Gujjars demand 100 seats for Gojri in PG open courses of JU
JAMMU:-Demanding that the seats for open courses in Gojri subject -recently started by the University of Jammu at Postgraduate level – must be enhanced from 32 to 100 –the members of Gujjar Bakerwal tribes- today pleaded that a good number of students are interested to opt for Gojri as one of the subject under ‘Choice Based Credit System’ but seats are not available for them.
In a programme organised by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation the community members urged that Prof. RD Sharma, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu to intervene in the matter and issue direction in this regard.
The programme was presided over by noted Gujjar Scholar Dr. Javaid Rahi while a large number of community members, elders and community youth participated.
Dr. Javaid Rahi in his presidential address stated that after 70 long year long wait the Gojri language ultimately entered into University Curriculum and it was happened only with help of University of Jammu authorities. He stated that Gojri is fast emerging languages of the state with rich treasure modern literature besides Folk and Classic literature at its back. He said presently more than one thousand books are available in Gojri in J&K and adjoining states. He expressed high hopes and impressed upon JU authorities to enhance seats in Gojri keeping in view its larger catchment area spread over 12 states.
The speakers , on the occassio stated that a new horizon has now opened for development of Gojri especially in the field of research and documentations which is undoubtly a good omen for Gujjar community at large. They stated that students are taking Gojri with great enthusiasm and all the 32 seats fixed by JU for Gojri got full in just 3 days. They made an appeal to Prof. R D Sharma , Vice Chancellor , University of Jammu to direct University to enhance seats in Gojri from 32 to 100.
Ch Ishtiaq Ahmad Misbah, Khalida Jabeen Gorsi, Mehmood Riaz , Advocate Shafeeq Choudhary, Bilal Rashid Choudhary, Mudassar Choudhary, Ishfaq Shahzaib, Shahid Ayoob, Abaid ur-Rehman and others also highlighted the demand and other issues regarding Gojri language and culture.
The participant also urged University authorities to start Gojri Research Centre in Poonch Camps of Jammu University form upcoming Academic session.The Gojri Centre was approved by the council five year back but till date its not made functional.
