Digamber Hansda: The Padma Shri Scholar Who Dedicated His Life to the Santali Language

India’s cultural richness lies in the diversity of its people, languages, and traditions. Among the individuals who devoted their lives to preserving this heritage, Digamber Hansda occupies a special place. A respected academic, translator, educationist, and tribal activist, Hansda worked tirelessly to promote the Santali language and improve educational opportunities for tribal communities across eastern India.

His lifelong commitment to language preservation, education, and social upliftment earned him the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2018. Although his work was primarily centered in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, its impact continues to influence the recognition and development of indigenous languages throughout the country.

Early Life and Education

Digamber Hansda was born on 16 October 1939 in Dobhapani village near Ghatshila in present-day Jharkhand. Coming from a humble farming family, he understood the challenges faced by rural and tribal communities from an early age. Like many children in tribal villages during that period, he balanced education with agricultural responsibilities.

Despite limited resources, Hansda remained committed to his studies. He completed his schooling at Rajdoha Middle School and Manpur High School before pursuing higher education in Political Science. He earned his graduate degree in 1963 and completed his postgraduate studies in 1965 from Bihar University, now known as Ranchi University. His education laid the foundation for a career dedicated to public service and tribal development.

Beginning of a Remarkable Career

Hansda began his professional journey as Secretary of the TISCO Adivasi Cooperative Society during the early 1960s. The organization focused on creating employment opportunities for tribal youth by providing vocational training and skill development.

Later, he joined Bharat Sevashram Sangh, where he became actively involved in establishing educational institutions in rural areas surrounding Jamshedpur. These schools brought quality education closer to tribal communities that previously had very limited access to formal learning.

His work demonstrated that education could become one of the strongest tools for social empowerment.

Champion of the Santali Language

Perhaps Digamber Hansda’s greatest contribution was his unwavering dedication to the Santali language.

Santali is one of India’s major tribal languages, spoken by millions across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and neighbouring countries. For decades, however, it received limited institutional support.

Hansda became one of the pioneers working to change this reality.

He played a crucial role in introducing Santali as a medium of instruction in colleges and educational institutions. He also helped develop undergraduate and postgraduate curricula in the language, ensuring that students could pursue higher education in their mother tongue.

As a founding member of the Santhal Sahitya Akademi, he encouraged literary development, promoted indigenous writers, and supported the preservation of tribal folklore.

Preserving Tribal Heritage

Understanding that oral traditions were disappearing rapidly, Hansda travelled extensively through villages in Potka, Ghatshila, and surrounding regions.

He collected:

• Traditional folk songs
• Folk tales
• Oral histories
• Cultural narratives
• Indigenous knowledge

These efforts helped preserve invaluable aspects of Santhal heritage that might otherwise have been lost to future generations.

Rather than treating tribal traditions as relics of the past, Hansda believed they represented living knowledge systems deserving equal recognition alongside mainstream literature.

Translation and Language Development

Digamber Hansda also made outstanding contributions as a translator.

One of his most significant achievements was translating the Constitution of India into the Santali language using the Ol Chiki script. This landmark effort made the country’s supreme legal document more accessible to Santali-speaking citizens and strengthened democratic participation among tribal communities.

He also translated educational materials from the Devanagari script into Santali while serving with the Government of India’s Tribal Research Institute.

These translations expanded the availability of learning resources for tribal students and educators.

Recognition Beyond India

Hansda’s influence extended beyond Indian borders.

In 1993, he participated in efforts that contributed to the recognition of Santali as an official language in Nepal. His advocacy highlighted the importance of protecting indigenous languages irrespective of political boundaries.

His work demonstrated that linguistic identity forms an essential part of cultural heritage and deserves institutional support.

Academic Leadership

Throughout his distinguished career, Hansda held several important academic and administrative positions.

He eventually retired as Principal of Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial College in Karandih, Jamshedpur.

Even after retirement, he remained deeply involved in education and language development. He served on various committees, including:

• Central Institute of Indian Languages
• UPSC Santali syllabus committee
• Jharkhand Public Service Commission syllabus committee
• Jnanpith Award selection committee for Santali literature
• Management committee of IIM Bodh Gaya

These roles enabled him to influence educational policies and strengthen the academic status of the Santali language across India.

Social Commitment

Hansda believed that language development should go hand in hand with social progress.

His work focused on addressing several pressing issues affecting tribal communities, including:

• Poverty
• Illiteracy
• Lack of educational access
• Social inequality
• Economic empowerment

Even after retirement, he regularly wrote newspaper columns highlighting the challenges faced by tribal populations and advocating for inclusive development.

His activism combined scholarship with practical community service, making him a respected voice among both academics and grassroots organizations.

Padma Shri Recognition

In 2018, the Government of India honoured Digamber Hansda with the Padma Shri for his exceptional contribution to tribal literature and education.

The award acknowledged decades of dedicated service in preserving the Santali language, promoting tribal education, and empowering indigenous communities.

Later, he also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the All India Santali Film Association, recognizing his immense contribution to Santali culture and literature.

Personal Life

Digamber Hansda led a simple family life. He was married and had two sons and three daughters.

Despite receiving national recognition, he remained closely connected to rural communities and continued mentoring students, writers, and researchers interested in tribal studies.

His humility earned him widespread admiration among colleagues and community members alike.

Passing Away and Legacy

Digamber Hansda passed away on 19 November 2020 at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness at his residence in Karandih, Jamshedpur.

Recognizing his extraordinary contributions, the Government of Jharkhand accorded him a state funeral, reflecting the respect he had earned through decades of public service.

Today, Hansda’s legacy continues through educational institutions, Santali literature, language development initiatives, and the countless students and scholars he inspired.

His work remains particularly relevant as India increasingly recognizes the importance of preserving indigenous languages and promoting inclusive education.

Conclusion

Digamber Hansda’s life stands as an inspiring example of how education, language, and social commitment can transform communities. He devoted more than five decades to strengthening the Santali language, documenting tribal traditions, improving educational opportunities, and advocating for the rights of marginalized people.

His contributions extended far beyond academia. By translating the Constitution into Santali, collecting folk traditions, developing university curricula, and working for tribal welfare, Hansda ensured that generations of Santhal people could take pride in their linguistic and cultural identity.

The Padma Shri honoured his achievements, but his true legacy lies in the strengthened voice of India’s tribal communities. Digamber Hansda will always be remembered as a scholar whose life’s work preserved not only a language but also the heritage, dignity, and aspirations of millions.