Gujjars seek support to include Gojri in Indian Constitution

thank Governor, CM

Srinagar/Jammu, December 23 (Scoop News) – Welcoming the state government’s initiative recommending Gojri language for inclusion in Indian constitution , the Scheduled Tribe Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir today sought support of all political parties, Media groups ,influential dignitaries and community living across country to pave a way for constitutional amendment to include this oldest and significant Tribal language in the list protected languages.

The community members were assembled in a meeting organised by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation-a Frontal Organization of Gujjars , to discuss further course of action. They asked whole community residing in twelve states of India to join hands together for a long drawn struggle for recognition of their mother tongue at National Level.

Dr. Javaid Rahi , Secretary , Tribal Foundation while Speaking on the occasion said "We consider this recommendation as a significant step towards preservation and promotion of Gojri language and Gujjar culture which has a 5000-year-old history at his back,".

He said , “On behalf of Gujjar tribe we express heartiest thanks to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for writing a favourable recommendation to Home Minister of India pleaded inclusion of Gojri in the list of Official Languages of India on the bases of its importance and merit,” and added that we also express gratitude to all Gujjar leader Mian altaf Ahmed Forest Minister , Ch Taj Mohi –ud-Din PHE Minister , Ch Aijaz Ahmed Khan MOS Hajj and Auqaf and specially Ch. Bashir Naaz , VC Gujjar Board who projected this demand before UPA Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh.  The speaker also praised Sh N N Vohra , J&K for his rule in over all empowerment of Gujjar and Bakerawal community in the state and expressed gratitude to him for his able guidance.

Talking about the Gojri Language the speakers said “Noted saint scholar poet of 13th century Hazrat Amir Khusroo had formally mentioned Gojri language in the list of eighteen major Indian languages of his time. Several researchers agreed that Gojri is the mother of Gujrati, Rajasthani, Urdu and Haryanvi Languages,” they said.

Speaker further said that the, Gojri language is the first language of millions of people in south Asia resides in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan and in J&K more than 25% of total population speaks Gojri.   Gojri has a strong locus standi for its inclusion in the 8thSchedule keeping in view its merit, importance and a strong literary traditions including folk and oral traditions.

Source: www.scoopnews.com