In a landmark event at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on December 25, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language, marking a significant stride towards linguistic inclusion and accessibility for one of India’s most ancient communities. The momentous occasion, attended by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, was more than a ceremonial unveiling; it was a testament to the nation’s commitment to cultural diversity and the empowerment of tribal voices.
Santhali, spoken by a large number of tribal people across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and even parts of Assam, Nepal, and Bangladesh, is recognized for its unique Ol Chiki script and rich oral traditions. The language was officially included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, alongside Bodo, Dogri, and Maithili, thereby granting it a status that allows its use in government, education, and examinations.
The release of the Constitution in Santhali comes at a particularly meaningful time—2025 marks the centenary year of the Ol Chiki script, a writing system specifically developed for the Santhali language. This script, which has played a pivotal role in preserving the community’s literature and history, now stands as a bridge connecting the Santhali-speaking population more closely to the foundational legal document of the nation.
Addressing the gathering at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Murmu expressed heartfelt pride and optimism for the Santhali community. According to a report by The Sentinel Assam, she stated, "It is a matter of pride and joy for all the Santhali people that the Constitution of India is now available in the Santhali language, written in the Ol Chiki script." Her words resonated deeply with those present and with Santhali speakers across the country. She further emphasized her confidence that this initiative would enable the Santhali people to read and understand the Constitution in their own language, fostering a stronger connection to the nation’s constitutional values and rights.
The President’s remarks were echoed in an official post on X (formerly Twitter) by the President of India’s office, which reiterated her belief in the transformative power of linguistic accessibility. The post read, "President Droupadi Murmu released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President said that it is a matter of pride and joy for all the Santhali people that the Constitution of India is now available in the Santhali language, written in the Ol Chiki script. She expressed confidence that it will enable them to read and understand the Constitution in their own language."
The event was not just about the document—it was about recognition, respect, and the affirmation of identity for millions. The President took a moment to appreciate the efforts of the Union Ministry of Law and Justice and its team, singling out Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal for his leadership in bringing the Constitution to life in the Ol Chiki script. She noted the particular significance of the timing, stating, "This year, we are celebrating the centenary of the Ol Chiki script." Her acknowledgment highlighted the importance of aligning such initiatives with cultural milestones, reinforcing the sense of belonging and pride within the community.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Minister Meghwal, both present at the ceremony, underscored the government’s broader commitment to linguistic diversity and the inclusion of marginalized voices. Their attendance was a nod to the collaborative effort behind the project and the collective recognition of the Santhali language’s heritage and future.
The journey to this point has deep roots. Santhali, as noted by The Sentinel Assam and other sources, is among India’s most ancient living languages. Its speakers have long maintained a vibrant oral tradition, with stories, songs, and customs passed down through generations. The Ol Chiki script, devised in the early 20th century, provided a written form that allowed for the preservation and proliferation of Santhali literature, education, and official communication. Its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule in 2003 was a watershed moment, granting the language official recognition and enabling its use in various administrative and educational contexts.
With the Constitution now available in Santhali, the impact is expected to be far-reaching. As President Murmu noted, this initiative will allow Santhali speakers to engage with the Constitution more deeply, strengthening their awareness of constitutional values and rights. For many, reading the nation’s foundational text in their mother tongue will not just be an act of comprehension, but one of empowerment—a way to see themselves reflected in the fabric of Indian democracy.
The timing of the release, during the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script, adds another layer of significance. The script itself is a symbol of resilience and innovation, created to ensure that the Santhali language could thrive in written form. Its centenary is being marked by renewed efforts to promote and preserve Santhali culture, and the availability of the Constitution in Ol Chiki is likely to inspire further initiatives in literature, education, and governance.
Santhali’s reach extends beyond India’s borders, with communities in Nepal and Bangladesh also using the language and script. The release of the Constitution in Santhali may serve as a model for linguistic inclusion in other regions and among other language groups, demonstrating the value of making key national documents accessible to all citizens, regardless of their linguistic background.
For many in the Santhali-speaking community, the event at Rashtrapati Bhavan was not just a symbolic gesture but a tangible step towards inclusion. It signaled recognition from the highest offices in the land and offered a platform for further advocacy on issues of language, culture, and rights. The presence of high-ranking officials, the careful timing with the Ol Chiki centenary, and the enthusiastic response from the community all combined to make the day one for the history books.
The Constitution of India, now rendered in the words and script of the Santhali people, stands as a beacon of unity in diversity—a core value enshrined in the very document itself. As the centenary year of Ol Chiki unfolds, this act of translation and publication will likely be remembered as a milestone in the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive and representative democracy.
In the end, the release of the Constitution in Santhali is more than just the addition of another language to the nation’s legal lexicon. It is a celebration of heritage, a reaffirmation of rights, and a reminder that the story of India is best told in all its myriad voices.