Advisor to the Telangana Government Mohammed Ali Shabbir announced that the Congress Government would take all necessary measures to protect and promote Gorboli, the language of the Banjara community in the state.
Speaking after inaugurating the National Goar Banjara Sammelan held on the occasion of the 28th Formation Day celebrations of the Lambada Hakkula Porata Samithi (LHPS) at Ravindra Bharathi on Monday, Shabbir Ali highlighted the significance of preserving the Banjara culture. He emphasised that the Banjaras are indigenous people, historically nomadic, without a documented history. Despite this, they have maintained their unique language, attire, culture, and traditions. However, he noted that many of these traditions are fading. Gorboli does not have a written script, so their history has survived through oral traditions, exposing them to discrimination. Shabbir Ali stressed the need to document their history and safeguard their language and oral traditions.
In response to LHPS President Dr Bellaiah Naik Tejavath’s demand that the Telangana Assembly pass a resolution to include the Banjara language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution, Shabbir Ali assured that he would officially recommend the issue to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. He expressed hope that the Assembly would pass the resolution, adding that currently, 22 languages are recognised in the 8th schedule, and the Banjara language should be the 23rd.
Shabbir Ali praised the organisers for conducting the 28th foundation day of LHPS on such a grand scale, which saw participation from 15 states. He mentioned that the Banjara population across India is about 15 crores, underscoring the need for focused development efforts. He emphasised that both Banjaras living in agency and plain areas should be included in development plans.
He reminded that the Lambadas were included in the list of Scheduled Tribes in 1976 during the regime of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He said the announcement was made in Banswada, his native Nizamabad district.
Shabbir Ali reiterated the Congress Government’s commitment to developing Scheduled Tribes in Telangana. He noted that the government had already initiated a caste census in the state. Upon its completion, new welfare schemes would be introduced to ensure that all communities, including Banjaras, receive their fair share of resources and power.
