Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 5: Seeking support from all the political parties, socio-linguistic groups, media and influential dignitaries of country, the Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir today pleaded to include Tribal language ‘Gojri’ into eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.
In an appeal sent through Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation-a frontal organization of Gujjars to Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi today, they sought his intervention for an immediate amendment in the list of official languages of India to include Gojri -the oldest tribal language into it. The community also solicited the help and support from all the social groups and political parties to help them in recognition this tribal and nomadic language at National level.
Giving details Dr Javaid Rahi, Secretary, Tribal Foundation said Gojri already stood recommended twice to Government of India for its inclusion in Indian Constitution during Governor and popular rule from J&K and is pending with Delhi Government since last two decades.
He said being one of the oldest and significant languages of the south Asian sub-continent, spoken by Gujjar tribe, 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 eighteen 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 Sixth 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.
Gujjars further sought the help of Kashmiri, Dogri and other linguistic groups, political parties and social organisations in this regard as justified cause of tribal population of the State.
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