Potka's retired teacher Chhotrai Baske honored by the President.
Jagran correspondent, Jamshedpur. The grand ceremony organized to commemorate 100 years of Olchiki script in Karandih witnessed a historic and extremely emotional moment.
During the programme, when Her Excellency President Draupadi Murmu remembered her adored 'Jaher Maa' from the stage, her heart choked and her eyes became moist. As soon as His Majesty started singing the prayer with tearful eyes with the sentiments of 'Spill the light of knowledge on me...', the whole atmosphere became devotional.
The President's deep dedication and sincere prayer towards his culture, language and roots touched the hearts of the people present there. The Hindi version of Vandana sung in Santali is as follows.
you are a merciful creator
you are mother of the earth
you are the obvious mother
at your lotus feet
Please accept my request.
O goddess of creation
You are the cause of everyone's sorrow,
remover of everyone's sorrow
you fulfill all our wishes
you save the fallen
I am in the darkness of ignorance,
grant me the light of knowledge
Illuminate our dark path!
Shower us with rays of blessings.
shine upon me the light of knowledge
Soothe my bereaved soul.
Provide strength to my melting heart.
Infuse strength in me.
Potka's retired teacher Chhotrai Baske honored
Chhotrai Baske, a resident of Kowali of Potka block, was honored by President Draupadi Murmu during a grand function organized at Karandih, Jamshedpur. Retired teacher Baske was given this honor for his remarkable contribution in the development and propagation of Santali language script ‘Ol Chiki’.
In this program organized to commemorate 100 years of Ol Chiki Lipi, his decades of struggle and dedication were appreciated. Chhotrai Baske is currently active as Joint Secretary in All India Santhali Writer's Association and Adivasi Sasiya Educational Cultural Association.
He had launched a massive campaign to spread the Ol Chiki script to the masses in various areas of Bihar and Jharkhand.
Along with language, Basque has also been a leader in social service. They have been agitating for the last 50 years demanding the formation of a new Kowali block by dividing the Potka block.