Santhali Constitution Edition and Linguistic Inclusion

Historic Release at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Santhali Constitution Edition and Linguistic Inclusion: On December 25, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language at a special function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Constitution has been published in the Ol Chiki script, the indigenous writing system of Santhali.

This step represents a major advancement in linguistic inclusion and democratic accessibility.
It enables Santhali-speaking citizens to read and understand India’s supreme law in their own language.

Importance of Language in Constitutional Awareness

While addressing the gathering, the President highlighted that language shapes identity, participation, and awareness. Access to the Constitution in one’s mother tongue strengthens citizens’ connection with democratic institutions.
For Santhali-speaking tribal communities, this initiative transforms the Constitution from a distant legal text into a living and relatable guide. It reinforces the idea that constitutional rights and duties belong equally to all Indians.

Static GK fact: India follows a multilingual constitutional framework to ensure governance reaches diverse linguistic communities.

Ol Chiki Script and Cultural Significance

A key feature of this release is the use of the Ol Chiki script. The year 2025 marks the centenary of the Ol Chiki script, adding symbolic importance to the publication.

The President appreciated the role of the Ministry of Law and Justice in completing this work during the script’s 100th year. The move underscores the constitutional commitment to preserving indigenous scripts and cultural heritage.

Static GK Tip: Ol Chiki was developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu to provide Santhali a distinct written identity.

Background of the Santhali Language

Santhali is one of the oldest living tribal languages in India. It is predominantly spoken across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar. Recognising its demographic and cultural importance, Santhali was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. This inclusion came through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.

Eighth Schedule status promotes language development in education, administration, and public communication. It also ensures state support for preservation and growth.

Constitutional and Legal Relevance

The Santhali Constitution edition aligns with Article 29, which protects cultural and linguistic interests of minorities. It also reflects the spirit of Article 350A, which stresses instruction in the mother tongue at the primary level.

By expanding constitutional texts into tribal languages, the State strengthens constitutional literacy. This is essential for a participatory and informed democracy.

Static GK fact: The Eighth Schedule currently recognises 22 languages.

Broader Significance for Tribal Empowerment

This initiative goes beyond symbolism. It empowers tribal citizens by enabling direct engagement with fundamental rights, duties, and governance principles. The release also reflects inclusive governance and respect for India’s pluralistic identity. It sets a precedent for future constitutional translations into other indigenous languages.

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Santhali Constitution Edition and Linguistic Inclusion: