Kumaoni language conference sought inclusion of language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution.
Kumaoni language conference sought inclusion of language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution.
Prem Prakash Upadhyay “Natural
Bageshwar, Nov 9
“Language is the soul of identity, and those who preserve their language make their identity eternal.” This sentiment resonated deeply at the three-day National Kumaoni Language Conference, which concluded in Rudrapur today. The conference turned into a vibrant platform for scholars, cultural activists, and citizens to reaffirm their commitment to the preservation and recognition of the Kumaoni language.
The event was not just an academic discussion but a celebration of heritage and self-respect evolving into a movement demanding that Kumaoni receive its due place in education, administration, and public life.
Prominent personalities from the judiciary, administration, academia, and civil society participated in the event, emphasizing the unity of purpose behind the cause.
Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Prafulla Chandra Pant, recalling the emotional unity that led to the creation of Uttarakhand, said. “Our mother tongues Kumaoni and Garhwali are the roots of Uttarakhand’s identity.The time has come for the government to treat these languages not merely as cultural subjects but to grant them administrative and academic status.”
He also proposed the formation of a joint committee to develop a standardized grammar and vocabulary for the Kumaoni language, paving the way for its inclusion in school curricula.
During the three-day conference, linguists and researchers presented papers on the grammar, phonetics, and dialectical diversity of Kumaoni.
Prof. D.S. Bisht, former Vice-Chancellor of Pantnagar University, explained that the language has evolved from Sanskrit and Apabhramsha, and still preserves hundreds of root words reflecting the region’s natural life, agriculture, and philosophy.
Two resolutions were passed in the conference, creation of a ‘Kumaoni Grammar Corpus’ And compilation of folk tales and oral traditions, to be submitted to the Uttarakhand Language Institute, Dehradun.
The conference’s influence spread far beyond the venue, with #KumaoniLanguageConference trending across social media platforms.
Hundreds of young people shared Kumaoni songs, idioms, and poetry, reflecting a growing pride and emotional connection to their linguistic roots.
At the closing session, participants unanimously passed resolutions urging the state government to: work for inclusion of Kumaoni in the eighth schedule of the Constitution, declare Kumaoni as the state’s second official language, introduce it as an optional subject from Classes 1 to 5, launch teacher training programs for regional languages, allocate a larger budget and resources to the Uttarakhand Language Institute and establish annual state awards to promote Kumaoni films, theatre, music, and literature.
“Language is not a symbol of regionalism, but of unity,” the scholars asserted. In his presidential address, Prof. Bisht described the event as “a symbol of Uttarakhand’s cultural rebirth,” noting that Kumaoni is not merely a mode of communication but a living heritage of folk wisdom and emotions. He expressed hope that the conference would mark a new chapter in the preservation of regional languages.
Dr. K.C. Chandola, Director of Homoeopathic Medical College, linked cultural preservation with environmental consciousness, reminding participants that “A healthy society is built on a healthy environment.” He urged citizens to commit to tree plantation, water conservation, and cleanliness, calling nature-based living “the key to lasting health.”
The conference was organized under the guidance of Dr. Hayat Singh Rawat, member of the Uttarakhand Language Institute and founder-editor of Paharu magazine. Dr. B.S. Bisht served as Chief Convener, while Dr. Lalit Mohan Upreti acted as Co-convener. Noted writer Mohan Joshi, along with several scholars, educators, and citizens, also participated enthusiastically.
