On December 25, 2025, Honorable President of India, Droupadi Murmu, unveiled the Constitution of India in the Santhali language during a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This edition has been published using the Ol Chiki script, allowing Santhali-speaking citizens to engage with India's supreme law in their native language.
This initiative underscores India’s constitutional commitment to inclusive governance, cultural respect, and ensuring accessibility to democratic institutions for all communities, particularly tribal populations. President Murmu expressed that the release is a moment of pride and joy for the Santhali community, highlighting the significant role language plays in shaping identity and participation.
With the Constitution available in Santhali, millions of tribal citizens can deepen their understanding of their rights, duties, and democratic values. This step reinforces the notion that the Constitution is not just a legal document but a living guide accessible to every Indian, irrespective of their linguistic background.
A notable aspect of the event was the publication of the Constitution in the Ol Chiki script, which is the traditional writing system for the Santhali language. The year 2025 marks the centenary of the Ol Chiki script, making this release particularly symbolic. President Murmu lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Law and Justice for achieving this milestone during the script’s 100th anniversary, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous scripts and knowledge systems.
The Santhali language is one of India’s most ancient living tribal languages, spoken widely by tribal communities in regions such as Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar. Acknowledging its cultural and demographic significance, Santhali was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 2003. This inclusion provides official recognition and promotes the development, preservation, and use of the language in education, administration, and public life.
Making the Constitution available in Santhali aligns with the principles outlined in Article 350A and Article 29, which focus on the protection of linguistic minorities and the promotion of cultural heritage. This initiative also enhances constitutional literacy, a fundamental aspect of participatory democracy.
Q1. What is the significance of the Constitution being released in Santhali?
Answer: The release enhances cultural inclusivity and allows Santhali-speaking citizens to connect with their constitutional rights and duties in their native language.
Q2. Who released the Constitution in Santhali language?
Answer: The Constitution was released by Honorable President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on December 25, 2025.
Q3. What script was used for the Santhali version of the Constitution?
Answer: The Constitution was published in the Ol Chiki script, which is the traditional script for the Santhali language.
Q4. Why is the Ol Chiki script significant?
Answer: The year 2025 marks the centenary of the Ol Chiki script, making the Constitution's release a celebration of its cultural heritage.
Q5. What is the Eighth Schedule's role regarding the Santhali language?
Answer: Inclusion in the Eighth Schedule grants official recognition and promotes the development and preservation of the Santhali language.
Question 1: Who released the Constitution of India in Santhali language?
A) Prime Minister
B) Chief Justice
C) President Droupadi Murmu
D) Minister of Law and Justice
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: In which script was the Constitution published for the Santhali language?
A) Devanagari
B) Roman
C) Ol Chiki
D) Bengali
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What year marks the centenary of the Ol Chiki script?
A) 2020
B) 2021
C) 2025
D) 2030
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Which amendment included the Santhali language in the Eighth Schedule?
A) 91st Amendment
B) 92nd Amendment
C) 93rd Amendment
D) 94th Amendment
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What does Article 29 of the Constitution emphasize?
A) Right to Education
B) Protection of linguistic minorities
C) Freedom of Speech
D) Right to Property
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
