Kumaoni-Garhwali as Langugages.
The Uttarakhand Open University has started courses for Kumaoni and Garhwali dialects and both the dialects will find a place in the syllabus of the University. The intelligentsia of Uttarakhand has welcomed this statement of the Vice-Chancellor. But the main question is how these dialects would achieve the status of a language. As soon as these dialects are awarded the status of a language and find a place in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution, would get the status of the Official Language of Uttarakhand. The problem is that both these dialects are spoken in various ways. There is vast difference between the dialects of Kumaoni in Almora District and Pithoragarh District. To achieve the status of a language these dialects have to travel a long distance. First of all we have to standardize the spoken method of the dialects. The next requirement for a language is its Grammar. Without Grammar a dialect cannot qualify to become a language. Yet another requirement is the Dictionary. Kumaoni and Garhwali must have its Dictionaries. In Garhwal a Dictionary has recently been published. In Kumaon also a Dictionary has been published. The Uttarakhand Open University should study and if appropriate publish these Dictionaries and make them available in the market at a subsidized cost. The standardization of pronunciation method of a language is also a must. The language once standardized may be written in Devnagri as is being done at present. It may require some modification for which certain vowels and consonants may be borrowed from Sanskrit, the mother of all the languages. Both these dialects already have a rich literature. It has a great store of legends, folklores, poems and literature. Now the screening of Kumaoni Garhwali Films is popularizing these dialects. Photo albums, film songs etc. are also instrumental in popularizing both the dialects. Hence the decision of the Open University to introduce Kumaoni and Garhwali in the syllabus of the University must be hailed. Of late there has been a discussion about a Lipi (scrit) for Kumaoni Garhwali. The matter requires threadbare discussions. But the point is Kumaoni Garhwali literature has already been written in Devnagari script. In case the script is changed, this literature would be required to be re-written in the new Lipi. This is not possible. Hence Devnagiri Lipi is the best, but it must be enriched after taking letters and words from Sanskrit. (D.N.Barola)