Kolkata, 07 March (H.S.): Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said that the contribution of the Santal community to India’s freedom struggle has been significant, but many of its legendary figures did not receive the recognition they deserved in history. She noted that several brave personalities were deliberately left out of historical accounts.

Addressing the ninth International Santal Conference in Siliguri in North Bengal, the President said it was a matter of pride for the Santal community that nearly 240 years ago their ancestor Tilka Manjhi raised the banner of revolt against exploitation. About 60 years after his uprising, the brave brothers Sido Murmu and Kanhu Murmu, along with Chand Murmu and Bhairav Murmu and the courageous sisters Phulo Murmu and Jhano Murmu, led the historic Santal Hul rebellion in 1855.

Murmu said the Santal community’s contribution to the nation has not been adequately acknowledged. She observed that many such names, including Tilka Manjhi and the leaders of the Santal Hul, have not been fully recorded in history. Had their contributions been properly documented, she said, the pages of history would have been filled with their names.

Praising the courage of the Santal community, the President said Santals never accept inferiority and stand firmly against injustice. She described them as a brave and self-respecting community that should take pride in its glorious heritage.

Highlighting development concerns, Murmu expressed worry that the benefits of development have not adequately reached Santals and other tribal communities in certain regions. She stressed the need to connect tribal communities with education, opportunities, and the mainstream of development.

The President also indicated that certain obstacles had arisen while organising the international conference. She said that while preparing to attend the event, she felt that some people were not supportive of the meeting being held, suggesting that there were those who did not want the Santal community to progress, gain education, and unite to become stronger.

Murmu also referred to important milestones in Santal identity. She said the year 2003 would remain memorable in the history of the community as the Santali language was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India that year. She further noted that last year, on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Constitution of India was released in Santali language in the Ol Chiki script.

Paying tribute to Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the inventor of the Ol Chiki script, the President said he developed the script in 1925, providing Santali speakers with a new medium of expression. Through literary works and plays such as “Bidu Chandan,” “Kherwal Veer,” “Dalege Dhan,” and “Sido Kanhu–Santal Hul,” he also spread social awareness and literary development within the community.

Murmu urged the Santal community to preserve its language and cultural heritage while also learning other languages. She noted that tribal communities have preserved their folk songs, dances, and traditions for centuries and have passed on a deep respect for nature from generation to generation. She said the message of environmental conservation must be carried forward to future generations.

Emphasising the need to balance tradition with modern progress, the President said tribal communities must protect their traditions and environment while embracing modern development. She expressed confidence that tribal communities, including the Santals, would set an example of harmony between progress and nature.

Concluding her address, Murmu urged tribal youth to prioritise education and skill development. She said that while moving forward on the path of progress, they must not forget their roots, language, and culture, adding that unity and fraternity in society would help build an empowered community and a stronger India.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh