Jamshedpur, Dec. 27: Learning Santhali could not have been simpler. Now all one needs to do is install a software.

The Santhal Engineers' Welfare Association (SEWA) launched a software to teach Santhali that aims to teach the Ol Chiki script popular in tribal-dominated states like Jharkhand, Orissa, Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Assam.

Chief minister Shibu Soren launched the software at a ceremony at Michael John Auditorium in Bistupur this evening. The launch coincided with SEWA's annual convention. Tata Steel has supported the project financially. Soren lauded the efforts of the group and said more should be done to spread awareness.

The software is a computerised audio-visual package that can be run on any computer or projector. The package comprises basics of alphabets, words, formation of sentences, grammar, vocabulary and mathematics.

The audio shall have options in Santhali, English, Hindi, Oriya and Assamese so that the learner can opt for any medium of instruction. The software has been made in Macromedia Flash. The total project costs Rs 2 lakh. The Tribal Cultural Society of Tata Steel has contributed Rs 1.5 lakh to the project.

Biswanath Murmu, the vice-president of the local chapter of SEWA, said the package would not be a success initially as there are not enough computers in villages. But things will improve soon.

"We intend to teach Ol Chiki among all tribes, including Oraon, Ho and Munda," he added.