In the saga of the Santali cultural awakening, one name that commands respect for his pioneering spirit is Muniram Baskey. Best known as the founder of Chandan Press, Muniram Baskey’s contribution marked a turning point in the history of Santali literature and printing. His efforts provided the Santali language with a powerful medium through which knowledge, culture, and identity could be preserved and widely disseminated.
What makes Muniram Baskey’s story even more remarkable is the fact that he established Chandan Press while he was undergoing an apprenticeship in London. At a time when opportunities for tribal individuals to study abroad were exceedingly rare, Baskey’s determination took him to London, where he immersed himself in learning the intricacies of printing technology and press management. It was during this apprenticeship that he envisioned the need for an independent press dedicated to publishing Santali works, particularly in the Ol Chiki script developed by Guru Gomke Pandit Raghunath Murmu.
Upon establishing Chandan Press, Muniram Baskey created a landmark institution that became instrumental in the printing of books, pamphlets, educational materials, and literary works in Santali. This press played a critical role in supporting the Ol Chiki movement, providing the necessary infrastructure to mass-produce written materials in a language and script that had long been marginalized.
Through Chandan Press, numerous works by Santali writers, including those influenced by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, found a platform. This not only amplified the reach of Ol Chiki but also encouraged a new generation of Santali authors and thinkers to express their ideas in print.
Muniram Baskey’s unique blend of technical skill, cultural dedication, and entrepreneurial vision made him a key figure in the Santali renaissance. His time in London not only gave him the technical know-how but also broadened his worldview, allowing him to understand the power of the press as a tool for social change and cultural empowerment.
Today, Chandan Press is remembered as a cornerstone of the Santali publishing world — a symbol of how global knowledge and local cultural pride can come together to create lasting impact. Muniram Baskey’s legacy lives on, inspiring young Santali leaders, writers, and entrepreneurs to build upon the foundations he laid.
His life stands as a testament to the fact that meaningful change often comes from those who dare to dream beyond borders while remaining rooted in their cultural heritage.
