KL Report
Jammu
A delegation representing Gujjar community led by Dr Javaid Rahi, secretary, tribal research and cultural foundation (TRCF) on Monday met state congress president, Prof Saif -ud -Din Soz and sought support of his party for inclusion of Gojri in 8th Schedule of Indian constitution during forthcoming session of the parliament.
The memo was submitted to Prof Soz supported by an eight page document by a delegation. The memo reads that Gojri is the oldest and significant languages in the south Asian sub continent, spoken by Gujjar Tribe-an ethno-linguistic entity and other groups of the in 12 northwestern states of India and has a locus s
tandi for its inclusion in the 8th Schedule.
“Gojri has a strong literary tradition and has been recognized as a tribal language of India by the National Academy of Letters viz ‘Sahitya Academy’ besides J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages,” reads the memorandum.
Pertinently, noted saint scholar and Persian poet of 13th Century Hazrat Amir Khusroo had formally mentioned Gojri language in the list of 18 major Indian languages of his time. Besides, several researchers and historians have already said that the Gojri language is the mother of Rajasthani, Gujrati, Urdu and Haryanvi languages, said the memo.
State government has already recognized Gojri by including it in the 6th Schedule of the state constitution 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.
While assuring the delegation, Prof Soz said that congress party will support the demand of Gujjars community for inclusion of Gojri in the eighth Schedule. “I will take up this matter with Home Minister of India shortly,” he told the delegation, adding “I personally feel that this is a genuine demand of Gujjars and Bakerwals and I will support this in every fora.”
