Tata Steel Foundation Honored with Ol Chiki Award

President Murmu Recognizes Foundation’s Work in Santali Language Preservation

Key Points:

• Foundation receives Ol Chiki Centenary Award from President Murmu
• Program reaches 45,000 learners across five states since 2011
• Recognition highlights 14 years of tribal language preservation efforts

JAMSHEDPUR – Tata Steel Foundation received the Ol Chiki Centenary Award from President Droupadi Murmu for its contributions to Santali language preservation across multiple states.

The award ceremony took place on December 29, 2025. It marked the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script. The event was organized by the All India Santali Writers’ Association.

President Murmu presided over the function as chief guest. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar attended the ceremony. Chief Minister Hemant Soren was also present at the event.

D B Sundara Ramam represented the foundation as director. Moreover, Sourav Roy attended as chief executive officer. They received the award on behalf of the organization.

The award recognizes the foundation’s dedication to Ol Chiki script promotion. It honors the legacy of Pandit Raghunath Murmu. He created the Ol Chiki script a century ago.

President Murmu conferred awards on 12 individuals during the main ceremony. The foundation later facilitated recognition for over 60 contributors. These individuals have promoted the Santali language significantly.

“This recognition affirms the collective effort behind the work,” Roy said. He emphasized the commitment of field teams. The Santhal community’s engagement has kept the language alive.

The foundation’s Ol Chiki education program began in 2011. It has expanded through partnerships with community organizations. Gram Sabhas and School Management Committees facilitate learner mobilization.

The initiative currently operates 966 learning centers across five states. These states include Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal and Assam. The program has reached over 45,000 language learners in total.

More than 20,000 learners study Santali through Ol Chiki script. The foundation maintains strong community ownership through local participation. Field teams work in challenging contexts to preserve tribal languages.

The recognition highlights the foundation’s sustained work in tribal identity preservation. Indigenous knowledge systems remain central to the program. However, the initiative extends beyond language to cultural expression.

The President’s visit to Jamshedpur underscored the national importance of tribal language preservation. The award ceremony followed extensive preparations at Jahrasthan. Security arrangements were finalized through multiple mock drills.

The foundation’s work spans 14 years of continuous engagement. It represents collaboration between institutional support and community participation. The program strengthens intergenerational transmission of indigenous scripts.