December 22 is a day of historic significance and pride for the entire Santali community. On this day in 2003, the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Shri Lal Krishna Advani, then Home Minister, under the visionary leadership of the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The ruling NDA government ensured the bill's passage, culminating in the inclusion of Santali, along with Bodo, Dogri, and Maithili, in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
This milestone marked a turning point for the Santali language movement, which began during India’s pre-independence era. It was a tribute to the tireless efforts of Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the creator of the Ol Chiki script, and the countless language activists from Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand who championed this cause.
The inclusion in the Eighth Schedule brought tangible progress for the Santali language. Examinations for All India Civil Services are now conducted in Santali. The Central Sahitya Akademi annually recognizes Santali writers, and initiatives by the Indian Institute of Languages have advanced research and training in the language. Central government projects like Bharatvani, Bhashini, and Bhasha Sangam have further supported its growth.
In states like Jharkhand and West Bengal, Santali education has flourished, spanning from primary schools to postgraduate programs. West Bengal has even established a dedicated Santali Academy. However, Odisha, despite being a hub of Santali culture, lags significantly. The state has limited Santali education to Anganwadi centers, primary schools (up to the fifth grade), and select undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The absence of Santali education from grades six to twelve is a glaring gap that disadvantages Odisha’s Santali youth in national competitive exams and employment opportunities.
Despite multiple petitions, meetings, and the formation of special committees over the last two decades, no substantial progress has been made in Santali education in Odisha. With a double-engine government in place, there is a glimmer of hope. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Santali youth Ramjit Tudu for his work in digitizing the Santali language during his "Mann Ki Baat" program. Similarly, weekly Santali news broadcasts have started from the Bhubaneswar Doordarshan center, which has generated enthusiasm among the Santali community.
It is noteworthy that individuals like Draupadi Murmu, who played a crucial role in including Santali in the Eighth Schedule, are now in prominent positions such as the President of India. Leaders like Mohan Charan Majhi from the Santali community are also making strides in state leadership. However, if no robust measures are taken to improve Santali education at this critical juncture, the entire Santali society and its leadership might face ridicule in the future.
However, hope alone will not suffice. Without determined efforts to improve Santali education infrastructure and ensure its inclusion at all academic levels, the community risks stagnation. Celebrations of Santali Language Victory Day and other cultural milestones must be matched with action to safeguard the language's future.
The time has come for Santali representatives and policymakers to act decisively. If progress remains stagnant, the hard-earned recognition of Santali in the Eighth Schedule risks becoming a symbolic victory rather than a practical tool for empowerment. Let this day be a reminder of past triumphs and a call to action for the community’s collective future.
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