In a landmark step toward linguistic inclusion, President Droupadi Murmu officially released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language on December 25, 2025.1 The ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, coincides with the centenary of the Ol Chiki script, providing millions of Santhali speakers access to the nation’s fundamental law in their native script.
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Centenary of the Ol Chiki Script
The release carries immense cultural weight as 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Ol Chiki script, which was created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925.3 President Murmu emphasized that this translation fulfills a long-standing aspiration of the Santhali community to read and understand the supreme law of the land in their own mother tongue.
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Key Figures: Santhali Language & The 2025 Release
| Feature | Details |
| Release Date | December 25, 2025 (Good Governance Day) |
| Script Used | Ol Chiki (Celebrates 100 years in 2025) |
| Constitutional Status | Included in 8th Schedule (92nd Amendment, 2003) |
| Primary Speakers | Over 70 Lakh people (2011 Census) |
| Geographic Reach | Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar |
| Dignitaries Present | VP C.P. Radhakrishnan, MoS (Law) Arjun Ram Meghwal |
Promoting Democratic Participation
The President lauded the Union Ministry of Law and Justice for their efforts in making the document accessible.5 Prime Minister Narendra Modi also commended the initiative, stating that it will “deepen constitutional awareness and democratic participation” among tribal communities.
Santhali is recognized as one of the most ancient living languages of India.7 By providing the Constitution in Ol Chiki, the government aims to empower the Santal community, ensuring that legal rights and values are no longer hindered by language barriers.8
Quick Facts: Santhali & The Law
8th Schedule: Santhali was added to the Eighth Schedule in 2003 along with Bodo, Dogri, and Maithili.9
Ol Chiki Script: Unlike many other tribal languages that use Devanagari or Roman scripts, Santhali has its own unique script with 30 letters.10
Historical Significance: President Murmu, herself hailing from the Santhali community, has been a long-time advocate for tribal welfare and linguistic preservation.11
Conclusion
The publication of the Constitution in Santhali marks a historic milestone in India’s journey toward “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”12 It ensures that the guiding principles of the Republic are accessible to the grassroots, honoring the rich heritage of the Santhali people.13
Disclaimer: This report is based on official press releases from the President’s Secretariat and the Ministry of Law and Justice dated December 25-26, 2025.14
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