Tata Steel celebrates birth anniversary of Raghunath Murmu

Kalinganagar: More than 400 people from Santhali community gathered at Sarangapur village of Danagadi block to celebrate birth anniversary of Pandit Raghunath Murmu, creator of Santhali script ‘Olchiki’, organised by Tata Steel with traditional fervour yesterday.

Bhanjaram Soren, Head of Ragadisahi of Tomka village, joined as chief guest on the occasion. Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Birendra Tudu, President of Adivasi Jana Vikas Sangha, Bhitarmanika, and Jagabandhu Naik, Sarpanch of Sarangpur panchayat. Officials of Tata Steel Rural Development Society (TSRDS) were present on the occasion.

After paying homage to Pandit Murmu on the occasion, the speakers explained the importance of Olchiki in the development of the rich cultural heritage of Santhali Community.

The local people enthusiastically participated in the drawing and traditional song competitions which were organised to mark the occasion. Prizes were distributed among the winners of various competitions. As part of cultural programme, Chhau dance, Budhigali dance and Maghe Parab dance were performed by local people. Earlier in the morning, a puja (prayer) was conducted to offer tributes to Murmu who is known as Guru Gomke among the people of Santali community.