Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 23: Seeking support from all political parties, linguistic groups, media and influential dignitaries of country, the Gujjars of the state today pleaded to Union Government to include the Gojri language in 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution.
They, in an appeal sent through Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation-a frontal organization of Gujjars to Union Government, sought an immediate amendment in the list of official languages of India through inclusion of Gojri -the oldest tribal language into it, during forthcoming session of the Parliament. The community also solicited the help and supports from all shades induction and recognition this tribal and nomadic language at national level.
Dr. Javid Rahi, secretary Tribal Foundation said Gojri already stands recommended to Government of India for its inclusion in Indian Constitution during Governor rule period in 90s and the issue is pending with Delhi since last two decades .
He said being one of the oldest and significant languages in the South Asian Sub Continent, spoken by Gujjar Tribe-a ethno-linguistic minority of the State, Gojri has a locus standi for its inclusion in the 8th Schedule, as there are adequate provisions and facilities in Indian Constitution for linguistic minorities. He said Gojri has a strong literary tradition. It has been recognised as a tribal language of India by the National Academy of Letters viz ‘Sahitya Academy’.
“Noted saint scholar and Hindi Persian poet of 13th Century Hazrat Amir Khusroo had formally mentioned Gojri language in the list of 18 major Indian languages of his time. Several researchers and historians have already said that the Gojri language is the mother of Rajasthani, Gujrati, Urdu and Haryanvi languages,” he added
State Government has already recognized Gojri by including it in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution of India and it is the aspiration of millions of people that due credit should be given to this ancient language that is serving their motherland for centuries.
According to current analysis, Gojri language is the first language of 20 millions of people in South Asia including India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. A good chunk of Gojri-speaking people are living in J&K.
Gujjars further sought the help of Kashmiri, Dogri and other linguistic groups, political parties, social organisations in this regard as justified cause of tribal population of the State. From J&K Kashmiri and Dogri, both the languages have already been included in the 8th schedule.
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