Fakir Mohan University Celebrates Centenary of ‘Ol Chiki’ Script* Statue of Pandit Raghunath Murmu Unveiled & National Seminar Organised
Balasore |
21 September(Krushna Kumar Mohanty) Fakir Mohan University, true to its commitment to the promotion of languages and literature, added another milestone by hosting the Centenary Celebration of the ‘Ol Chiki’ Script, the writing system for Santali language created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu.
Marking the historic occasion, Fakir Mohan University became the first university to unveil a statue of Pandit Raghunath Murmu on its campus. The statue was jointly unveiled by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santosh Kumar Tripathy and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Damayanti Beshra, who graced the event as Chief Guest.
The inaugural session of the National Seminar was presided over by Prof. Tripathy. Distinguished speakers included Chief Guest Dr. Beshra (Former Head, MPC Autonomous College, Baripada) and keynote speaker Mr. Madan Mohan Soren (Former Convener, Santali Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi), who delivered thought-provoking addresses.
In his presidential remarks, Prof. Tripathy underscored the importance of safeguarding linguistic diversity and highlighted the University’s readiness to adopt innovative translation practices and research-based approaches to preserve and popularize indigenous languages.
Speakers lauded Fakir Mohan University’s recognition of Santali literature and its creator, while also commending the University’s dedicated efforts under Prof. Tripathy’s leadership in shaping the future of Santali students in Mayurbhanj and beyond.
Adding scholarly weight to the occasion, Fakir Mohan University released a book titled “Pahadi Naai Ra Gita”, portraying the life and culture of the Kolh tribe. The seminar featured three academic sessions covering a wide range of topics including the evolution of the Ol Chiki script, Santali literature and culture, and the dynamics of Santali society.
Noted scholars and experts such as Dr. Dakhin Murmu, Dr. Jatindra Nath Beshra, Dr. Sunaram Soren, Saroj Kumar Soren, Chaitanya Prasad Majhi, Jadunath Hansda, Dr. Naku Hansda, Dr. Maheswar Soren, Dr. Gangadhar Hansda, and Mangat Murmu enriched the discussions with their insights.
The event was coordinated by Prof. Debasish Patra, Head of the Department of Language and Literature, while Ms. Sumitra Tudu (Faculty, Santali Studies) and Dr. Jayanta Kumar Das delivered the votes of thanks.
