Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday released the Santhali-Odia-English dictionary published by the Academy of Tribal Languages and Culture (ATLC) at Naveen Niwas here. In addition, 21 additional textbooks for the primary classes of Soura, Kui, Kuvi, Gondi and Munda languages have also been launched.
The Chief Minister told the representatives of tribal communities present on the occasion that this dictionary will further enrich Santhali language and create interest among others to learn Santhali language.
Additional textbooks for primary education will be particularly useful for students. The Chief Minister thanked the Santhali linguists, researchers and the ATLC for their dedicated work.
It is worth mentioning that eminent Santhali linguist Chaitanya Prasad Majhi prepared this dictionary. He was assisted by linguists of the Santhali language. Santhali language has been included in the eighth schedule of our Constitution.
Efforts are underway at the government level to publish dictionaries in other tribal languages in addition to Santhali.
The department is working on the preparation of additional primary textbooks in 11 tribal languages. These will be made available online by the department for the public to create interest and awareness on tribal literature and culture.
The government is taking steps to conduct certificate courses in various tribal languages.
The Chief Minister informed that Language Labs will be established in every district. He said that this would create an opportunity to conduct more research on tribal language literature and culture.
5T Secretary VK Pandian was present during the programme.
Participating in the programme ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Minister Jagannath Saraka enlightened on the steps being taken by the government for the promotion of tribal language, literature and culture.
While departmental Commissioner-cum-Secretary Roopa Roshan Sahoo gave the welcome address, Director of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) Indramani Tripathi offered the vote of thanks.
Santhali linguist Chaitanya Prasad Majhi along with representatives of Kui, Kuvi, Gondi and Munda tribes were present in the programme.
