Jamshedpur, Dec. 19: Santhalis not just from the state, but from Santhali-speaking areas from across the country and neighbouring countries too, like Bangladesh and Nepal, will be part of the celebrations of the second anniversary of the inclusion of the language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution.

A big function will be organised to mark the occasion at Jaipal Maidan in Karandih, Jamshedpur, on December 22.

Chairman of Akhil Bharatiya Santhali Bhasa Morcha (ABSBM) Salkhan Murmu said it?s the first time celebrations will be held, as last year they had missed out on it due to the Assembly elections.

Bodo MP, U.K.Brahma, Delhi University professor Dr Ramesh Bharadwaj and vice-chancellor Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh, Dr Bahura Ekka will be present as guests of honour. Murmu added that they will felicitate all those who fought hard to get the language included in the schedule.

They will also honour those who have done commendable work for Ho, Munda, Kudurukh and Khadia languages.

He pointed out that the Bodo and Santhali languages were the first tribal languages to be included in the Constitution. Murmu reminded that the ABSBM was set up in 1992 with the one point agenda of fighting to include the Santhali language in the Constitution and decades of struggles and agitation had finally borne fruits.

The former MP pointed out that soon after the inclusion of the language in the Constitution, the All India Santhali Education Council was set up with him as its chairperson. He added that for the first time in December 2004, matriculation examinations in the language were held and more than 1500 students sat for it from all over the country.

This year the numbers are expected to increase to 1,800.

Those who fared well in last years examinations will be given certificates on the 23rd and 24th of December.

Murmu who had announced yesterday that the Adivasi Adhikar Morcha and the Left parties will stage a series of anti government agitation revealed plans for holding an All India Sarna Religion Convention on December 23 at the same venue. The issues on discussions will be like the inclusion of the Sarna religion under Article 25(1) of the Indian Constitution and in the 2011 census.

The plans extend further, with December 24 kept reserved for celebrating as the foundation day of the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA), where legislator Bandhu Tirkey will address the issue of implementation of PESA.

Murmu said it was on December 24, 1996, the President of India gave his nod to PESA and so far eight states have already conducted elections under the act but Jharkhand is still to hold elections. Murmu said if panchayat elections, if held, would see the election of 4544 tribal chiefs, 112 tribal chairperson of bodies and in 12 district councils, tribals would hold the fort.