2026 - Pandit Raghunath Murmu | Commemorative Coin

A commemorative coin of ₹100 will be issued on the occasion of 100 years of Ol Chiki Script by Pandit Raghunath Murmu. The Ministry of Finance has issued the gazette notification on February 9, 2026.

Pandit Raghunath Murmu (1905–1982), respectfully known as Guru Gomke, was a pioneering scholar, social reformer, and cultural visionary of the Santhal community. He devoted his life to the preservation and promotion of Santhali language, literature, and indigenous identity at a time when tribal cultures were often ignored or misunderstood. His work laid a strong foundation for linguistic self-expression and cultural pride among the Santhal people spread across eastern and northeastern India.

His most significant contribution was the creation of the Ol Chiki script in 1925 for the Santhali language. Prior to this, Santhali existed largely as an oral language or was written using scripts that could not adequately represent its unique sounds and structure. Ol Chiki was thoughtfully designed to reflect the natural phonetics of Santhali, making reading and writing easier and more meaningful for native speakers. The script soon became a powerful symbol of cultural assertion and intellectual independence.

Pandit Raghunath Murmu firmly believed that education rooted in one’s own language was essential for true empowerment. To this end, he authored numerous books, primers, poems, and plays in Ol Chiki, using literature as a means to spread awareness, moral values, and social consciousness. His writings helped transform Santhali from a purely spoken language into a vibrant written tradition and encouraged widespread literacy within the community.

Beyond his linguistic achievements, Murmu was deeply committed to social reform and cultural revival. He encouraged rational thinking, unity, and self-respect while urging the community to preserve its traditions in a rapidly changing world. Through his ideas and initiatives, he inspired generations to embrace modern education without abandoning their cultural roots.

Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s enduring legacy is evident in the continued use of Ol Chiki, its growing presence in education and literature, and the eventual recognition of Santhali as one of India’s scheduled languages. He is remembered not merely as the creator of a script, but as a visionary who gave voice to an entire community. His life and work remain a powerful reminder that linguistic and cultural diversity are central to the strength and richness of the nation.