India boosts chip talent and celebrates Santali script's 100th anniversary in one week

India's semiconductor industry is set for major growth with the expansion of the Chips to Startups (C2S) programme. Under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, the initiative will now reach 500 universities, up from 315 academic institutions. The goal is to train 85,000 engineers over the next decade, preparing them for an anticipated 2 million new jobs in the sector.

Meanwhile, the Santali language has marked a significant milestone—the centenary of the **Ol Chiki script**, created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925. This script, now used in official documents like the Indian Constitution, reflects the rich cultural and literary heritage of the Santal community.

The C2S programme has already provided students with over 1.85 crore hours of access to world-class Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. Leading institutions in the National Capital Region (NCR), such as IIT Delhi, NIT Delhi, IIIT Delhi, DTU, JNU, and IGDTUW, serve as key hubs for semiconductor design and validation. The expansion to 500 universities under ISM 2.0 aims to create a steady pipeline of skilled engineers for India's growing chip industry.

In a separate but equally significant development, the **Santali language** has gained renewed attention. The **Ol Chiki script**, developed by **Pandit Raghunath Murmu** in 1925, was recently celebrated for its **100th anniversary**. This script became part of India's constitutional framework in **2003**, when Santali was included in the **Eighth Schedule** of the Constitution. Today, the Constitution itself is available in Santali, written in Ol Chiki. The Santal community has a long history of resistance against oppression, with leaders like **Tilka Majhi, Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, and Phoolo-Jhano** leading revolts against colonial rule. Their cultural contributions include **literary works** such as Murmu's plays—'**Bidu Chandan,' 'Kherwal Veer,'** and '**Sido Kanhu - Santal Hul**'—which remain important in Santali literature. Beyond language and history, tribal communities like the Santals are recognised as **original custodians of the environment**. Their deep connection to nature offers valuable lessons for modern sustainability efforts.

The C2S programme's expansion will strengthen India's semiconductor workforce, preparing thousands of engineers for future industry demands. At the same time, the Ol Chiki script's centenary highlights the enduring legacy of the Santali language and its role in preserving tribal identity. Both developments underscore India's progress in technology and cultural heritage, with lasting impacts on education, employment, and environmental awareness.