Latest news with #Santali
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Native Tongues Need A Boost
Ranchi: Even as the state govt is promoting tribal and indigenous languages through various projects, the pace of their development is impeded by several factors, including the dearth of institutions for such a purpose apart from manpower shortages and a lack of research work for the enrichment and development of the languages. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Notably, Jharkhand is a state with a wide linguistic diversity. There are 32 STs in the state, and most of them have their native languages, while many do not have scripts. Among the languages spoken by the people of the state are Angika, Sadri, Nagpuri, Panchpargania, Malpaharia, Mundari, Santali, Ho, Kharia, Kurukh, Malto, Korwa, Bijori, Gondi and Asur apart from Hindi, Bhojpuri and Odia. The major tribal languages among them are Mundari, Kurukh Kharia, Ho and Santali, and the regional languages are Nagpuri, Khortha, Panchpargania and Kurmali. Citing the 2011 population census, the Linguistic Survey of India published a report in March 2024 stating that 77.38 lakh people speak Khortha, 28.95 lakh speak Santali, 9.92 lakh speak Ho, 9.95 lakh speak Kurukh, 7.57 lakh speak Nagpuri, 2.44 lakh speak Panchapargania, 1.47 lakh speak Paharia, 1.40 lakh speak Kharia, and 2,341 speak Korwa. In 1981, the then state govt established the one-of-its-kind Tribal and Regional Language (TRL) Institute under Ranchi University (RU) for teaching nine major tribal and regional languages. Some of these languages are also being taught in other universities and colleges. The nine languages are also considered the second language of the state. Moreover, questions are being asked about these languages in major competitive examinations held by the Jharkhand State Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Even the central service cadres who serve in Jharkhand have to pass in one of these tribal languages to get a promotion. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Meanwhile, Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC) official Avinav Kumar said, "The govt is teaching five main tribal languages in 1,000 schools across eight districts — West Singhbhum, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Saraikela, Latehar, Dumka and Lohardaga in the state. The schools have been provided with teachers and bilingual books for education. "The education department is also considering a plan for adding other tribal and regional languages in school education, but a final blueprint is yet to be prepared," he added. The premier institute TRL, however, has a shortage of regular teachers and is being run with the help of teachers hired based on need. The subjects also lack adequate books for study. Many of the students learn from photocopies of unpublished works of writers. All tribal and regional languages, including those without scripts, are being taught in the Devanagari script as it is easier for students to understand. While the script of some languages, like Kharia, does not exist, the scripts of other languages are not effective or popular. In the recent past, efforts were made to promote the Ol Chiki script used for Santali language after it was developed by scholar Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925. Several experts have emphasised the formation of a Jharkhandi language academy with linguistic experts as members. The former head of department (HOD) TRL and former vice chancellor of the Jharkhand State Open University T N Sahu said, "There is a need for a language academy to work on scripts of tribal and regional languages, collect write-ups, and print them. The languages develop from the writings of various people, right from handwritten works in villages to those of scholars. Many write-ups, including handwritten works, have not been published as, after the death of the writers, their families could not invest money in it." Sahu also said the academy could invent scripts of various tribal languages according to standard parameters by conducting meetings of language scientists from all over the country and also by forming committees in this regard. At present, many of the scripts are being written at individual levels, which are not of high quality, he stressed. For instance, while Khortha is gaining ground among students, they are not using the Khortha script called Kharosthi for their studies, Sahu claimed, adding that a language academy could have ensured its review by language scientists to make it comprehensible and popular. Most academicians also said that many tribal and indigenous languages are dying because people are not using them. The new generation, particularly those who are living in towns and cities, are not using any of the tribal languages, they claimed, adding that if their scripts and handwritten works are published, these languages could survive. Experts also felt that in the absence of a language academy, the state's indigenous languages are not getting the benefits of prominent language scientists from different parts of the country. The academicians also feel that on the lines of Bihar, a University Service Commission should be formed in Jharkhand for the recruitment of teachers in higher education and their promotion. The alternative method could be to delegate the power to the vice-chancellors of universities in this regard, they said. The former HOD of all languages in the early years of TRL, Hari Oraon, said, "The JPSC, which appoints and promotes teachers in colleges, is more focused on the administrative posts. Consequently, a large number of posts in universities, including the TRL, are lying vacant. Due to a lack of promotion in TRL, the research works were affected as there is not a single professor in the institute, while the assistant professors can enrol only a limited number of students." Current TRL HOD of Nagpuri, Umesh Nand Tiwary, said, "Students are not finding guides for carrying out research work. All of them approached us, but we have our limitations. This badly affected the research work." Besides, the number of regular teachers appointed in different languages is not sufficient across the state. There is a shortage of teachers not only in TRL but also in RU-affiliated colleges where these languages are being taught. The institutions are mainly dependent on teachers hired on a need basis. The coverage of these languages by universities is also limited. For instance, there is huge demand for postgraduate courses in Khortha language in the North Chhotanagpur area but Vinoba Bhave University is offering only certificate courses at present. Moreover, Santali and Khortha are spoken by a significant number of people in Santhal Paragana, but Khortha is not taught in Sido-Kanhu Murmu University. Tiwary said, "Education in all nine regional and tribal languages should be carried out in all the universities and the districts across the state, irrespective of the number of students coming for enrolment. This would help in the promotion of these languages. "
New Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Three from Odisha to get Bal Sahitya and Yuva Puraskar
BHUBANESWAR: Three authors from Odisha have been chosen for the Bal Sahitya Puraskar and Yuva Puraskar for 2025 by the Central Sahitya Akademi, in both Odia and Santali languages. In Odia language, while Subrat Kumar Senapati has been selected for the Yuva Puraskar for his book of short stories 'Kadambabana', Rajkishore Padhi will receive the Bal Sahitya Puraskar for 'Kete Phula Phutichi', a book of poetry. Similarly, Mayurbhanj's Fagu Baskey will be conferred the Yuva Puraskar for his poetry collection 'Ala Saon Inj' in Santali language. This was announced by the Central Sahitya Akademi on Wednesday following its executive board meeting which was presided over by Akademi's president Madhav Kaushik. The books were chosen on the basis of recommendations made by a jury of three members each in the languages. The Bal Sahitya Puraskar relates to books published between 2019 and 2023. For Bal Sahitya Puraskar, the Odia jury included writers Niladri Bhusan Harichandan, Sankuntala Baliarsingh and Ramachandra Nayak. Likewise, the Yuva Puraskar Odia jury had Yashodhara Mishra, Rabi Swain and SuvashChandra Satapathy. And the Santali jury had Dulee Hembram, Kasunath Soren and Madan Mohan Soren. Celebrated author Padhi had previously in 2015 received the Odisha Sahitya Akademi award for children's literature. While Senapati is known for his short stories, he currently works as an assistant professor in the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, SOA University. Similarly, Fagu is serving as an assistant teacher at Kumbhir Mundi primary school under Bangriposi block in Mayurbhanj the awardees will receive engraved copper plaques and a cash reward of `50,000 each at a special function by the Sahitya Akademiat a later date.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
2 from Odisha selected for Yuva Puraskar award, 1 for Bal Sahitya Puraskar
Bhubaneswar: Two from Odisha will receive the prestigious Yuva Puraskar, while another has been selected for the Bal Sahitya Puraskar this year by Kendra Sahitya Akademi. The names, announced on Wednesday, include Subrat Kumar Senapati who won Yuva Puraskar in Odia language for his short stories collection, 'Kadambabana', while Fagu Baskey was selected for the same award in Santali language for his poetry collection, 'Ala Saon inj'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Rajkishore Parhi was chosen for the Bal Sahitya Puraskar for his poetry collection, 'Kete Phula Phutichhi', in Odia language. While congratulating the recipients, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi said in an X post, "My best wishes to Rajkishore Padhi and Subrata Kumar Sahabi for the award. This success is not only your personal success but also a matter of pride and honour for the Odia language and literature. May you further enrich the treasure trove of Odia literature with your creations in the coming days." An elated Senapati said, "I am delighted to be selected for the award and my responsibility as a writer will increase after this honour. Through my writings, I try to shed light on the untold emotions of people and characters who were not widely covered in Odia literature, like transgenders, gay and lesbians." Senapati is currently a faculty member at SOA University's Institute of Agricultural Science in Bhubaneswar. Baskey from Bholagadia village in Mayurbhanj district emerged as one of the most promising voices in contemporary Santali literature. He is widely known for his contribution to the digitisation of the Santali language and promoting Santali literature on digital platforms. "I am really happy that my book was selected for the award. This is a recognition of indigenous literature on a national platform," Baskey said. Each award includes a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a citation plaque (memento) and a shawl. A special ceremony will be held in New Delhi where the three will receive the awards.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Grassroots push to save Santali script in Jajpur
1 2 Kendrapada: In the tribal-dominated villages of Sukinda block in Jajpur district, around 40 members of the Santhal community have joined hands to revive and preserve Ol Chiki—the century-old script of the Santali language—by voluntarily teaching it to children and youths. Invented in 1925 by Raghunath Murmu, Ol Chiki consists of 30 letters and was developed specifically to write Santali, one of India's major tribal languages. "Due to the migration of many tribal families, many children are unaware of the script. That's why we began teaching it," said Pitabas Hemrum, president of the district unit of the Adivasi Socio Education and Culture Association (ASECA). To popularise the script, ASECA's Jajpur branch, in collaboration with the Board of Santali Education (Rairangpur), recently conducted a three-day Ol Chiki examination at the Ol Chiki Lipi Sikhyakendra in Balipada village. Held from Friday to Sunday, the event saw participation from 120 tribal students across primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels. ASECA currently runs 15 Ol Chiki Lipi Sikhyakendras across Jajpur district. Classes are held thrice a week—Friday to Sunday—from 7 to 9 am. None of the 15 teachers receives remuneration; in some villages, locals provide them with food. "Community centres and village clubs serve as makeshift classrooms," said Manmohan Marandi, a teacher from Balipada. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Что говорит о вашем характере поза, в которой вы спите! Удивительные Новости Undo While chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi had announced plans in Dec 2024 to introduce Santali from the elementary to postgraduate levels and a Rs 50 crore package for Santhal cultural institutions in March 2025, no steps have been taken to appoint Ol Chiki teachers in Jajpur's tribal schools. Jajpur's district welfare officer Sarat Behera said, "Tribal communities are availing several government schemes. Currently, there is no plan to recruit Ol Chiki teachers in the district. "
New Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Birthplace of Pandit Murmu will become a pilgrimage site: CM Mohan Charan Majhi
BHUBANESWAR/BARIPADA: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday announced that the birthplace of Pandit Raghunath Murmu at Dandbose in Mayurbhanj district will be developed as a pilgrimage site. Addressing a function on the 120th birth anniversary of Pandit Murmu at Mahuldiha in Mayurbhanj district, the chief minister said the burial place of the great Santali poet will also be developed as a heritage memorial. The chief minister also announced that there will be a year-long statewide celebration of centenary of the Ol Chiki script developed by Pandit Murmu. An international seminar will also be organised in the capital city of Bhubaneswar for promoting Santali language. The chief minister announced a package of Rs 50 crore for promotion of the Santali language along with establishment of an Ol Chiki library at Baripada. Concerted efforts will be made to popularise all the works of Pandit Murmu, and Heritage Bhavan will be constructed in his name. Describing Pandit Murmu as a cultural icon and a movement in himself, the chief minister said the Ol Chiki script is a symbol of pride for the Santali tribe. 'The Ol Chiki script has revolutionised Santali identity. Language is not just a tool for communication. It fostering education and unity, ' the CM said.
