Bhubaneswar, Dec 17 (Reporter) The Odisha government is considering introducing education in the Santali language from kindergarten (KG) to postgraduate (PG) levels, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced. Speaking at the seventh annual conference of the All India Santali Writers' Association, Odisha Branch, held in Keonjhar on Tuesday, Majhi emphasized that providing education in the Ol-Chiki script and Santali language by 2025 would be a fitting tribute to Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the creator of the Ol-Chiki script. Remembering Guru Gamke Pandit Raghunath Murmu on this occasion, the Chief Minister called for the successful implementation of “Mission Ol-Chiki 2025,” aligning it with the centenary of the script's creation in 2025. He stated that the mother tongue is the cornerstone of the progress and identity of the tribal community. Majhi highlighted that the inclusion of the Santali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003, under the leadership of the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the then Central Government, was a moment of pride for the community. The Chief Minister urged Santali writers to work selflessly and with dedication to promote the language, culture, traditions, and education of the Santali-speaking community. He encouraged efforts to translate prominent books from other languages into Santali and Santali educational books into various languages. Majhi called for unity among the tribal community, emphasizing the importance of preserving their language, culture, and traditions while advancing through education. He expressed hope that the tribal society would contribute significantly to "Developed Odisha 2036" and play a vital role in shaping a developed Odisha and India. On this occasion, the Chief Minister released a literary magazine and a souvenir published by the association. Suresh Kumar Hembram was honored with the Shyam Sundar Hembram Award 2024 for his notable contribution to Santali literature through his book “Sonali Gharanj.” Durga Soren received the Yuva Puraskar for her short story “Uni Kulid Akay?” Arsu Hansdah was awarded the Yadumani Beshra Samman for her poetry book “RC.” Eminent writer and social worker Laxman Marndi was recognized for his lifelong contributions to Santali literature. Additionally, the Chief Minister felicitated Bhagwat Hembram, Govinda Hansada, Mohan Soren, Madhusudan Murmu, and Jyothilal Hembram for their efforts in supporting Santali writers at the grassroots level. He also honored Ramjit Tudu and YouTuber Lav Hansada for promoting the Santali script's type board, which was appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Mann Ki Baat program...////...