In a landmark step towards linguistic inclusion and constitutional accessibility, the Constitution of India translated into the Santhali language was released for the first time on December 25, 2025, by the Hon’ble President of India, Draupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. The historic publication has been brought out by the Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice.
The release coincided with Good Governance Day and the Birth Centenary Year of the Ol Chiki script, developed in 1925 by Raghunath Murmu, making the occasion deeply significant for the Santhali-speaking community and India’s constitutional journey.
A First-of-Its-Kind Constitutional Translation
The publication marks the first-ever official translation of the Constitution of India into Santhali, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to making constitutional values and rights accessible to citizens in their mother tongue.
By translating the Constitution into Santhali—written in the Ol Chiki script—the initiative bridges the gap between constitutional governance and tribal communities, enabling greater awareness, participation, and empowerment.
Santhali: An Ancient Language with Constitutional Recognition
Santhali is one of India’s most ancient living languages and is spoken by a large tribal population across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar. The language received constitutional recognition when it was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.
The release of the Constitution in Santhali further strengthens the status of the language and acknowledges the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Santhal community.
Celebrating Ol Chiki Script’s Centenary
The release gains added importance as 2025 marks 100 years of the Ol Chiki script, developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu to preserve and promote Santhali language and identity. The script has played a vital role in the literary, educational, and cultural development of Santhali-speaking regions.
Publishing the Constitution in Ol Chiki is both symbolic and substantive, affirming respect for indigenous knowledge systems and linguistic self-expression.
Dignitaries Present at the Release
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including:
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C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India
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Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Law and Justice
Members of the Santhali-speaking community and other distinguished invitees were also present, making the occasion a moment of pride and collective celebration.
Strengthening Good Governance and Constitutional Awareness
Releasing the Constitution on Good Governance Day underscores the principle that good governance begins with understanding and accessibility. The initiative empowers Santhali-speaking citizens to directly engage with constitutional rights, duties, and democratic values without linguistic barriers.
It also reflects the broader vision of inclusive governance, where diversity of language and culture is recognised as a strength of Indian democracy.
Conclusion
The release of the Constitution of India in Santhali language is a historic and transformative step in India’s democratic journey. It not only honours the linguistic and cultural legacy of the Santhal community but also reinforces the ideals of inclusion, accessibility, and equality before law. By bringing the Constitution closer to the people in their own language, India continues to strengthen the foundations of participatory democracy and good governance.
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Source: PIB
