President Droupadi Murmu releases Constitution of India in Santhali language

President Droupadi Murmu released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for linguistic inclusion and access to constitutional knowledge.

The Constitution has been published in Santhali using the Ol Chiki script, enabling Santhali-speaking communities to read and understand the supreme law of the country in their own language.

President Highlights Cultural And Linguistic Significance

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said it was a moment of pride and joy for the Santhali community that the Constitution is now available in Santhali. She noted that access to the Constitution in one’s mother tongue strengthens democratic participation and deepens understanding of rights and duties.

The President also pointed out that the release assumes special significance as the country is celebrating the centenary year of the Ol Chiki script. She appreciated the Union Minister of Law and Justice and his team for bringing out the Santhali version of the Constitution in Ol Chiki during this landmark year.

Dignitaries Present At The Event

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan, and the Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Santhali’s Constitutional Recognition

Santhali, one of India’s ancient living languages, was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003. The language is spoken by a large number of tribal people across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar.

The release of the Constitution in Santhali is expected to enhance legal awareness among Santhali-speaking citizens and reinforce the commitment to preserving linguistic diversity while ensuring wider accessibility to constitutional values.