Ol Chiki is the original script of the Santali language. It was created to reflect the true sounds of Santali. It removed confusion caused by borrowed scripts. Over time, it became a strong symbol of identity, education, and cultural pride.
During the closing ceremony of the 22nd Parsi Maha and the centenary celebrations of Ol Chiki in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, Droupadi Murmu highlighted the deeper significance of the script. She noted that the Ol Chiki script created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu has emerged as a strong and unifying symbol of Santhal identity.
She also stressed that language development grows through openness. According to her, students of Santali should be encouraged to learn other languages as well. At the same time, she underlined the need to make Santali literature available to readers from different linguistic backgrounds. Such mutual exchange, she said, would enrich both the community and the language.
Origin of Ol Chiki
Ol Chiki was invented in 1925 by Raghunath Murmu, widely respected as Guru Gomke. He believed that a language needs its own script to survive and grow. Therefore, he designed Ol Chiki to align closely with Santali speech and cultural thought.
Why Santali Needed Its Own Script
Earlier, Santali was written using Bengali, Devanagari, or Roman scripts. However, these systems failed to represent Santali sounds accurately. As a result, writing lacked consistency. Ol Chiki solved this problem by assigning clear and independent symbols to key sounds.
Structure of the Ol Chiki Script
Ol Chiki functions as a true alphabet. It has around 30 basic letters. Each letter represents a complete sound unit. Unlike many Indian scripts, it does not rely heavily on vowel modifiers. This structure keeps reading direct and learning simple.
Writing Style and Design Logic
The script is written from left to right. Many characters draw inspiration from nature, daily life, and familiar objects. Because of this, learners often find the shapes intuitive and easy to remember. The design focuses on clarity and balance.
Ease of Learning
Ol Chiki follows a phonetic approach. One letter usually corresponds to one sound. Therefore, learners face fewer rules and exceptions. This simplicity supports early education and adult literacy alike.
Constitutional and Official Recognition
Santali was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003. This step strengthened the official standing of the language. Consequently, Ol Chiki gained wider acceptance in education systems and public institutions.
Use in Education
Ol Chiki is taught in schools and colleges in Santhal-dominated regions. Textbooks and examinations now include the script. This has improved access to education and strengthened cultural confidence among students.
Digital and Unicode Support
Ol Chiki is supported by Unicode. This allows its use on computers, smartphones, and digital platforms. Fonts and keyboards now make typing easier. As a result, Santali content has expanded online.
Role in Literature and Media
Writers use Ol Chiki for poetry, folklore, essays, and religious texts. Newspapers and magazines also publish in the script. This shift has helped preserve oral traditions in written form.
Cultural Significance
Ol Chiki is not just a writing system. It represents dignity, self-expression, and cultural continuity. It connects generations through language, memory, and tradition.
Present-Day Challenges
Despite progress, challenges remain. Urban migration reduces daily use of the script. Learning resources are still uneven. Therefore, community-driven teaching and awareness programs remain essential.
Revival and Future Prospects
Educators, cultural groups, and institutions are promoting Ol Chiki through schools, digital tools, and cultural events. With sustained effort, the script can gain a wider national and global presence.
Conclusion
Ol Chiki transformed Santali from an oral tradition into a written language with clarity and pride. It strengthened education, preserved heritage, and enabled digital participation. Its future depends on inclusive education, cultural exchange, and continuous community support.
