Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s Home to Become Memorial Pilgrimage Site: Odisha CM

Bhubaneswar, May 12 : In a historic announcement, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared that the residence of Guru Gomke Pandit Raghunath Murmu in the Danda Bose area of Mayurbhanj district will be transformed into a memorial pilgrimage site to honor his enduring legacy. The Samadhi Peeth of the revered inventor of the Ol Chiki script will also be developed into a grand historical memorial.

The announcement came during the centenary celebration of the invention of the Ol Chiki script and the 120th birth anniversary of Pandit Murmu, held at Mahuldiha in Mayurbhanj. The Chief Minister announced that the 100th year of the Ol Chiki script would be observed statewide for an entire year, accompanied by an international seminar to promote the Santali language globally.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to the preservation and promotion of tribal culture, CM Majhi unveiled a ₹50-crore cultural development package. This includes the establishment of the Ol Chiki Library in Baripada, a Pandit Raghunath Murmu Open Theatre-Museum, and a heritage building at Murmu’s former workplace.

“Pandit Murmu’s life was not just that of an individual—he was a movement, a consciousness, a craft, and a culture of knowledge,” Majhi said. He added that the centenary celebration is not just a tribute to a genius but a larger campaign to safeguard the Santali language and identity.

Highlighting ongoing initiatives, the Chief Minister stated that the government has integrated the Santali language into primary education, developed textbooks, trained teachers, and is working to create dedicated language development centers. “We are advancing this legacy with a strong institutional framework,” he noted.

Majhi also emphasized the need for cultural pride and unity: “Murmu’s invention was not merely about words—it was about identity. It gave voice to a people and preserved their cultural ethos.”

To further honor Pandit Murmu’s contributions, a medical college has been established in his name. Plans are also underway to open more research and educational institutions dedicated to Santali studies and literature.

At the event, Odisha Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj paid tribute by saying, “Guru Gomke was like a flower whose fragrance continues to linger even after it has withered.”

The Chief Minister presented the prestigious Guru Gomke International Award to renowned Santali language researcher Chunda Soren, along with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. Honours were also bestowed upon Pandit Murmu’s descendant Chuniyan Murmu and Padma Shri awardee and acclaimed Santali writer Dr. Damayanti Beshra.

A commemorative souvenir celebrating the life and contributions of Pandit Raghunath Murmu was also unveiled, marking a significant step in keeping his legacy alive for future generations.