Raghunath Murmu

Pandit Raghunath Murmu (May 5 1905 – 1 February 1982) was an Indian Santali writer and educator, best known as the inventor of the Ol Chiki script used in Santali language.
As well as books of his songs and plays, Murmu also wrote school text books in the Ol Chiki script.
Early life.
Raghunath Murmu was born in Dandbose village 6.4 km from Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj State (now in Odisha) on 5 or 18 May 1905 (Baisat Kunami). His father, Nandlal Murmu, was village head and his paternal uncle was Munsi in the court of King Pratap Chandra Bhanjdeo. In 1912, he started his education at the Odia-language Gambharia Primary School, 3 km from his village. During his studies he wondered why was the school not operating in the language in which he spoke, Santali. In 1914, he was admitted to Bahalda Primary School, 7 km from his village. In high school at Baripada, he wanted to go Kapi Buru for secret research. In 1925, he created the Ol Chiki script at Kapi Buru.
He passed 10th exam in 1928 from Patna University and married Nuha Baskey. Then he started job at Baripada Power House as an apprentice. After completing his apprenticeship, he went to Kolkata for Technical Education. After completing his education, he enrolled at Baripada College as a teacher and he also joined Badamtalia Primary School.
The first book printed in Ol Chiki was Bindu Chandan, Kherwarbir, Hital (Geet Granth), Sidu Kanhu Hool(Drama). 1st Weekly Magazine was “Sagen Sakam”. In 1942, Swadeshi Andolon Pandit Raghunath Murmu campaign about Ol Chiki script.
On 22 December 2003, Santal language secured a place in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution.
Murmu passed away on 2 February 1982.
Honours.
Murmu was honoured by Mayurbhanj State Adivasi Mahasabha with the title "Guru Gomke" (the great teacher).
In honour of his creation of the Ol Chiki script, every year full moon day on the month of May which is popularly called as "Guru Kunami", "Guru Purnima" and "Basant Kunami" is being observed as an "optional holiday" as birthday of Pandit Raghunath Murmu Declared by the Odisha C.M. in 2016. Pandit Raghunath Murmu was honoured by Mayurbhanj State Adivasi Mahasabha with the title "Guru Gomke" (The Great Teacher).