Suresh Pujari Presses For Inclusion Of Sambalpuri In 8th Schedule Of Constitution

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Bargarh, Suresh Pujari has urged the Central government to take necessary steps to include Sambalpuri language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. 

Pressing his demands in Sambalpuri language during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, the Parliamentarian said, “Sambalpuri is a very old language and has very much similarities with Sanskrit. The language has its own music, poetry, dance, drama and literature.”

“The Centre has conferred prestigious Padma Shri award to Sambalpuri poet Haldhar Nag and singer Jitendra Haripal for their contribution to Sambalpuri language. This is an indirect recognition of the contribution of Sambalpuri language,” Pujari added.

Many mythological books including Ramayana, Mahabharata, Shrimad Bhagwat Gita have already been translated into Sambalpuri and it is spoken by over 1.5 crore people in Odisha and its neighbouring States, Pujari informed the Lower House of the Parliament.

"We have been long demanding to include the Sambalpuri language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. I urge the Centre to fulfil our demand, he stated in House.