Our Story – Rooted in Tradition,
Growing Together
From local beginnings to a worldwide family —
uniting Santals through language, culture, and shared purpose.
A Community Beyond Borders
Santal International Association began as a humble effort by families who dreamed of keeping our language and culture alive for their children abroad.
What started as small online classes and virtual festivals soon grew into a global network of Santals sharing knowledge, songs, and solidarity.
Today, we connect families from North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond — learning together, celebrating together, and supporting each other through life’s journey.
“Our language is our identity; our togetherness is our strength.”
What We Stand For
Mission
To preserve, promote, and pass on the Santali language, Ol-Chiki script, and culture while fostering education and community support for Santals everywhere.
Vision
A connected and progressive global Santal community that thrives in heritage, education, and mutual care — bridging generations and geographies.
our Core Values
Cultural Pride
We honor our language and traditions as living treasures.
Unity
We build bridges across nations and generations.
Growth
We learn, adapt, and evolve with the world.
Compassion
We stand together in times of need and celebration.
The People Behind the Mission
Our leadership team and volunteers come from different professions, countries, and backgrounds — united by a common goal to serve the Santal community. They bring experience, creativity, and compassion to every initiative.
Dr. Dhuni Soren
Chief Advisor
Dr. Dhuni Soren, popularly known as Hoponba, was born in a Santal family in a remote village in the Santal Pargana region (now Godda, Jharkhand). Facing few educational opportunities locally, he eventually made his way to Patna, where he studied at Patna Science College and later graduated from the Prince of Wales Medical College. He also qualified as a pilot on a Government of India scholarship. After three years serving as a Civil Assistant Surgeon in Bihar, Dr. Soren moved to the UK in 1965 for surgical training and has resided there ever since. He actively engages in social, educational, and medical charity work for his people, regularly visiting them and publishing three books on Adivasi and their development.
Devendra Murmu
President
Devendra Murmu is an accomplished engineer and Information Technology professional, holding a Bachelor of Technology [EC] from IIT Madras, and is based in New Jersey, USA. In his leadership role, he oversees all operational and strategic directions of the organization. He is deeply committed to the mission of fostering a strong global network for the Santal community. His primary goal is to connect Santals from all corners of the world and he actively seeks collaboration to realize this vision. Beyond his professional and community leadership, Devendra is an avid reader of non-fiction, taking a profound interest in health, spirituality, and holistic sciences, including Reiki and Vaastu.
Lalit Mohan Murmu
General Secretary
Lalit Mohan Murmu is a dedicated professional working in the Information Technology sector and is based in Montreal, Canada, where he lives with his family. He plays a vital role in strengthening the Santali community across both Canada and the USA. He actively maintains and advises on the organization’s technological platforms, ensuring smooth communication and operation. Lalit feels strongly about giving back to his community and preserving the rich Santali culture. In his spare time, he focuses on the Ol Chiki script, dedicating time to reading various books, including important Santali literature. His commitment blends professional expertise with cultural preservation.
Dukhi Ram Hembram
Vice President
Dukhi Ram Hembram is an Information Technology professional based in Minneapolis, USA. He originally hails from Medhiya, a Santal village in the Musabani block of East Singhbhum, Jharkhand, India. While establishing a successful career in the IT sector, Dukhi Ram remains deeply connected to his roots. Beyond his professional work, he is committed to the holistic development of his native village. His efforts focus on improving education, healthcare, hygiene, and employment opportunities, as well as promoting sports. His overarching goal is to actively preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Santal community.
Jhadeswar Murmu
Treasurer
Dr. Jhadeswar Murmu was raised in a rural village in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. He built a strong academic foundation, earning his undergraduate degree from Ravenshaw College and a Ph.D. in Plant Biochemistry from the University of Hyderabad, where he also qualified for the JRF. After completing his Ph.D., he conducted postdoctoral research in Canada at institutions like Queen’s University and the National Research Council. Dr. Murmu transitioned into the technology sector by obtaining a diploma in Computer Programming and currently works as an IT Analyst. Deeply committed to cultural preservation, he actively teaches the Ol Chiki script and the Santali language to children through the Santal International Association (SIA).
Maino Murmu
Program Director
Ms. Maino Murmu is a certified Health Coach and Wellness Consultant dedicated to helping people live healthier, joyful lives. After moving to the USA, she pursued holistic wellness, completing Ayurveda training and mastering yoga and meditation at the Isha Yoga Center. Maino holds formal language instruction training from the Hindi-Urdu STARTALK Program (UPenn) and volunteered extensively, teaching language and culture for over a decade with HindiUSA. Leveraging this expertise and her passion for cultural heritage, Maino initiated the Kids Santali Classes, developing the curriculum and structure. She remains a core instructor, teaching the Santali language and Ol Chiki script to children through SIA.
Lilavati Murmu
Program Associate Director
Lilavati Soren, originally from Taduabahal, Odisha, is an architecture graduate from ABIT-PMCA who successfully transitioned into the IT sector after moving to Canada. A passionate learner, she balances her professional life with active community service as a member of the Santal International Association (SIA), where she organizes cultural events. Lilavati remains deeply connected to her roots, spending her spare time writing Santali poetry and creating crafts. Her journey from architecture in India to IT in Canada highlights her adaptability and dedication to both her career and her cultural heritage.
Kirtal Hansda
Publication Editor
Dr. Kirtal Hansdah, originally from Jamshedpur, India, is a Genetic Scientist at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. With a Ph.D. in Human/Medical Genetics from Utkal University, he has dedicated over a decade to studying molecular mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for bone diseases. Previously, he contributed to oncology research at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Hansdah is deeply committed to social empowerment. He actively engages in career counseling and advocates for girls’ education, blending his passion for medical research with a mission to mentor and inspire future generations.
Bandana Tudu
Social Media Manager
Ms. Bandana Tudu, a Connecticut-based professional in the pharmaceutical industry, holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal, India. While balancing her career and life with her close-knit family of three, she remains deeply rooted in her culture. Raised in a family of writers and poets, she developed a love for storytelling and authored a bilingual children’s picture book in Ol Chiki and English to promote the script and honor Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s legacy. An active and proud member of SIA, she also volunteers in their cultural programs. Bandana enjoys creating and editing videos, sharing glimpses of culture and life abroad on her YouTube channel.