AIOSU to launch 'padayatra' to promote Santhali as second language

Baripada, Apr 9 (UNI) The All Indian OL-Chiki Students Union(AIOSU) decided to launch a 'padayatra' from Rairangpur to Bhubaneswar on May 17 in recognition of Santhali as second language in the state.

AIOSU General Secretary Kaluram Murmu today said altogether 50 activists would traverse the 350-km-long stretch through the major districts and the Kolkata-Chennai National Highway 5, to reach the state capital.

The AIOSU, he said, would submit a memorandum to Orissa Governor Rameswar Thakur highlighting their long standing demands including introduction of Santali language to be taught in all primary schools in Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar and Sundargarh districts.

The memorandum also demanded the recognition of Santali as second state language in Orissa, constitution of Santali language Board and Santali Sahitya Academy in Orissa, appointment of Contractual Santali Lectures in all the colleges under the North Orissa University and inclusion of Santhal's important festivals 'Baha' and 'Saharai' as state government holidays.

Mr Murmu said the union would chalk-out a fresh agitational programme after the padayatra to realise the demands.

UNI