In spite of having rich literature, large expanse of speakers, healthy pedagogic potency and meeting all the existing norms, Bhojpuri is yet to be included in the eighth schedule of Indian constitution. Is it a victim of discrimination?

BY Aditya Kumar

Elected representatives are in the parliament- a proposal is placed on the table to give official recognition to Bhojpuri- majority of the presented members give their consent and Bhojpuri gets official status. Scene tells all about how the Bhojpuri was honoured. But regrettably this didn’t happen in a country where Bhojpuri got its germination. This scene was witnessed in Mauritius. With this fresh step president of Mauritius Navin Ram Ghulam and Prime Minister Anirudh Jagannath fulfilled their promise. Ironically Bhojpuri has been fighting in order to get its due for the last six decades in its own Country.

The 8th schedule of Indian constitution tells about the admissibility and patronship of the Indian languages. While making constitution of India, its architects declared Hindi as official language. In addition they also made arrangements so that the regional languages could be patronised. Following this compulsion, 14 languages were included at initial level. With shifting sands of time several other languages got official status. In 1967, through the 21st constitutional amendment Sindhi language was included. Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali were included through 71st amendment. And through 92nd amendment Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santhali have also been enlisted in 8th schedule of the constitution.

But Bhojpuri has not been included in 8th schedule till date thus posing a million dollar question which is yet to be answered. Several times Bhojpuri speaking people vented their anger terming the non-inclusion of Bhojpuri as discrimination! Is it true? Perhaps, before reaching to any conclusion we must analyse whole state of affairs in unbiased manner. Let’s see what the criteria and parameters have been laid down to analyse the validity of any language to be declared as official status. Bhojpuri must meet these criteria.

The Yardsticks

For the years demand for inclusion of Bhojpuri and Rajasthani has been raising. Recently it has got mass momentum as some parliamentarians belonging to Bhojpuri region raised their demand in a very strong manner saying that this language is being discriminated by some certain classes. Feeling the ample pressure, the Union Home Minister, P. Chidambaram made a statement in the Parliament on the need to include Bhojpuri and Rajasthani languages in the Eighth schedule to the Constitution. He said that a committee was set up in September, 2003 under the Chairmanship of Shri Sitakant Mohapatra to evolve a set of objective criteria for inclusion of more languages in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India. The Committee submitted its report in 2004. The report of the Committee is under consideration in consultation with the concerned departments of the Central Government. A decision on the pending demands for inclusion of languages in the Eighth Schedule including Bhojpuri and Rajasthani will be taken, inter-alia, in the light of the recommendations of the Committee and Government’s decision thereon. Government says that no time frame can be fixed for consideration of the demands for inclusion of more languages in Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India”. He further said “No criteria have been laid down in the Constitution for inclusion of languages in the Eighth Schedule. The basis for inclusion of these languages in the Eighth Schedule was the circumstances and demands of the people, existing at that point of time.”

The existing norms which are to be meet by the language are as follows. . First, the language must be official language of a state where demand is being raised from. . Secondly, it must be spoken by a large population in geographical spread of the state. Thirdly, it is approved by the Sahitya Akademy. And fourthly, it should be rich in terms of literature. Let’s see whether Bhojpuri meets these all criteria or not.

Bhojpuri contour

Bhojpuri derives its golden history from 1000 years back. It is part of the Eastern-Hindi or Bengali continuum of languages which once extended from Assam and Bengal to Banaras. While the rest of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh adopted the new Hindi standard (Khadi Boli), the language remained strong in the areas between Patna and Banaras.

It is spoken in parts of north-central and eastern India, particularly, in the western part of Bihar, the north-western part of Jharkhand, and the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh. As per the official figures of the 2001 Indian Census –there are 33 million speakers of the Bhojpuri dialect under the Hindi language sub-family. Unofficially number is tremendously more. An estimated 70 million people in Uttar Pradesh and 20 million people in Bihar speak Bhojpuri as their first or second language. There are 6 million Bhojpuri speakers living outside of Bihar and Purvanchal. Bhojpuri gets its presence in around 16 countries such as Nepal, Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Uganda, Singapore, Trinidad & Tobago, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Great Britain, Brazil, South Africa, Canada and the United States. This makes the total Bhojpuri speaking population in the world close to 90 million. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, many colonizers faced labour shortages and were unable to obtain slaves from Africa due to the abolition of slavery; thus, they imported many Indians as indentured servants to labour on plantations. Today, many Indians in the West Indies, Oceania, and South America still speak Bhojpuri as a native or second language.

If the numerical things matter, then no any from the recently included eighth language (Sindhi, Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santhali) can compete with Bhojpuri. In terms of number of speakers Bhojpuri is certainly in advantageous position. Then on what basis Bodo, Konkani and Manipuri have been included and Bhojpuri has been overlooked. Now if we talk about the second criteria which advocates that language should be spoken by a large population in state and should be official language of the state. Again Bhojpuri fulfils this criterion too. But shockingly, some languages which don’t meet such criteria have been officially recognised. As for instance take Sindhi and Nepali. These languages are neither Indian language nor are being spoken by a large number of populations in any Indian state. What about Bhojpuri which finds its presence in almost more 16 countries? Possibly there might be some other reasons. The fourth criterion says that language must enjoy affluent literature. In this term, Bhojpuri is in win-win state having prestigious records.

Historical and Literature stand

The Bhojpuri-speaking region is never devoid of intellectual prominence which is evident in its literature. In fact, Bhojpuri became one of the basis of the development of the official language of independent India, Hindi, in the past century. Bhartendu Harishchandra is known as father of Hindi literary. On the other side, he was much influenced by the tone and style of Bhojpuri in his native region. We can easily notice the influence and depiction of Bhojpuri in his Hindi works.

There were eminent laureates such as Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi, Faniswar Nath Renu, Munshi Premchand etc from the Bhojpuri-speaking region whose contributions in further development of Hindi are unforgettable. Bhojpuri region has always enjoyed a rich tradition of creating eminent politicians and humanitarians, such as first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

Bhikhari Thakur is known as the Shakespeare of Bhojpuri. His marvellous contribution in form theater plays has become an asset for Bhojpuri people. His classics of Bidesiya fetch lots of admirer from national and international fraternity. Folk music and poetic expressions are special feature of Bhojpuri which make it more than a body of folklore. Bhojpuri Literature in written pattern started in early twentieth century. During the British era, Bhojpuri was known as the “Northern Frontier Province language.” Human sentiments and struggle of life became the theme of most Bhojpuri works which tell that how economic development affected Bhojpuri expanse.

Bhojpuri Media

Nobody can deny the rich existence of Bhojpuri media too. Since the first Bhojpuri film in 1962 ‘Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo’ Bhojpuri cinema has started its golden journey. Films such as Bidesiya (“Foreigner”, 1963, directed by S. N. Tripathi) and Ganga (“Ganges”, 1965, directed by Kundan Kumar) were profitable and popular. The increased number of Bhojpuri films tentatively acquired a shape of industry. Films such as Mai (“Mom”, 1989, directed by Rajkumar Sharma) and Hamar Bhauji (“My Brother’s Wife”, 1983, directed by Kalpataru) continued to have at least sporadic success at the box office.

After passing through bad times, the industry again came in bubbly mood in 2001 with the “Silver Jubilee” hit Saiyyan Hamar. Actor of this film Ravi Kishan got immense popularity. With Sasura Bada Paisa Wala, Manoj Tiwari, a well-loved folk singer started his new acting career and very soon become the heartthrob of Bhojpuri viewers. The rapid pace of the popularity of Bhojpuri film attracted several top-notch bollywood actors including Amitabh Bachchan and Mithun Chakraborty. In 2008, a short film Udedh Bun (Unravel) by Siddharth Sinha was selected for world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival that later won the National Film Award for Best Short fiction Film.

Demand of Bhojpuri programmes has put cut-throat rivalry among the TV channels. After witnessing huge success of Mahua TV, a Bhojpuri TV channel, several other established TV channels are offering soaps and operas in either Bhojpuri or Hindi-Bhojpuri format. Actor-Singer Manoj tiwary jogs his memory “I have seen an amazing scene during my visit to a remote area in UP. A villager, at an electronic shop, was saying that he will buy only that DTH set top box which offers Mahuwa channel! This is the hunger of entertainment in Bhojpuri expanses. It is so because also in entertainment arena, sentiment and demand of Bhojpuri people have been ignored. Now, almost each and every DTH service provider is bound to offer Bhojpuri channel!”

Bhojpuri has an age old journalistic presence. Manoj Tiwary recalls that ‘Bhojpuri Mati’ has been publishing for many years. There are dailies and magazines in Bhojpuri. Planman Media run by Management Guru Arindam Chauwdhary has launched ‘The Sunday Indian’, a first of its kind newsmagazine in Bhojpuri. Certainly this magazine has filled the vacuum for Bhojpuri readers and serving them literary delight.

Pedagogic potency

In spite of having splendid history, rich literature and a huge number of speakers Bhojpuri has not been included in 8th schedule. There is a different argue which might be a reason behind Bhojpuri’s non inclusion. It is said that language lacks properly organized grammar. Ajit Dubey is the President of Bhojpuri Samaj and has been acting like a crusader for Bhojpuri’s prestige rebuts this argue terming it a lame excuse. He says that regular course at degree level in Bhojpuri has been conducting in several universities as for instance Calcutta University. Patna University has been running courses in Bhojpuri since its inception. Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University and Nalanda Open University also run courses in Bhojpuri. Apart, world’s biggest Open University, Indira Gandhi Open University (IGNOU) has recognised Bhojpuri and started course since July 2009. While attending a ceremony in IGNOU Meera Kumar, Speaker, Lok Sabha launched the foundation course in Bhojpuri. Courses in Bhojpuri have been run in several other universities too such as Veer Kunvar Singh University, Banaras Hindu University etc. without properly arranged grammar these universities can’t run courses at higher level.

Obstacles And Solutions

It is now clear that Bhojpuri fulfils all the criteria for enlisting in the 8th schedule. But some more hindrances have been put against it which, without a tad of doubt, seems illogical. One such argument states that if too many languages are enlisted then it would be impossible for Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to imprint all of those on currency notes because of lack of space. Second argument is that UPSC will face difficulty in holding exams in too many languages enlisted in the 8th Schedule. Ajit Dubey refuting these arguments says that it isn’t mandatory to either imprint all the enlisted languages on the currency notes or hold examination in them. UPSC can hold examinations in top 10 languages in terms of its speakers like at present it does in Hindi and English. Rest languages can be made optional. He cites example of USA in the context of printing languages on the currency notes. There were only 13 states in USA initially which got symbolic depiction on USA flag by 13 lines showcasing their glory. Later on, the number of states increased. Considering the lack of space on the flag, stars were put on the flag to symbolise the new ones. Today USA has 50 states and its flag has 50 stars. This way both old and new states have been brilliantly depicted on their National Flag. RBI and UPSC can take this example into consideration while using the enlisted languages. For example, the initial 14 languages are written on the currency notes and the languages added later on can be depicted using some symbols. Opposing inclusion of Bhojpuri language only on the basis of these petty issues isn’t right.

The endeavour

It isn’t so that no effort has been made to get Bhojpuri recognised officially. Efforts were being put but after 2004, it got very aggressive momentum. Under the leadership of Ajit Dubey all Bhojpuri people, particularly MPs have come on a platform unitedly to raise this demand. Recently on 30th August 2010, some parliamentarians like Sanjay Nirupam, Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Jagadambika Pal raised this issue in the Parliament to give official status to Bhojpuri and Rajasthani. They got support from Samajvadi Party’s Mulayam Singh Yadav, RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, MP Niraj Shekhar and MP of Goraakhpur Mahant Adityanath. But government became mute spectator because of no any suitable answer. On 26th July 2010, MP Niraj Shekhar wrote a letter to Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram in this regard mentioning Bhojpuri being the one of the largest languages in terms of number in the country and over 20 crore people across the globe speak Bhojpuri. He reminded P. Chidambaram that in December 2006, the then Minister of State for Home Affairs Prakash Jaisawal had given assurance to parliament related inclusion of Bhojpuri in 8th Schedule. In reply to this letter, Ajay Makan, who was then overseeing the home ministry in absence of P. Chidambaram sidestepped the issue altogether. He totally refused to give any specific timeline for this demand saying that a high level committee under the patronship of Sitakant Mahapatra has submitted its report and government is considering its recommendations. On asking that on what basis some certain languages have been included, Mr Makan has not replied clearly. This response has triggered the emotion of Bhojpuri people. Niraj Shekhar, MP, says that in coming session of parliament this issue will be raised and no any tolerance will be shown if unjustified answer will be given to him.

The hope

This is a very pessimistic and pathetic situation that a language getting accolades around the world, is being discriminated against in its own country. But ill-response by government has not poured cold water on campaigners’ enthusiasm. Ajit Dubey is not discouraged by these incidents and says that somewhere it is due to the lack of unity among the Bhojpuri lovers. Even after having more than 25 Bhojpuri Parliamentarians in support, this issue isn’t raised on the platform of Parliament strongly enough. Once we have united then Shiela Dixit had declared optional holiday for Chhath Puja in Delhi. It was our victory. Slowly and steadily, Bhojpuri supporters are coming together and recognising their strength in togetherness. Political parties too are now recognising the power the Bhojpuri speaking population yields. The recent example boosts enthusiasm of Bhojpuri speakers. UPA Chairperson Soniya Gandhi asked the government about the status of Bhojpuri speaking population in the country. It gave positive vibes to Bhojpuri supporters.

Keeping sharp eye on developments which possess some futuristic positive consequences always give advantageous gains. UPA government should understand the sentiment of Bhojpuri people and include Bhojpuri in 8th schedule during coming session of parliament. At last, the worthiness of Bhojpuri to be recognised officially can be understood by the feelings of our Lok Sabha Speaker Smt Meira Kumar. After inaugurating second ‘World Bhojpuri Conference’ in New Delhi organised by ‘Puvanchal Ekata Manch’ she said “Bhojpuri is not mere a language, it is a philosophy too. In this language, instead of ‘I’, ‘We’ is used which gives a feeling of integrity and commonality. Bhojpuri is a distinguished lifestyle.”

http://www.dayafterindia.com/magz_detail_news.php?id=351

 

Bhojpuri Has Matchless Entertaining Potency: Manoj Tiwary

Manoj Tiwary, a famed multitalented Bhojpuri Singer and Actor, is also known as ‘Bhojpuri Superstar.’ He emits his pain for his soil, language and profession with dayafter correspondent Aditya Kumar

At first, congratulation! First time, any Bhojpuri film will be shown in International Film Festival and that is your ‘Bhojpuria Don’

Thank you so much! This is a gracious moment for our Bhojpuri Film Industry.

The Dayafter: How do you take this honour?

Manoj Tiwary: This is a dream come true. Actually I am very happy that his film is being shown in international film festival but the most importantly, now Bhojpuri has started carving important niche. Till date, no any Bhojpuri film has been allowed to be shown in such international show. This is a beginning. That day is not so far when Bhojpuri films will get prestigious awards too.

DA: Do you think Bhojpuri has such potency to get immense popularity and fetch awards?

MT: See, whenever you have used Bhojpuri in films it fetched tremendous popularity. From Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Satrughan Sinha…whenever delivered dialogues in Bhojpuri, they got huge success. After coming of Mahuwa Channel, lots of other entertainment channels have started making soaps and operas in Bhojpuri as for instance ‘Bhagyavidhata’ ‘Agle janam mohe bitiya na kijo.’ This is the entertaining capability of Bhojpuri.

DA: What do you think the reasons behind not inclusion of any Bhojpuri films?

MT: Perhaps you remember a famous song ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’. Almost all languages have been included in this song of national importance except Bhojpuri. Problem is not with Bhojpuri film. Problem is with Bhojpuri language. This is a victim of inequity and discrimination.

DA: How can you say that Bhojpuri is being discriminated?

MT: A language is being spoken by a huge mass, having rich history and literature and getting respect in foreign countries but still fighting in her own country! How do you see this? Why the films made in Bhojpuri languages have been barred yet from showing in international film festivals? Not to talk about this, even our films can’t get ‘National Award.’ Even Doordarshan empanelment committee overlooks Bhojpuri. There is hitch in getting financial assistance for Bhojpuri programmes. Major reason is that it has not been included in 8th schedule of Indian constitution. It certainly seems that there is discrimination. Apart, there is lack of unity among the Bhojpuri people too.

DA: What are your efforts to get Bhojpuri recognised officially?

MT: As an artist I am putting my best possible efforts. I want to thank Mr Ajit Dubey who has been fighting for this divine purpose and acting like a ‘one man army force.’ Whenever he needs me, I manage time anyhow for him. I raise our demand through each cultural platform. I am trying to unite all Bhojpuri people especially from U.P. and Bihar so that our voice can be raised in strong manner. In Bhojpuria Don we have taken up a story based on, how the people form UP and Bihar face humiliation and discrimination in other states.