SEEKING THE support  of all political parties, linguistic groups and media of the country, the Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir today pleaded to union government to include significant Tribal language ‘Gojri’ into eighth 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 support from all shades in induction and recognition this tribal and nomadic language at National level.

 

Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary Tribal Foundation said Gojri already stands recommended to Government of India for its inclusion in Indian constitution during Governor's rule in 90s from J&K and this issue is pending with Delhi since last two decades . He said being one of the oldest and significant languages of the south Asian sub-continent, spoken by Gujjar tribe, an ethno-linguistic minority of the state, Gojri has a locus standi for its inclusion in the 8thSchedule, 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 thirteenth 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

 

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.