The 121st Birth Anniversary of Pandit Raghunath Murmu was observed at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University. It was jointly organized by the Pandit Raghunath Murmu Research Chair, Department of Santali, School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures in collaboration with Internal Quality Assurance Cell on 1st May 2026.The Programme commenced with the ceremonial garlanding of the statue of Pandit Raghunath Murmu. The floral tribute was offered by senior functionaries and faculty members of the University. The garlanding ceremony was followed by a Distinguished Invited Lecture.
In his Welcome Address, Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar, KISS-DU stated that the ideologies and beliefs of Pandit Raghunath Murmu. He added that Hon’ble Founder had envisioned to translate the ideologies of Pandit Raghunath Murmu through the establishment of Pandit Raghunath Murmu Research Chair to carry out action-oriented research on the life and works of the legend. Furthermore, he also emphasized that KISS-DU is actively promoting the OL Chiki script at a global level and noted that it is a unique tribal University where Santali Department scholars have achieved significant academic excellence including qualifying for NET-JRF. Dr. Routray concluded that the progamme was not merely an observance but a meaningful step toward strengthening and promoting Ol Chiki through the research Chair.
Speaking in turn, Professor Kashi Nath Jena, Pro Vice Chancellor, KISS-DU shared an insightful overview of the life, literary contribution, and the invention of the Ol Chiki Script by Pandit Raghunath Murmu. He drew a thoughtful comparison between Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s visionary ideas and the principals of the National Education Policy 2020. Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, Chair Professor, Dr. B.R Ambedkar Chair and the Dean of the SCTLL, in his address, emphasized that language is the identity of people. He acknowledged the continuous efforts of Hon’ble Founder that KISS-DU stands as a unique global institution where tribal languages like Santali are preserved and nurtured. He stressed that preserving language is both a duty and a collective responsibility. Dr. Bhoi concluded by informing the gathering that the Santali Department offers certificate course in Santali to further strengthen the language among learners.
The Distinguished Invited Lecture was graced by eminent resource persons who spoke on Santali Language, literature and society. The Chief Speaker, Dr. Dulee Hembrom, Associate Professor (Santali), Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal, highlighted the literary contributions of Pandit Raghunath Murmu and explained how his works have played a significant role in uplifting Santali society. Addressing the gathering as Plenary Speaker, Mr. Chaitanya Prasad Majhi, Convenor, Sahitya Akademi, Santali Advisory Board, New Delhi, spoke about the importance the Ol Chiki script and the recognition of Santali language by Sahitya Akademi, emphasizing its growing literary presence and cultural significance. The Guest Speaker, Dr. Jatindra Nath Besra, Assistant Professor (Santali), MSCB University, Baripada, Odisha, stressed the importance of observing the birth anniversary of Pandit Raghunath Murmu. He elaborated on the progress of Santali literature and society, while also addressing existing challenges and their possible solutions. He concluded by stating that the preservation and promotion of Santali language and culture is a collective responsibility.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Naran Tudu, Pandit Raghunath Murmu Research Chair, Assistant Professor, Department of Santali. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the chief guest, speakers, faculty members and students for their active participation and valuable contributions.
