Bhubaneswar, May 12 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday announced that the residence of Guru Gomke Pandit Raghunath Murmu in the Danda Bose area in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, will be transformed into a memorial pilgrimage site.
Additionally, his Samadhi Peeth will be developed into a historical memorial.
Speaking at the centenary celebration of the invention of the Ol Chiki script for the Santali language and the 120th birth anniversary of Pandit Raghunath Murmu, held at Mahuldiha in Mayurbhanj district, the Chief Minister declared that the 100th anniversary of the Ol Chiki script would be commemorated statewide for an entire year. An international seminar will also be organized to promote the Santali language.
Majhi further announced the establishment of several cultural institutions at a cost of Rs.50 crore. These include the Ol Chiki Library in Baripada, the Pandit Raghunath Murmu Open Theatre-Museum, and a heritage building at Murmu’s workplace.
Highlighting the legendary figure's legacy, the Chief Minister said, "Pandit Murmu's life was not just that of an individual—he was a movement, a consciousness, a craft, and a culture of knowledge."
He emphasized that the celebration of the Ol Chiki script's centenary is not only a tribute to an inventor's creative genius but also an open campaign to preserve the language, culture, and identity of the Santali community. “His invention was not merely a change in vocabulary, but a new chapter in the evolution of culture,” Majhi stated.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the Odisha government’s commitment to supporting the Ol Chiki script and the Santali language. "We are advancing this legacy by establishing Santali language institutions in primary education, producing textbooks, training teachers, and creating language development centers," he said.
Majhi added, "The path envisioned by Pandit Murmu continues to illuminate the Santali community today. I hope future generations embrace the values, wisdom, and cultural pride that Murmu championed. Respect and self-respect for other languages, religions, and cultures form the bedrock of communal harmony."
He also noted that a medical college has been opened in Pandit Murmu’s name and that the government is committed to establishing additional research centers and educational institutions to honor his legacy. “To fulfill his dream, we will further strengthen efforts to preserve and promote the Santali language, literature, and culture,” he declared.
“Murmu’s life teaches us that if we are conscious and united in our commitment to our language, our ideas, and our culture, no force can hold us back,” the Chief Minister concluded.
Odisha Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj remarked, “Guru Gomke was like a flower whose fragrance continues to linger even after it has withered.”
On the occasion, the Chief Minister presented the Guru Gomke International Award to renowned Santali language researcher Chunda Soren, along with a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh.
A commemorative souvenir on the life of Pandit Raghunath Murmu will also be unveiled. Additionally, Murmu’s descendant Chuniyan Murmu and Padma Shri awardee and acclaimed Santali writer Dr. Damayanti Beshra will be honored,Majhi said.
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