Raising sharp questions over the situation on the ground, President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday expressed concern over what she described as obstacles to the unity and progress of the Santhal community while addressing the 9th conference of the International Santhal Council near Bagdogra in Siliguri.
Referring to reports that several people were prevented from attending the gathering, the President said such a situation was not befitting an international conference. “It seems some people do not want the Santhal community to unite, move forward and become stronger,” she remarked, after observing that many who wished to participate were allegedly stopped from entering the venue.
The conference was organised on land belonging to the Airports Authority of India near Bagdogra. At the outset of her address, the President thanked the organisers for inviting her and reflected on the identity, heritage and historical struggles of the Santal community, placing them in the broader context of nearly two and a half centuries of governance and socio-political change in the country.
However, she soon voiced dissatisfaction over the situation at the venue. The President said that while seated on the stage she noticed that many people were trying to enter the conference premises but were being stopped. She added that she had witnessed similar scenes on the roads while travelling to the venue.
“I was sitting and watching how many people were being stopped from entering. I also saw the same situation on the way to the venue. From what I observed, it does not appear to be the atmosphere of an international conference,” she said.
President Murmu also raised concerns about the pace of development in the region. She said she was not convinced that development was taking place in the area in the way it should. Questioning the implementation of welfare initiatives, she asked whether the benefits of government schemes were actually reaching tribal communities and whether they were receiving the facilities meant for them.
The President further emphasised that the sacrifices and contributions of the Santhal community in India’s freedom struggle remain a matter of pride for the nation. She questioned whether, as in several other states, special days are observed here to commemorate and honour the role of tribal communities in the freedom movement.
Highlighting the historical legacy of the Santhals, the President referred to the struggles of the legendary leaders of the Santhal rebellion, Sidhu and Kanhu. She said that the contribution and sacrifices of the tribal community have not yet been adequately documented in mainstream historical narratives.
“Numerous books can be written on the struggles and sacrifices of the Santhal community. But that history has not been adequately brought to the forefront. The time has come to rewrite that history, clearly highlighting how the tribal community sacrificed for the nation,” she said.
President Murmu also referred to the constitutional recognition of the Santhali language and paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, noting that it was during his tenure that the path was paved for granting constitutional status to the language along with the Ol Chiki script.
Stressing the importance of education, she called for the promotion of learning in the Ol Chiki script and encouraged the younger generation of the tribal community to pursue education in multiple languages alongside their mother tongue to widen opportunities for growth and development.
She also raised questions about the availability and effectiveness of residential model schools and other educational institutions meant for tribal students in the region, noting that education plays a crucial role in shaping livelihoods and improving the future prospects of the younger generation.
The President further pointed out that the Santhali language has produced several accomplished writers and literary figures. Many of them, she noted, have been honoured with prestigious recognitions such as the Sahitya Akademi Award as well as national honours like the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. She also expressed regret, questioning what many of them are doing now even after receiving such prestigious honours and recognition.