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Shri Chittu Tudu

Chittu Tudu (31 December 1929 - 13 July 2016) was a notable writer and cultural figure in Santali literature. Born in the village of Sahu Pokhar in the Banka district of Bihar, India, he made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Santali culture, art, music, dance, and literature.

Early Life and Education

Chittu Tudu was born to Dina Tudu and Jhinjhirmuni Tudu (Murmu). Sadly, his parents passed away during his childhood, and he was raised by his paternal uncle, Fate Tudu. His grandmother played a crucial role in his upbringing and education, working hard to ensure he received an education. He also received assistance from his maternal uncle, Salma Murmu.

Tudu received his early education at the village school. During his student years, he developed a strong sense of patriotism and a deep desire to see India free from British rule. He actively engaged with freedom fighters in the Santhal Pargana and Bhagalpur regions, becoming involved with the Santhal Pargana Congress committee. This connection brought him in contact with freedom fighters such as Lal Baba (Lal Hembrom) and the renowned poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. Tudu served as an informer, relaying messages from freedom fighters to the tribal people of Bhagalpur and Santhal Pargana.

Career and Contributions

After completing his matriculation in 1948, Tudu joined the Department of Information and Public Relations of the Bihar Government as a publicity organizer. This decision was influenced by both the economic condition of his family and the advice of Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. In the same year, he married Rani Murmu, a resident of Sakari village in the Poreyahat Block of Godda district, Jharkhand.

From 1956 to 1958, Tudu worked as a Santali language organizer in the Gitinatya branch of the department. He demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, leading to a promotion in 1959 as the District Information and Public Relations Officer. He continued to advance in his career, becoming the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations in 1977 and ultimately reaching the position of Joint Director in 1984.

Throughout his career, Tudu served in various locations in Bihar and Jharkhand, including Bhagalpur, Pakur, Chaibasa, Daltonganj, and Ranchi. He retired from the Information and Public Relations Department on 31 December 1987, adhering to government regulations. Notably, from 1976 to 1986, he led the Adibasi Loknartak Dal in the main Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.

Tudu received numerous awards and honors from the Prime Minister and President of India in recognition of his outstanding contributions. Despite having a matriculation education, he was proficient in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Indigenous languages. He distinguished himself as a writer, lyricist, and translator. Some of his notable works include "Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ki Jiwani," "Jawai Dhuti," "Sone Ki Sikri Rupa Ki Nathiya," and the Santali translation of the Hindi drama "Naye Naye Rasta." He also authored "Santali Lokgiti Mai Mandar Parbat," "Jawai Bahu Horo Serenj," and "Milwa Gate Pocket Puthi," among others.

Tudu's compositions were frequently broadcast on Ranchi and Bhagalpur Radio Stations. His work was widely published in the weekly magazines "Adibasi" and "Hor Sombad," which focused on the socio-cultural aspects of tribal life. These publications held significant importance in the field of Santali literature and the culture of the Santal people. Tudu was widely recognized as a national-level thinker in the world of art and culture, tirelessly working for the preservation and promotion of tribal folk culture, art, music, dance, and literature.

Commitment to Social Service and Education

Devoting his life to socio-cultural works, Tudu was dedicated to promoting education and social services. Recognizing the lack of high schools in his village, he generously donated five acres of land from his ancestral property, leading to the establishment of the Chandrasekhar Singh Adibasi High School in 1983. He committed himself to uplifting the lives of tribal people and received a ₹4,000 award from the Bihar Rajbhasa Bibhag, Government of Bihar, for his book "Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru" in 1987.

Tudu served as a nominated member of the Sangeet Natak Akademi in New Delhi for five years. He held prominent positions as the founding vice-president of Santal Sanskritik Parishad, Ranchi, and as President of Santali Sahitya Parishad, Dumka. He was also associated with numerous socio-cultural organizations, furthering their missions and goals. In recognition of his distinguished contribution to folk dance and folk music, Tudu was honored with the Padma Shri by the President of India, Dr. Ramaswamy Venkataraman, on 6 April 1992.

Legacy

Chittu Tudu passed away on 13 July 2016, leaving behind a rich legacy of contributions to society and the nation. His remarkable work and dedication to Santali literature, culture, and the welfare of tribal communities continue to inspire generations. Through his writings, he provided invaluable insights into the socio-cultural aspects of the Santal people, ensuring the preservation and promotion of their rich heritage. Tudu's impact will forever be remembered and cherished.