Rourkela, Dec. 5: Jharkhand governor Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the Seventh International Santhali Conference here today.

In her short inaugural speech in Santhali language, Murmu said the scope of the language should be widened. She said: "The Santhals' language and culture have been recognised widely. We must be proud of it."

However, Murmu also said that much was needed to be done to take the language to people. "Those who do not speak Santhali must understand the richness of the language," she said.

Murmu, a native of Odisha - who belongs to the Santhal tribe, said: "In the age of rapid change and social media, time has come to accept the challenges and ensure that the vibrant Santhali language reaches all."

Union tribal welfare minister Jual Oram, who was also present at the event, spoke about the richness of the language. "The language found a place in the Eighth Schedule of our constitution when I was in the same ministry in 2003," said Oram.

The minister said his department would do everything possible for the development of the language. "Santhals are amongst one of the oldest tribes. Efforts must be initiated to bring their language closer to new-age speakers," said Oram.

Among others, president of the International Santhali Council Prithvi Majhi, who is also an MLA in Assam, were present. Majhi spoke about various programmes being undertaken by the council.

"This is one of the oldest languages of the world. Santhali also has some resemblance with Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages," he said.

Santhali council secretary-general Fagu Soren said: "It is a matter of pride for all of us that the conference is being held for the first time in Odisha."