MP, Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal introduced a Private Member Bill in Lok Sabha on April 1 to include Bhoti Language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian constitution
Jamyang Tsering Namgyal emphasized that the Bhoti language is a rich treasure having a kaleidoscopic identity of society, sign of respect, a reflection of history, culture of Himalaya, system of governance, and symbiotic relation with ecology etc. which has more than a dictionary connotation on language as a system of communication in speech and writing or the system of sounds and writing those human beings use to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings. Bhoti literature and script can be traced from Thomi Sambhota who made the script in the 7th century by modifying the four vowels and thirty consonants of the Devnagri script and grammar which derived from the Sanskrit. Bhoti has a rich literature in different fields; such as Medicine, Architecture, Astrology, Music, Arts, Dance, Drama, Yoga, Philosophy, Tantric and Grammar. The collection of the rich treasure of the famous “Nalanda tradition” as well as Gautam Buddha’s teaching “Tripitika” that comprises 108 volumes and Tantras are also available in Bhoti language as original form.

He further added that the Bhoti language has its own script which has been used across the regions of the Himalayas from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh including Union Territory of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh and the language is recognized with different names as official languages in the Himalayan States. The glory and grace of this language is not only confined to the Himalayan region of India but also in Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet, China, Mongolia and Pakistan. 

“This language is a symbol of “Unity in diversity” by people of different religions, regions, cultures and countries are using this language. In contemporary times different Schools, Colleges and Universities throughout the world are imparting education in and education for Bhoti language. In radio telecasting, All India Radio Leh, Shimla, Gangtok, Karshang Darjeeling, Tawang and Delhi broadcast their news and other programmes in Bhoti language. More than fifteen newspapers and Magazines are available in the Bhoti language and nearly 7000 Monasteries of the Himalayan region follow this language in their practices and operations”, he added.

The press statement reads, “For the first time in the Indian Parliamentary history a Member of Parliament has moved a Private Member Bill “Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (Amendment of Eight Schedule)” in Lok Sabha to recognize the Bhoti language in the 8th Schedule for Constitution.”

Different communities from Himalaya applauded Jamyang Tsering Namgyal and shared a proud moment for all the Bhoti Communities of the Indian Himalayan regions. The inclusion of the Bhoti language in the 8th Schedule has been given emphasized by different stakeholders from Ladakh to Arunachal. The introduction of the Bhoti language is envisioned to develop the Himalayan region from socio-cultural and linguistic identity for prospering the traditional, modern, and contemporary life of Himalayan people and contribute to enriching Indian culture.