Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 13: Expressing that Gojri is the largest spoken ‘tribal languages’ of India with more than two millions native speakers in Jammu and Kashmir State, the speakers of a programme organized here by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) to discuss the issues related to Gojri, demanded that Govt should give recognition to Gojri at the National Level by including it in the 8th schedule of Indian Constitution.
They further said that the influence of Gojri – as a cultural language in Indian Subcontinent is increasing day by day mainly due to growing ethnic consciousness among Gujjars, Bakerwals and other communities who speak this language since centuries.
Well-known researcher Dr. Javaid Rahi in his presidential address said Gojri being oldest and significant languages of India deserves recognition at National level.
He said Gujjars, the main speakers of Gojri mainly live in 12 States of North-Western India, listed as ST in J&K and Himachal Pradesh and OBC in 10 other State will have to fight vigorously for inclusion of their mother tongue in 8th Schedule of India.
The meeting was informed by the members of Tribal Foundation that for inclusion of Gojri in Indian Constitution , Governor, N N Vohra and the Chief Ministers of the State from time to time have wrote separate letters to Union Home Ministry with their recommendations in this regard.
A resolution was framed which included constitution of committee to pursue the matter related to inclusion of Gojri in the 8th schedule of Indian constitution, opening of Gojri Research Centre in Jammu Universities, Gojri Department in Kashmir University , provision of share on Doordrashan and Radio proportionate to the population of Gujjars, introduction of Gojri up to 12th standard through State Board of School Education, recognition of Gojri by Sahitya Akademi New Delhi.
A committee of senior writers, poets and intellectual was also constituted and announced on the occasion which will work jointly and meet different dignitaries to address the issues with regard to development of Gojri language and Culture.
Those who spoke in the meeting included Abdul Kareem Dildar, Ghulam Rubani, Aaijaz Ahsen, Rukam Din Bhomla, Aslam Bhalot and Khadam Khaki.