Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 21: The Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir today made an extensive appeal to the community residing in 12 States of the country for a joint struggle to press Union Government to expedite the process for inclusion of Gojri language in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution. They made this appeal in a programme organized by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation –an organization of the community.
They impressed upon the Government of India to take an immediate decision on the recommendations of Jammu and Kashmir State Government with regard to inclusion of Gojri in the list of Schedule languages of country. The programme was presided over by noted Gujjar scholar Dr Javaid Rahi.
In his presidential address, Dr Javaid Rahi stated that Gojri speaking constitute more than 15 million in India having 2 to 3 million population in the State. He said being oldest and significant languages of India, it deserves recognition at national level since long.
The meeting was informed by the members of Tribal Foundation that for inclusion of Gojri in India Constitution , Governor of J&K N N Vohra , two Chief Ministers of the State from time to time have wrote separate letters to Union Home Ministry thereby recommending the Gojri for its conclusion .
The meeting adopted 6 resolutions on the occasion . These include constitution of committee to pursue the matter related to inclusion of Gojri in the 8th Schedule of India Constitution, opening of Gojri Research Centre in Jammu/ Kashmir Universities, provide share on Doordrashan and Radio proportionate to the population of Gujjars, introduction of Gojri up to 12th standard through State Board of School Education and recognition of Gojri by Sahetiya Akademi New Delhi.
A committee of senior writers , poets and intellectual was also constituted and announced on the occasion. The committee will work jointly and meet different dignitaries to address the issues with regard to development of Gojri language and culture.
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