OL CHIKI SCRIPT (SANTALI LANGUAGE)

NEWS: Recently, the President of India attended the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script of the Santali language in Jamshedpur

Ol Chiki Script

• Ol Chiki is the indigenous script of the Santali language.
• It was invented in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu.
• The script was created to:

• Preserve Santali identity
• Promote tribal literature and education
• Free the language from dependence on foreign scripts

Key Features

Structural Features

• Total letters: 30
• Nature: Fully phonetic
• Each letter corresponds to one distinct sound

Why is it unique

• Designed specifically for Santali speech patterns
• Avoids ambiguity in pronunciation
• Easy for oral-to-written transition

Cultural Significance

• Strengthened Santali cultural identity
• Encouraged tribal education
• Preserved oral traditions in written form
• Became a symbol of tribal self-respect and autonomy