Witness the historic celebration of Santali Bhasa Vijay Diwas 2025! From President Droupadi Murmu’s powerful presence in Jharkhand to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s vibrant tribute in West Bengal—discover how India and the diaspora honored the Santali language with pride, poetry, and unity.Santali Bhasa Vijay Diwas 2025: A Day of Pride, Poetry, and National Unity

 

December 22, 2025, will go down in history as more than just another winter day—it was **Santali Bhasa Vijay Diwas**, a nationwide (and global!) celebration of one of India’s most cherished indigenous languages. Marking the 22nd anniversary of Santali’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution back in 2003, this year’s festivities reached new emotional and cultural heights, thanks to the inspiring participation of national leaders, local communities, and Santali diaspora groups from across the world.

 President Droupadi Murmu Leads the Charge in Jharkhand

In a deeply symbolic gesture, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu—herself a proud Santali speaker and the first tribal woman to hold the highest office in the country—attended the main event in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Her presence wasn’t just ceremonial; it was a heartfelt acknowledgment of Santali’s journey from oral tradition to constitutional recognition.

Speaking at the event, President Murmu emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous languages not just as cultural artifacts, but as living, evolving vessels of identity. “When a language thrives, a community thrives,” she declared, drawing thunderous applause from thousands gathered at the Morabadi Grounds. The President’s speech, delivered partly in Santali, stirred immense pride among the youth and elders alike.\

The event featured traditional dance , soulful Ol Chiki script recitations, and performances by Santali poets and musicians who have kept the language alive through generations.

 West Bengal Lights Up with Mamata Banerjee’s Tribute

Over in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hosted a grand celebration in Purulia District Manbazar 2 block at Shushunia Football ground, attended by Santali scholars, artists, and students from districts like Purulia, Bankura, and West Midnapore—regions with rich Santali heritage.

 

CM Banerjee praised the resilience of the Santali community and announced new initiatives to promote Santali-medium education and digital content creation in Ol Chiki script. “Santali is not just a language—it’s a river of stories, songs, and struggles that flow through the heart of Bengal,” she said, before unveiling a state-funded Santali cultural archive.

 

The West Bengal event also saw schoolchildren performing skits based on Santali folklore, while local artisans displayed traditional crafts like **Sohrai and Khovar paintings**, blending language preservation with cultural expression.

 

 Celebrations Echo Across India and Beyond

 

From Odisha to Assam, and Bihar to Tripura, local governments and community organizations hosted poetry readings, literary workshops, and heritage walks in Santali-speaking villages. In Delhi, a special exhibition at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts highlighted Santali manuscripts, musical instruments like the Tumdak and  Tamak Trioa, Banam, and historical photographs of language activists.

 

But the celebration didn’t stop at India’s borders. In **Canada, the UK, Australia, and the USA**, Santali diaspora groups organized virtual meetups, online Ol Chiki writing contests, and cultural nights—proving that language knows no borders when it’s carried in the heart.

 

 Why Santali Bhasa Vijay Diwas Matters More Than Ever

 

Santali isn’t just another language—it’s the voice of over 7 million people across eastern India and neighboring countries. Its recognition in 2003 was a hard-won victory after decades of advocacy by tribal leaders, educators, and cultural activists.

 

Today, as globalization threatens many indigenous tongues, Santali Bhasa Vijay Diwas serves as both a celebration and a call to action. It reminds us that linguistic diversity is a national treasure—and that every word spoken in Santali keeps a centuries-old worldview alive.

 

    Join the Movement

 

Whether you’re a native speaker, a language lover, or simply someone who believes in cultural equity—December 22 is a day to honor, learn, and amplify. Share a Santali poem. Learn a few words in Ol Chiki. Support Santali literature. Because when we protect a language, we protect a world.

 

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