Kolkata: The contributions of the Santal community to India’s freedom struggle have not received due recognition, President Draupadi Murmu said on Saturday, asserting that many legendary figures were “deliberately not included in history”.
Speaking at the 9th International Santal Congress in Siliguri, West Bengal, she recalled: “It is a matter of pride for the Santal community that our ancestor, Tilka Majhi, raised the banner of revolution against exploitation nearly 240 years ago. Nearly 60 years after his revolution, the brave brothers Sidhu-Kanhu and Chand-Bairav, along with the brave sisters Phulu-Janu, led the Santhal Hall in 1855.”
“But I know how much the Santals have contributed to the country,” Murmu said. “Baba Tilka Majhi, Sidhu Kanhu, Chand Bhairav, and there are others whose names are not recorded in history. I think if their names are included, the entire history will be full of their names. But their names are not included deliberately. Even today, history wants their names. But why are you afraid and walking behind?”
She praised the courage of the Santals, saying: “You are their ancestors, but I do not think you are Santals; you have Santal blood running in your veins. Santals do not like inferiority. They fight against inferiority; they are brave and belong to a brave community.”
Highlighting the ongoing challenges, the President questioned the pace of development in some areas, adding: “I don’t think the Santals and other Adivasis in this region are progressing. I don’t think you are getting the benefits of development.”
She also pointed out the obstacles to organizing such gatherings, noting, “When I came here to attend this international conference, I realized that there are those who do not want this meeting to take place. It seems that some do not want the Santals to advance, to learn and to unite to be strong.”
Pointing out the major milestones in Santali identity, Murmu said, “The year 2003 will always be remembered in the history of the Santali community. That year, the Santali language was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Last year, on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Constitution written in Santali in the first Czech script was promulgated.”
Paying tribute to Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the inventor of the First Czech script, she said: “In 1925, Pandit Raghunath Murmu invented the First Czech script. His contributions provided Santali speakers with a new opportunity for expression. He also composed plays like Bidu Chandan, Khairwal Veer, Dilig Dan and Sidhu Kanhu – Santal Hall. In this way, he spread the light of literature and social awareness within the Santali community.”
She urged Santals to learn other languages while remaining rooted in their own language.
Regarding the cultural and social responsibilities of tribal communities, Murmu said: “The tribes have preserved their music, dances and folk traditions for centuries. They have maintained a sensitivity towards nature, which has been passed on from generation to generation. The lesson of preserving nature must be passed on to future generations.”
She stressed the balance between tradition and modern development. “Beside preserving folk traditions and environment, our tribal communities must embrace modern development and move forward on the journey of progress. I am confident that people of tribal communities, including the Santal community, will set an example of harmony between progress and nature.”
Emphasizing the importance of education and empowerment, the President said, “Tribal youth must progress through education and skill development. But in all these efforts, they must not forget their roots. We must resolve to preserve our language and culture, give priority to education and maintain unity and brotherhood in society. This will help us in building an empowered society and a strong India.”
This article was generated from an automated news feed without any modifications to the text.
