President Murmu releases Constitution of India in Santhali language

President Droupadi Murmu's release of the first edition of the Constitution of India in the Santhali language marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards linguistic inclusion and tribal empowerment. This initiative is not merely a translation; it is a powerful statement about accessibility, identity, and the democratic principle of reaching every citizen in their own tongue. To truly grasp its importance, we must delve into the historical, constitutional, and social layers that underpin this event.

Historically, India has been a mosaic of languages, with over a thousand distinct tongues spoken across the subcontinent. While the Constitution recognized a select few as official languages, many indigenous and tribal languages, including Santhali, faced challenges in gaining mainstream recognition. The Santhali language, spoken by one of the largest Scheduled Tribe communities in India, primarily in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam, along with Bangladesh and Nepal, has a rich oral tradition. Its journey towards constitutional recognition culminated in the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003, which added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. This was a hard-won battle, reflecting decades of advocacy by Santhali intellectuals and community leaders for their language's rightful place. The adoption of the Ol Chiki script, developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925, as the official script for Santhali, further solidified its identity and paved the way for its use in education and administration.

The event itself saw President Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal President of India and a Santhali herself, release the translated Constitution. Her personal connection to the community amplifies the symbolic weight of this act. Key stakeholders in this initiative include the President's office, the Ministry of Law and Justice (responsible for legal translations and official publications), tribal cultural organizations, and language experts who meticulously worked on the translation. For the Santhali people, this translation is monumental. It empowers them to directly engage with the foundational legal document of their nation, fostering a deeper understanding of their rights, duties, and the framework of Indian governance without relying on translations or interpretations in other languages.

This development holds profound significance for India. Firstly, it strengthens India's commitment to linguistic diversity, a core tenet of its pluralistic democracy. By making the Constitution available in Santhali, the government reaffirms that all recognized languages are valuable and deserve equal respect. Secondly, it enhances constitutional literacy and access to justice for tribal communities. Many Santhali speakers, particularly in rural areas, may not be fluent in Hindi or English, the primary languages of legal discourse. Access to the Constitution in their native language can demystify legal processes, making them more aware of their fundamental rights (Articles 12-35), Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51), and the overall structure of governance. This can lead to greater participation in democratic processes and better protection against exploitation.

Constitutionally, this initiative aligns with several provisions. The Eighth Schedule (Article 344(1) and 351) lists the official languages recognized by the Constitution, a list Santhali joined in 2003. Article 29 protects the interests of minorities, including linguistic minorities, allowing them to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture. Furthermore, the spirit of Article 46, which mandates the State to promote the educational and economic interests of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation, is deeply reflected in this move. Policies like the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA Act), and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA), aim to empower tribal communities; providing the Constitution in their language complements these efforts by enhancing their understanding of their statutory rights and powers.

Looking ahead, this initiative sets a precedent for similar translations into other recognized tribal and regional languages listed in the Eighth Schedule. It could spur greater efforts in promoting education in mother tongues, especially in tribal areas, in line with the National Education Policy 2020 which emphasizes instruction in local languages. The long-term implications include improved governance through better public understanding of laws, stronger cultural preservation efforts for indigenous languages, and greater social cohesion as more communities feel truly represented and included in the national fabric. This move by President Murmu is a powerful step towards a more inclusive and equitable India, where the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity resonate in every language.