- Chhattisgarhi linguists met Governor Shri Ramen Deka
Chhattisgarhi linguists met Governor Shri Ramen Deka at Lok Bhawan today and discussed about inclusion of Chhattisgarhi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and its conservation, promotion and development.
- “Chhattisgarhi is the state’s official language and a major contact language.”
Linguists briefed the Governor on the Chhattisgarhi language’s antiquity, rich literary tradition, grammar, dictionary, and standardization process. They explained that Chhattisgarhi is the state’s official language and a major contact language, with approximately 15 million people using it.
- ‘Positive initiative towards the development of Chhattisgarhi language and its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule’
Governor Mr. Deka himself took the initiative and held a meaningful discussion on this topic. Taking a positive initiative towards the development of Chhattisgarhi language and its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule, he said that a committee will be formed for this. The committee will systematically compile the history, literature, grammar, dictionary and other reference material of Chhattisgarhi language. For this, necessary information and suggestions will also be taken from scholars and experts of the subject. In this context, the Governor also gave the example of inclusion of Assamese and Bodo languages in the Eighth Schedule.
- “Chhattisgarhi has a rich tradition of literary creation since the 15th century.”
Linguists stated that Chhattisgarhi has a rich tradition of literary creation since the 15th century. Abundant material is available in various genres, including poetry, epic poems, short stories, novels, drama, criticism, and journalism. The Chhattisgarhi grammar was compiled in 1890, and the first dictionary in 1939. The first Chhattisgarhi novel, “Heeru Ke Kahini,” was published in 1924. Pandit Sundarlal Sharma also published the handwritten Chhattisgarhi magazine “Dularwa” from prison. They stated that Chhattisgarhi is being taught at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in state universities, and the process of including Chhattisgarhi in the curriculum for grades 1 to 8 is underway under the National Education Policy. Present on the occasion were linguists Dr. Chitraranjan Kar, Dr. Sudhir Sharma, Chhattisgarhi literary figures Mr. Sheelkant Pathak, and Mrs. Archana Pathak.