Honoring the Legacy of Pandit Raghunath Murmu: Preserving Santali Heritage

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday commemorated the birth anniversary of renowned Santali writer and educator Pandit Raghunath Murmu, paying tribute to his monumental contributions to Santali culture.

Murmu, celebrated for developing the 'Alchiki' script, which provided the Santali language its own written form, has left an indelible legacy in the linguistic world. Until Murmu's pioneering work in the 19th century, Santali was a spoken language only.

To honor his contributions, Banerjee announced that the West Bengal government would observe a public holiday on Murmu's birth anniversary. Furthermore, she highlighted initiatives such as naming a college after Murmu, showcasing the lasting impact of his work on the Santali community.

(With inputs from agencies.)