New Delhi: In a landmark move aimed at deepening linguistic inclusion, Droupadi Murmu on Thursday released the Santhali-language edition of the Constitution of India at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Constitution has been published in the Ol Chiki script, making India’s supreme law accessible to Santhali-speaking communities in their own language. The initiative is expected to strengthen awareness of constitutional values, rights and duties among tribal populations.
President Droupadi Murmu released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President said that it is a matter of pride and joy for all the Santhali people that the Constitution of India is now available in the Santhali… pic.twitter.com/BeaCS7ywdn
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 25, 2025
Addressing the gathering, the President described the release as a moment of pride for the Santhali community, noting that linguistic access to the Constitution would help people engage more meaningfully with democracy and governance. She said the step would foster a stronger bond between citizens and the ideals enshrined in the Constitution.
The occasion carried added significance as India marks 100 years of the Ol Chiki script this year. President Murmu lauded the Union Ministry of Law and Justice for bringing out the Santhali edition during the script’s centenary year, calling it a fitting tribute to Santhali linguistic heritage.
Among those present at the event were C. P. Radhakrishnan and Arjun Ram Meghwal, along with senior officials and representatives of the Santhali community.
Santhali—one of India’s oldest living languages—was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003. It is spoken widely by tribal communities across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar, and the new edition is expected to play a key role in promoting constitutional literacy in these regions.
