BHOJPURI SAHITYA SAMMELAN CONCLUDES WITH A RESOLUTION: “BHOJPURI IS JUST NOT A LANGUAGE, IT IS THE IDENTITY OF AN ETHNIC CULTURE

BHOJPURI SAHITYA SAMMELAN CONCLUDES WITH A RESOLUTION: “BHOJPURI IS JUST NOT A LANGUAGE, IT IS THE IDENTITY OF AN ETHNIC CULTURE

1-DEC-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA------------------------------The convention also stated that Bhojpuri is not just a language, but the identity of an ethnic culture. Bhojpuri folk and classical literature are filled with immense wealth of knowledge. Its recognition and development will benefit society, the state, and the country.

The 28th convention of the All India Bhojpuri Sahitya Sammelan concluded on Sunday with a resolution to include the Bhojpuri language, a symbol of Bihar's soul, identity, and cultural identity, in the Eighth Schedule. The convention witnessed the presence of dozens of literary figures and the release of numerous books. Union Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey and local BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy also attended the closing ceremony. All unanimously expressed their support for the Bhojpuri language's respect and rights. Following the organizational structure of the local convention, a memorandum was submitted to the Bihar government under the leadership of newly appointed president Mahamaya Prasad Vinod. The memorandum strongly demanded the inclusion of the Bhojpuri language in the Eighth Schedule.

Bhojpuri-speaking areas, especially Saran, Champaran, and Shahabad, played a significant role in the formation of the newly formed National Democratic Alliance government in Bihar. The development of the region's language, literature, culture, and art is essential for the development of any region. Nine districts of Bihar are entirely Bhojpuri-speaking, each with its own ethnic and cultural identity. Through their hard work, intelligence, and dedication, Bhojpuri-speaking people of Bihar are contributing to the development of their region, state, country, and the world. It was stated that Bhojpuri, which has become a major language in Bihar and abroad, needs to be respected. Bhojpuri is the mother tongue in Bihar, and it needs to be accepted in common parlance. The memorandum submitted to the Bihar government after the conference included several other demands.

The demand for inclusion of Bhojpuri in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution has been pending with the Government of India for decades. Previously, Rajya Sabha MPs Sanjay Jha, Ramchandra Prasad Singh, and Harivansh Singh had written a letter to the Home Minister requesting this. A memorandum has been sent again requesting that this demand be met.

The All India Bhojpuri Sahitya Sammelan has demanded the allocation of land and a building for its central office. It stated that the organization is 54 years old and lacks a permanent office space. Previous governments have repeatedly provided assurances, but land has yet to be allocated.

The Bhojpuri Academy, Patna, is a 50-year-old institution that is now inactive. Previously, the academy published numerous books and magazines. However, it should now be restructured and efforts should be made to engage with writers and scholars.

Given Bhojpuri's widespread public support, mythological and historical significance, and administrative utility, it should be declared the second official language of Bihar. As per the Bihar government's announcement, Bhojpuri language literature should be included as an optional, compulsory subject from primary to +2 level from 2026.

Professors should be appointed in colleges and universities to facilitate higher education. Ensure the appointment of assistant professors in colleges and universities, including those in the Bhojpuri region, where Bhojpuri language is included in the curriculum.

A Bhojpuri Study Center should be established at Mahatma Gandhi Central University. Efforts should be made to establish a center for research on Bhojpuri language, literature, culture, and art.

A demand was made to grant full recognition to Bhojpuri language and literature from the Sahitya Akademi. It was stated that Bhojpuri is rich in folk literature, as well as in saint literature, national literature, and modern literature. Recognition from the Sahitya Akademi is essential for its further development and promotion.

The convention also stated that Bhojpuri is not just a language, but the identity of an ethnic culture. Bhojpuri folk literature and classical literature are filled with immense wealth of knowledge. Its recognition and development will benefit society, the state, and the country. The demand letter was supported by dozens of literary figures, including conference chairman and MLC Sanjay Mayukh, president Dr. Braj Bhushan Mishra, current president Mahamaya Prasad Vinod, general secretary Jaikant Singh Jai, organizing committee secretary Shivanugra Narayan Singh, reception secretary Manoj Singh, and Rakesh Singh.