A commemorative postage stamp on the 100 Years of the Ol Chiki script for the Santali language, developed by Guru Gomke (Pandit Raghunath Murmu) :
Issued by India
Issued on Feb 16, 2026
Issued for : The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a commemorative postage stamp to mark the centenary of the Ol Chiki script, honouring its creator and celebrating this distinctive cultural legacy, while reaffirming the nation’s commitment to linguistic diversity and inclusive cultural heritage.
Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Ms. Nenu Gupta
Type : Stamp, Mint Condition
Colour : Multi Colour
Denomination : 500 Paise
Stamps Printed : 202800
Printing Process : Wet Offset
Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad
Name : Raghunath Murmu
Born on 5 May, 1905 at Dandbose, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, India
Died on 1 Feb, 1982
About :
- The Ol Chiki script, developed in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, represents a landmark achievement in India’s tradition of indigenous linguistic innovation. Born on 5 May 1905 in Dandbose village of Mayurbhanj (present-day Odisha), Pandit Raghunath Murmu was deeply concerned by the absence of an independent and scientific script for the Santali language. Motivated by this need, he devised Ol Chiki as a structured and phonetic writing system capable of accurately reflecting the linguistic character of Santali. Through this script, he authored plays, songs, textbooks, and teaching materials that enabled literacy and cultural awareness among the masses. Revered as Guru Gomke, he emerged as a pioneer of cultural revival and intellectual self-expression. He passed away on 1 February 1982, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
- Before the introduction of Ol Chiki, Santali – one of India’s largest tribal languages – was predominantly sustained through oral traditions and written using Bengali, Odia, or Roman scripts. The invention of Ol Chiki provided Santali with an independent identity and ensured clear representation of its phonetic structure. The script was formally presented for the first time at the Mayurbhanj State Exhibition in 1939, marking an important milestone in its wider recognition and acceptance.
- From the mid-twentieth century onwards, Ol Chiki became a powerful medium for literary, educational, and cultural advancement. Writers, teachers, artists, and cultural activists adopted it as a symbol of dignity, self-respect, and modernization. The script facilitated the publication of novels, poetry, grammar books, children’s literature, magazines, and theatrical works, while also strengthening efforts to document folklore and oral traditions. These sustained developments ultimately contributed to the inclusion of the Santali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India through the 92nd Constitutional (Amendment) Act on 22 December 2003.
- Beyond its linguistic function, the Ol Chiki script has played a vital role in reinforcing cultural identity, community confidence, and knowledge traditions across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and other regions. Today, it is widely used in education, research, public signage, cultural festivals, and institutional emblems, serving as a living symbol of Santali heritage.
- Text : Based on the content provided by the Ministry of Culture.
