acknowledged the significant role played by the All India Santali Writers’ Association since its establishment in 1988 in promoting the Santhali language. The President highlighted the increased use of Santhali language in both government and non-government sectors, following its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution on December 22, 2003, during the tenure of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Reflecting on the oral tradition of Santhali literature, the President praised Pandit Raghunath Murmu for inventing the Ol Chiki script and enriching the language with notable plays. She commended contemporary Santhali writers, including Damayanti Besra and Kali Pada Saren, recipients of the Padma Shri in 2020 and 2022 for their contributions to education and literature.
The President emphasized the vital role of authors as vigilant watchdogs of society, urging them to create continuous awareness, especially within tribal communities. She underscored the importance of literature as a mirror reflecting the culture of a community, particularly highlighting the natural co-existence of tribal communities with nature.
Addressing the issue of climate change, the President encouraged writers to depict tribal lifestyles to raise awareness about nature-friendly living. She emphasized the need for extensive exchange between different languages through translations, fostering mutual understanding among diverse communities.
In her closing remarks, the President advocated for engaging children in self-study from an early age, stressing the importance of creating entertaining and comprehensible children’s literature in all Indian languages, including Santhali.