Baripada (Odisha): President Drarubathi Murmu appealed to the writers to continue creating awareness in the society through their writings.
President Draupathi Murmu attended the inaugural function of the 36th Annual Conference and Literary Festival of All India Santhali Writers Association held at Paripada, Odisha today. Addressing the event, the President praised the writers and researchers who are contributing to the Santhali language and literature. He mentioned that All India Santhali Writers Association has been promoting Santhali language since its establishment in 1988. He said that after its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution on December 22, 2003, the use of Santali in government and non-government sectors has increased. He recalled that Santali language was included in the Eighth Schedule during the regime of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
During the freedom struggle, President Drabupati Murmu said that many writers had shown the way for our national movement and asked the writers to continue creating awareness in the society through their writings. He also mentioned that creating awareness among the tribal community is an important task. He added that only through continuous awareness can we create a strong, vigilant society.
He said that language and literature are the delicate threads that bind the nation together and that literature is enriched by extensive exchanges between different languages through translations. Mentioning that Santali language readers should also be introduced to other language literature through translation, he pointed out that such efforts are needed to reach Santali literature to other language readers.
President Drarubathi Murmu said that anyone can become a good reader by doing self-study from childhood. He highlighted the need to create entertaining and comprehensible children’s literature. The President said that emphasis should be given to creating interesting children’s literature not only in Santali literature but in all Indian languages.
