Blood Donation marks Birth Centenary of Ol Chiki Creator

Jamshedpur: A tribute meeting and blood donation camp were organized on Monday at Ayushman Arogya Mandir premises in Bhagabandi to commemorate the birth centenary of Pt. Raghunath Murmu, the revered creator of the Ol Chiki script. The event was jointly hosted by Majhi Pargana Mahal Dumriya Torof and Nayi Zindagi Jamshedpur, drawing enthusiastic participation from the Santhal community and local dignitaries.

Potka MLA Sanjeev Sardar, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, paid floral tribute at the life-size statue of Pt. Raghunath Murmu and emphasized the cultural and historical significance of Ol Chiki.

“Ol Chiki is more than a script — it is the soul and identity of the Santhal community. Its expansion is crucial to preserving our language, traditions, and cultural pride,” said MLA Sardar.

He lauded the Jharkhand government’s commitment to tribal welfare, highlighting the establishment of Pt. Raghunath Murmu Tribal University in Hendaljuri (Ghatshila) as a historic achievement. He assured villagers that the state will soon appoint regional language teachers, a move aimed at strengthening linguistic heritage and tribal education.

The centenary celebration also saw a blood donation camp, where 35 units of blood were collected. Notably, “Tribal Blood Man” Rajesh Mardi, who has donated blood 77 times, inspired and encouraged fellow donors. MLA Sardar personally visited the camp and appreciated the spirit of donors who came forward despite the summer heat.

As part of the three-day cultural program organized by Saparom Buru Drama Committee Kolabadia, traditional competitions and performances were held to honor Santhal heritage. MLA Sardar distributed prizes to winners of the Samaj Singrai competition, adding to the festive spirit of the event.

Among the key attendees were Block Development Officer Nilesh Kumar Murmu, Police Station Incharge Sugana Munda, JMM Block President Mirza Soren, Secretary Jaipal Singh Murmu, 20-Point Programme Chairman Bhagat Baske, Ghat Pargana Lakhan Mardi, Uday Murmu, and hundreds of villagers, who gathered in solidarity to honor the legacy of their cultural icon.