PM Modi: The publication of the Indian Constitution in Santhali was applauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, who described it as a “commendable effort” that will increase tribal tribes’ understanding of the constitution and their involvement in democracy.

In response to President Droupadi Murmu’s post on X, the Prime Minister replied, “Excellent work! Deepening constitutional knowledge and democratic engagement will be facilitated by the Santhali translation of the Constitution. India takes great pride in the Santhali culture and the way the Santhali people have advanced the country.

The Prime Minister’s comments came after the President, at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, unveiled the Constitution of India in Santhali, written in the Ol Chiki script.

Speaking to the assembly on Thursday, the President expressed optimism that the effort will allow the Santhali people to read and comprehend the Constitution in their own tongue and hailed the event as a source of pride and pleasure for them.

According to President Murmu, having the Constitution available in Santhali will empower indigenous groups by increasing accessibility to the rights, obligations, and values it enshrines. She said that this year is the centennial of the Ol Chiki script and expressed gratitude to the Union Ministry of Law and Justice and its staff for releasing the Santhali version of the Constitution in honor of this significant occasion.

The President stated, “It is a matter of pride and joy for all the Santhali people that the Constitution of India is now available in the Santhali language, written in the Ol Chiki script.” He added that having access to the Constitution in one’s mother tongue improves understanding of the constitution and democratic participation.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan.

The 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003 included the Santhali language to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Spoken by a sizable tribal community in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar, it is one of the oldest languages still in use in India.

Speaking in the local tongue, President Murmu expressed her joy at the publishing of the Indian Constitution in Santhali, describing it as a source of great joy for the whole Santhali people.

She reaffirmed that providing the Constitution in native tongues ensures more inclusion and engagement by bridging the divide between the populace and the country’s democratic system.