Pandit Raghunath Murmu created the “Adivasi
Socio-Educational and Cultural Association (ASECA) in 1960 to promote santali
script “Ol-Chiki”, santali culture, santali traditions etc. A dynamic force that
is striving to uphold the rich cultural heritage and empower the indigenous
communities that have long inhabited the region. The Adivasi Socio-Educational
and Cultural Association (ASECA) stands as a testament to the resilience,
determination, and unity of the Adivasi people. Through its multifaceted
initiatives, ASECA is carving a path towards a brighter future while honouring
the past.
Adivasi :
Original Inhabitants
The term “Adivasi” translates to “original inhabitants,”
reflecting the indigenous status of these communities. Spread across different
regions of India, Adivasi communities boast distinct languages, cultural
practices, and spiritual beliefs that have evolved over centuries. Despite
their deep connection to the land and their valuable contributions to society,
Adivasi populations have often faced marginalization, economic disparities, and
limited access to educational opportunities.
History :
Origin Of ASECA
The movement to promote Ol-Chiki spread widely. The scale of
the movement was more in West Bengal. So we see that the West Bengal government
considered Ol-Chiki script suitable for the Santali language and recognized it
in principle on two dates in June 1979. However, it can be said that the local
language or provincial many people could
not accept Ol-Chiki script due to being used to the script of the language. A
storm of controversy arose. Although there are many debates about the script
among the Santals, this much can be said, Raghunath Murmu was not a linguist.
But his knowledge about language and phonetics had more direct knowledge than
others.
Vision :
To Preserving Language, Culture and Traditions
When Raghunath was in school as a child, it was very
difficult for him to study in the Oriya language. It raises questions in his mind as to why he
is not getting the opportunity to study in his mother tongue. He came to know that he is not getting the opportunity
to read his mother tongue because he does not have the script of his mother
tongue. Since then, the idea of
inventing a script for the Santali language came to his mind. In fact, like Sadhu Ramchand Murmu, Pandit Raghunath
Murmu also understood that the development of a nation is impossible without
the development of literature and its own script is absolutely necessary for
the development of literature. So he
stared work hard to create the Santali script and in 1925 Pandit Raghunath
Murmu finally invented the script of santali language and named it ‘Ol-Chiki’.
Missionaries were Christian missionaries. They connected
with the Santal community in the interest of evangelization. Under their patronage, the educated Santals
who were Christians, became familiar with the Roman script and practiced
writing and reading the Santali language in that script. A few lakhs of Santals outside the small
number of Christians and educated communities did not have any problem with the
script of the Santali language, because their contact with schools and colleges
was very poor. Later, when education
spread among them little by little, the Santal students of Bengali, Bihar,
Odisha who took the lessons of their mother tongue through the script of the
local language i.e. Bengali in Bengal, Devanagari in Bihar, Oriya in
Odisha.
Then in 1925, Raghunath Murmu invented the ‘Ol-Chiki’ script
for Santali. In 1938, Ol-Chiki developed
a wood printing machine for expansion.
At a meeting in Baripada in February 1939, Pandit Raghunath Murmu
brought the printing machine of
“Ol-Chiki” to the public. From here the ‘Ol-Chiki’ campaign was actually
begins. Pandit Raghunath Murmu got the support of Jamshedpur “Kherwal Zarpa
Samiti”. Pandit Raghunath Murmu went to the “Swadeshi Type Foundry in Kolkata”
and made the type of ‘Ol-Chiki’. Under
the initiative of Muniram Baskey, ‘Chadan Press’ was established and the
publication of Ol-Chiki script started in small phase.
After that Pandit Raghunath Murmu created the “Adivasi Socio-Educational
and Cultural Association” (ASECA) in
1960 to promote Ol-Chiki. This organization spread in Odisha, Bihar, West
Bengal and Assam. Along with the vision of preserving the language, traditions,
and cultural heritage of Santal community.
The roots of ASECA can be traced back to a shared vision
among Adivasi leaders and activists. Recognizing the need to protect and
promote their unique identity, as well as to bridge the educational gap
prevalent within their communities, ASECA was founded. The association’s
overarching mission revolves around three key pillars:
1.
Cultural Preservation: ASECA takes pride in preserving santal
cultural practices, traditions, and languages. By celebrating festivals,
organizing cultural events, and documenting oral histories, ASECA ensures that
these vital elements of identity are not lost to the currents of time.
2.
Education Empowerment: Education is a cornerstone of social
progress, and ASECA is committed to breaking down barriers to learning for santali
youth. Through scholarships, mentorship programs, and the establishment of
educational institutions, ASECA is opening doors to a brighter future for young
minds.
3.
Community Development: ASECA recognizes that holistic
development goes beyond cultural preservation and education. The association is
actively involved in initiatives related to healthcare, livelihood improvement,
and environmental conservation within santal communities.
4.
Advocacy and Rights: ASECA is a vocal advocate for the rights of santal communities.
The organization works tirelessly to ensure that santal have access to basic amenities,
additionally ASECA lobbies for policies that address land rights and social
justice issues, aiming to create a more equitable environment for Santal
populations.
Publication
: Written Books Of Pandit Raghunath Murmu
He conceived the Ol-Chiki script in accordance with those
phonetic features. It is not impossible that there may be some errors in his
plan but they need to be corrected and that can only be done under the kind
advice of linguists. Pandit Raghunath
did not stop at inventing Ol-Chiki script to spread proper education of Santal
race. The children wrote about the
future of the nation, with a compassionate mind and with special educational
ideas and imagination in the illustrated children’s text book “All Chemed”.
Swadeshi foundry’s own wooden type began printing first. He made the wooden blocks himself. The blocks themselves are carved with art
forms of familiar animals or landscapes.
Sheep fighting, fox-goat wits fight, mice and jackals, old man teaching
archery to grandson, flying kites, moonlit night, beautiful nature at dawn etc.
He has depicted on wooden blocks with amazing artistry.
·
The book “All Above” is also a children’s
book. A set of eternal truths or natural
laws written to suit child psychology.
“Parsi Poha” is the primary form of Ol-Chiki script.
·
The emergence of the Ol-Chiki script in the
“Parsi Apat”-book.
·
Health is the wealth for the development of the
nation—this philanthropic idea is beautifully depicted in his play “Dare Ge
Dhan”.
·
For children’s mathematics education written in
Ol-Chiki script, addition-subtraction, multiplication and division etc. Is
included in the book “Elkha”.
·
“Persi Itun” is the English teaching book
written by him.
·
Pandit Raghunath Murmu wrote a simple grammar
book “Ranarh” for learning the basics of Santali grammar. In this book, he has
said some similarities between Santali language and Sanskrit language.
·
“Bankher”
the book about the birth-death-marriage policies of Santals.
·
The self-inquiry and motivational progress of
the entire Santal race is depicted in the book “Raag Andorh”.
·
“We were born first, why are we lagging behind
now” – Pandit Raghunath Murmu wants to take the people of the tribe to the
roots of their own national beliefs. He
wrote the play “Kherwal Veer” so that the developing Santal nation, through the
audio-visual form of his play, could get the inspiration of mass struggle – on
the path of future generations.
·
“Sidhu-Kanhu” play is about the heroic aspect of
the historical struggle led by Sidhu-Kanhu to protect the traditions of Santal
society.
·
The play “Bidu-Chandan” is a very popular work
of his. Published in Oriya in 1942,
Bengali in 1948 and Ol-Chiki script in 1952.
Pandit Raghunath himself staged this play.
·
Pandit Raghunath Murmu's didactic hymn book
“Lakchar”.
·
“Hital” is an epic of Santal which was published
in three volumes.
Impact : On
Culture, Traditions and Society
The impact of ASECA’s initiatives extends far beyond the santal
communities it serves. By promoting inclusivity, understanding, and
appreciation of Adivasi culture, ASECA contributes to the cultural diversity
that enriches the tapestry of Indian society. Moreover, the educational
programs initiated by ASECA not only empower individuals but also contribute to
the socio-economic growth of the regions they operate in.
Challenges
and Future Prospects
ASECA operates in an environment that poses various
challenges, including limited resources, infrastructural gaps, and the need for
continuous advocacy for the rights of Adivasi communities. However, the
association’s successes are a testament to the dedication and passion of its
members, who work tirelessly to overcome these obstacles.
Looking ahead, ASECA’s roadmap includes expanding its reach,
strengthening its educational infrastructure, and collaborating with
governmental and non-governmental organizations to amplify its impact. By
leveraging technology, partnerships, and the global movement towards cultural
preservation, ASECA is poised to create lasting change for santal communities.
Last
Words
The Adivasi Socio-Educational and Cultural Association
(ASECA) stands as a beacon of hope, not only for Adivasi communities but for
all those who value cultural diversity, education, and inclusive development.
Through its unwavering commitment, ASECA is redefining the narrative for
indigenous communities in India, fostering a future where ancient wisdom and
modern progress coexist harmoniously.
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