By News Agency of Kashmir
Jammu : The Gojri Writers fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir today urged upon the State Government, to treat them as “Ethno-Linguistic Minority” in the State and provide constitutional safeguards to their language “Gojri” by recommending its inclusion in the Eighth Scheduled of Constitution of India.
A number of Gojri writers today gathered here at by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in connection with release of 12 latest Gojri brought out by the State Academy during current year.
Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi Secretary, J&K Academy revealed that today’s event is a historic one as researchers from all over the State are participating and presenting their views on various aspects of Gujjars- the third largest ethnic group of the state. He said that Gojri is one of the oldest and significant languages of the South Asian Sub Continent is a strong case for inclusion into University Curriculum based on its significance, merit and vivacity.
Earlier welcoming the guests Dr. Javaid Rahi, Editor-cum-Cultural Officer and Head of the Gojri wing of State Academy said that 50 rare and greatest works in English, Persian and Sanskrit stands chosen to translate in a daring, long-term project to bring landmark works in Gojri. He said that under this prestigious project 12 Publications have already been translated this year into Gojri.
The project aims to revitalize the art of translation among Gujjars across the Indian Sub-continent and reverse the long decline in Gojri readership’ access to major works of global literature, philosophy, and history.
Another objective of this rare effort is to connect Gujjars to their roots which are spread over Central Asia Dr.Rahi added. This Project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010, he said.
The books released on the occasion includes Three volumes of Golden History of Gojri Literature by Dr. Rafeeq Anjum, Gojri Ka Lal by Hussan Parwaz, Sheeraza Gojri Six issues, Gojri Look Geet, and Gojri Look Kahanies “edited by Dr. Javaid Rahi and Manshah Khaki Prominent Writer Ch. Fazal Mushtaq in his Presidential address said that Gojri has a strong literary tradition.
It has been recognized as a Tribal language of India by the National Academy of Letters viz “Sahitya Academy” .Being one of the oldest and significant languages of the South Asian sub-continent, spoken by Gujjar Tribe-a ethno-Linguistic minority of the state has locus Sandi for its inclusion in the 8th Schedule as there is an adequate provision and facilities in Indian Constitution for linguistic minorities.
Ch. Ghulam Rasool Asgher Novelist in his address said several pleas by the groups and individuals espousing the cause have failed to convince the political leadership for inclusion of Gojri in the eighth schedule of the constitution of India thus giving the language the recognition it deserves since very long.
The memorandum further sought the help of Kashmiri, Dogri and linguistic groups, political parties, social organizations in this justified cause of tribal population of the state.
Ch. Talib Hussain former M.P said that State Government has already recognized Gojri by including it in the 6th Schedule of the constitution and it is the aspiration of millions of people who want that due credit should be given to this ancient language which is serving our motherland for centuries together.
Mohd Manshah Khaki, Editor conducted the proceedings of the Programme and presented vote of thanks on behalf of Secretary Cultural.