President Murmu Flags Slow Development for Santals in North Bengal, Urges Empowerment

• President Droupadi Murmu expressed concern over the slow pace of development reaching Santals and other adivasis in North Bengal.
• She highlighted the significant historical contributions of Santal ancestors like Tilka Majhi, Sido-Kanhu, and Chand-Bhairav, whose names were often excluded from history.
• Murmu noted obstacles in organizing the International Santal Conference, suggesting some do not want Santals to progress or unite.
• She praised the inclusion of Santali in the Eighth Schedule (2003) and the invention of the Ol Chiki script by Pandit Raghunath Murmu.
• The President urged Santal youth to pursue education and skill development while preserving their language, culture, and unity.