Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’
8th Schedule…
People are found quite often enquiring about the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution and its relevance to Dogri, mother tongue of the inhabitants of Duggar Pradesh. It is pertinent to add here that Dogri got its well-deserved right of inclusion in 8th Schedule after decades of struggle when all regional cultural organizations and Dogri Lovers had stood together in a joint struggle to win pride for their language with the hopes that their mother tongue will enter a golden era thereafter. What happened after that is not a secret at all and we find ourselves placed at the same place from where we had stepped ahead. But before discussing the plus and minus, let us understand what 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution stands for ?
Today is DOGRI MANTA DIVAS
8th Schedule of Constitution of India lists the official languages of the Republic of India. At the time of writing the constitution of India there were only 14 languages mentioned in 8th Schedule. But with the passage of time, demands were raised to include more languages for which struggles also took place and 8 more languages got honour for same. At present as per Articles 344(1) and 351of Indian Constitution, the eighth schedule includes the recognition of 22 languages and it is a matter of pride that our own mother tongue Dogri is one among them. It was included along with Bodo, Maithili and Santali by 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act-2003.
After that historical decision, every year we all celebrate December 22nd as Dogri Manta Divas to refresh our memories about that struggle and inspire ourselves to come up to the expectations of noble souls who are contributory in winning the pride. However it’s a harsh reality that after the event is over, we forget our commitment towards our mother tongue. Ironically, we never hesitate to disrespect our language also for so called petty gains without realizing that these petty gains in fact push us towards disaster.
Mohan Singh Slathia, Sahitya Akademi awardee and a strong voice for promotion of mother tongue says, “When there were no opportunities to make fortunes we used to speak Dogri at our homes and interact with our family members and others in our own language out of passion but now when there are avenues also we feel shy while speaking Dogri with our own wards, which is a matter of grave concern. After inclusion in 8th schedule, Dogri has been one of five official languages of UT of Jammu & Kashmir also and it leads to employment generation as well. New Education Policy says that it will be mandatory to get primary education in mother tongue, then it is the high time that we should realize the seriousness of Government to preserve and promote mother tongues. One may well imagine that if we don’t realize the truth sooner, our children will have to seek tuition for their own mother tongue Dogri, which will be tragic.”
Why we feel shy in speaking in our own language is beyond imagination. It may sound sarcastic but it is a truth. There are so many couples who may talk with others in Dogri individually but avoid talking to each other in mother tongue with apprehensions that their kids will also start speaking in Dogri. They are of the opinion that speaking in mother tongue will affect their future prospects.
Here I would like to add that we are all fans of Guru Rabindranath Tagore, the great writer for his colossal contributions to literature. We have read his outstanding literature. He was awarded prestigious noble prize for ‘GEETANJALI’ that was written by him in his own mother tongue Bangla. Whatever he wrote had the backdrop of Bengal and all his creative writing is in his mother tongue. As he was well versed in English also, he translated his original works in English. It shows his immense love for his belongings. Then where did his mother tongue became a barrier? Rather it led him to earn name and fame at vast canvas.
One more example may be cited about Albert Einstein, a German scientist, who wrote all his research works in his mother tongue German that was translated into other languages later on. What it conveys is that we may express our feel in a better way with all ease in our own language. We think better in our mother language and should express in the same for a better expression. Ironically, this very thin line is missing in us.
C.V. Raman, Indian Physicist known for his works in the field of light scattering has said, “We must teach science in mother tongue. Otherwise science will become a highbrow activity. It will be not be an activity in which all people can participate.”
The importance of mother tongue and its impact is well elaborated by Nelson Mandela, who has said “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language that goes to his heart.”
Yes, Mother tongue acts as a bridge between heart to heart for individuals. Do we realize that ? Every year we celebrate ‘Dogri Manta Divas’ just to get headlines in media but never think about what we have achieved during the last year for which we are celebrating the day. There are certain queries that are pointed out with raised eyebrows by some critics about the efforts made in promoting language and cultural heritage. The think tank is quite critical of present day generation without standing in witness box thus evaluating their own contribution for same. It is easy to criticize others but tough to perform. It is a harsh reality that whatever was witnessed in the past, things have not changed so much. The mindset is still same despite the fact that Government has been trying hard to provide all exposure to mother tongues so that same are preserved and promoted.
When so called thinkers express their agony about ill treatment of younger generation towards their mother tongue Dogri, then without shielding them it is pertinent to add here that children follow whatever we serve them or inspire to do. We need our own retrospection before blaming them. It is a positive sign that the youths are found promoting the language through music, comic segments etc on social media which shows their concern for language too. The way, Dogras residing in other countries or different parts of country have started showing affection to roots may be attributed to the fact that in the company of others, they must have realized the basic fact that getting detached from their roots is like losing their existence. It is a fact that if we cast a look at others then undoubtedly they have affection for their cultural heritage and language. It would have inspired NRI Dogras to search for their roots which is authenticated with formation of Dogra Societies in foreign countries and regular cultural activities.
On a positive note, it may be added that there are different literary organizations as well as Theatre Groups that have been working in a mission mode for promoting Dogri and cultural heritage like Dogri Sanstha Jammu, a pioneer organization working continuously since its formation in 1944, Nami Dogri Sanstha, Duggar Manch, NATRANG etc. J & K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages was also engaged in fulfilling its obligations and Akashwani Jammu and Doordarshn Kendra Jammu have also played an important platform for aspiring talents in the past. But at present, honestly speaking, we cannot expect creative output from Prasar Bharti run organizations with curtailed budgets and minimum staff just to run centers. Moreover JKAACL has also turned non-functional sort of organization.
In prevailing circumstances, we will have to realize that we should not depend much on others. Prof. Lalit Magotra, President Dogri Sanstha says, “Almost all mother tongues are facing crisis for survival. We should inspire not only our children but ourselves also and take a pledge to speak Dogri with our children and fellow Dogras. Only then we will be able to promote and preserve our language in real terms. Charity begins at home should be realized by us. Looking towards other organizations will not serve the purpose as Individual efforts will yield desirable results.”
One vital point that needs be addressed is that we cannot alienate from our roots. It is our existence. We are all Dogras because we are born on this pious land Duggar Pradesh. We know our importance as the warriors whose bravery is marked in the golden pages of history. But at the same time we have rich language and cultural traditions that also account for our existence as Dogras and we should be proud of it.
” I learnt to sing in Bengali, my mother tongue, then went on to sing in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Gujrati and every possible Indian language.” says celebrated singer Shreya Ghoshal.
It shows that love for mother language is okay, but it should not become a wall for other languages. Rather it should become a bridge to a speaker. We should have a will to learn other languages as they help us to connect with other cultures and traditions to get enriched. But we cannot go for it while compromising with our own language simply with a concern that if we will not care for our own culture, traditions and language, then who will ? On a lighter note while extending my greetings to all Dogras on ‘Dogri Manta Divas’ let me conclude the concern for our mother tongue Dogri with a viral rap headline,
“MEIN NAHIN TE KOUN BE’
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