A historic and deeply emotional scene unfolded at a grand ceremony marking the centenary of the Ol Chiki script. The event reached a spiritual crescendo when Her Excellency, President Droupadi Murmu, addressed the gathering and invoked her revered deity, 'Jaher Ma.'
As the President began to sing a prayer in Santali, her voice choked with emotion and her eyes welled with tears. The sentiment of her plea—"Shed the light of knowledge upon me..."—transformed the entire atmosphere into one of deep devotion. Her profound connection to her roots, culture and language touched the hearts of everyone present, serving as a powerful testament to her dedication to tribal heritage.
The Prayer To Jaher Ma
The Santali prayer, translated into English, conveys a soul-stirring plea for guidance and strength:
"You are the merciful creator, the Mother of the Earth, the sustainer, and the creator. You are Jaher-Ma. At your lotus feet, with tearful eyes, I make a plea: Please accept my prayer.
O Goddess of Creation, you bestow blessings and remove all sorrow and suffering. You fulfill all wishes and are the redeemer of all. I am in the darkness of ignorance; grant me the light of knowledge and illuminate our path. O Mother Jaher! You are Saraswati, Bhagwati, and Mahalakshmi. Shower your blessings upon us. Soothe my grief-stricken soul and give strength to my melting heart."
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Honor For Veteran Educator Chhotrai Baske
In addition to the spiritual highlights, the ceremony served as a platform to recognise those who have spent their lives preserving the Santali language. President Murmu honored Chhotrai Baske, a retired teacher and resident of Kowali in the Potka block, for his extraordinary contributions to the development and promotion of the Ol Chiki script.
A Legacy Of Service
Literary Leadership: ChhotraiBaske currently serves as the Joint Secretary of the All India Santhali Writers' Association and the Adivasi Sasiya Educational Cultural Association.
Cultural Campaigner: He has led extensive campaigns across Bihar and Jharkhand to bring the OlChiki script into mainstream use.
Social Activist: Beyond education, he has spent 50 years leading a movement to divide the Potka block to establish a new Kowali block, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to social welfare.
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