Jamshedpur, Dec. 22: The Santhali-speaking community in the steel city today celebrated the first anniversary of the inclusion of Santhali in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Various programmes were organised by social and cultural organisations to mark the day. Santhali, the oldest tribal language, was included in the Eight Schedule with the 100th amendment on December 22 last year. The All-India Santhali Education Council (AISEC) and Santhali Bhasha Morcha celebrated the first anniversary as Parsi Maha (language festival) at the Adivasi Youth Club in Karandih.

Chief guest Arjun Marandi, examination controller of AISEC, inaugurated the function. Marandi said the inclusion of Santhali was a triumph for of every member of the community. ?Since 1980, we have been fighting for our mother tongue under the guidance of former MP Salkhan Murmu and after years of struggle we achieved success,? said Marandi. He said AISEC is dedicated to the promotion of Santhali education all over the country. He added that the council recently conducted examinations for tribal youths at LBSM College and thousands of youths took the test.

?Our objective is to popularise this language in our education system. So, the council thought an examination for primary-, middle- and matriculation-level students in Santhali with Ol-chiki script could be the first step,? said Marandi.

However, he added that the council is waiting for the Union human resource development ministry to giving recognition to the syllabus that caters to the need of students of the primary, middle and secondary school level.

The examination controller said the council intends to conduct the examinations from next year in Bihar, Assam, Bangladesh and Nepal, where the presence of tribal population is significant. It also has plans to extend affiliation to other educational institutions and set up its own study centres in tribal-dominated states. A cultural show was also organised.

Sonaram Soren, president of Santhali Bhasha Morcha said the induction of Santhali language in the Eighth Schedule was a historic event for tribals. ?Now, we have to create pressure on the government to declare Santhali as the state language,? said Soren.