'Rajasthani language yet to find mention in 8th Schedule'

The Rajasthani language is getting a boost from the prominent literature festival being held here, but it is yet to be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, according to a local author.
Every year, Jaipur Literature Festival provides a platform for writers of Rajashani Language and this time, eight out of 22 authors participating in its ongoing sessions are from Rajasthan, JLF's Regional Advisor and eminent Hindi- Rajasthani author Nand Bhardwaj said.
But the language has not been included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution despite demands for the last four decades, Bhardwaj claimed.
Inclusion in the Eighth Schedule would mean that the government would have to take steps to preserve the language by promoting literature and educational institutions in the right and progressive manner, he said.

The issue always figured in JLF among writers, but public mindset needed to be changed to push for the language's inclusion in the Eighth Schedule, the author, who is also associated with Sahitya Akademi in Delhi, said.
"JLF is always bringing Rajasthani authors at international and national platforms for direct literary communication and exchange of ideas. It gives opportunity to Rajasthani writers," he said.

Bhardwaj said participation of film personalities should be reduced in the festival so that art, culture and literature subjects get genuine importance and writers could take up discussions seriously.
"Film's hero or popular media personalities cannot create position in literature...One can be popular but not be successful by mere fictitious media coverage or popularity...It needs real seriousness...We have to avoid short cuts in literature meetings," he opined.

Bhardwaj said, besides authors, K C Maloo, one of the 50 personalities adjudged by India Today and founder of Rajasthani music albums Veena cassettes, and Chavi Rajawat, a Sarpanch, actively participated in ongoing sessions.
Claiming that over 2 lakh people attended various sessions till today at JLF, Bhardwaj said next year the aim would be to invite at least 30 writers to take part in the literary festival.