New Delhi, Dec 25: In a landmark move to promote inclusivity and cultural preservation, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The initiative, written in the Ol Chiki script, marks a historic step in making the nation’s guiding document accessible to tribal communities in their mother tongue.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu described the release as a matter of “pride and joy” for the Santhali people. She expressed confidence that the translated version would empower tribal communities to read, understand, and engage with the Constitution more meaningfully. “The availability of the Constitution in the Santali language is a source of immense happiness for the entire Santali community,” she said.

The President also highlighted the significance of the year, noting that 2025 marks the centenary of the Ol Chiki script. She commended the Union Ministry of Law and Justice for its efforts in bringing out the Santhali version of the Constitution during this milestone year.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal were present at the event. The Vice President lauded the initiative, stating that it would enable Santhali-speaking citizens to contribute more effectively to nation-building. He also recalled President Murmu’s earlier tenure as Governor of Jharkhand, where she had championed tribal welfare and cultural promotion.

Santhali, one of India’s most ancient living languages, was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 92nd Amendment Act in 2003. It is spoken widely across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam. The release of the Constitution in Santhali is expected to strengthen cultural identity while deepening democratic participation among tribal communities.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to linguistic diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that the foundational principles of the Republic resonate across all sections of society.