Include Gojri in 8th Schedule of Constitution, say Gujjars

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 12

Reiterating its demand to include Gojri, language of Gujjars, in the eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation organised a programme here today. The speakers stated that it was a three-decade-long pending demand of the tribal community residing in 12 states of the country.

The event was held to discuss the issue related to national recognition of Gojri. The programme was presided over by tribal researcher Dr Javaid Rahi wherein a number of writers, artists and intellectuals of Gojri language took part.

Dr Javaid Rahi stated that Gojri was the largest spoken tribal languages of the north-western states, adding that the language fulfills all the criteria and qualifies for the grant of recognised Indian language status.

He added that Gujjars of the north-western states were jointly fighting for its recognition at the national-level on merit. The speakers said the influence of Gojri as a cultural language in Indian subcontinent was increasing day by day mainly due to growing ethnic consciousness among Gujjars, Bakerwals and other communities who spoke this language since centuries.

Members of the Tribal Foundation informed that the Governor and two former Chief Ministers had time and again recommended inclusion of Gojri in the list of recognised Indian languages.

They claimed that a committee of senior writers, poets and intellectuals was also framed to work jointly in order to meet different dignitaries with regard to recognition and development of Gojri language and culture.