News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know T he Rajasthani diaspora in North America has welcomed Rajasthan Governor and Chancellor Haribhau Bagde’s directive to establish dedicat- ed Rajasthani Language Study Cen- ters in state universities, describing it as a significant step towards preserv- ing and promoting the language. Prem Bhandari, President of the Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) and International Convener of the Akhil Bhartiya Rajasthani Bhasha Manyata Sang- harsh Samiti, termed the decision a “historic milestone” and said it marked an important moment in the long-standing campaign for recogni- tion of the Rajasthani language. According to Bhandari, the Gov- ernor’s directive has rekindled hope among Rajasthani-speaking com- munities in India and abroad that meaningful institutional measures are finally being taken to promote and preserve the language. He said the latest development was closely linked to a campaign that has con- tinued for more than two decades, seeking the inclusion of Rajasthani in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, which would grant it official language status. Bhandari recalled that the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution in 2003 supporting the inclu- sion of Rajasthani in the Eighth Schedule after a memorandum was submitted that year. He also noted that another memo- randum was submitted to then-President Pratibha Patil in 2011, but the proposal remains pending with the Central govern- ment. Pending constitutional recognition, Bhandari urged the Rajasthan government to declare Rajasthani as the state’s Second Official Language, noting that several other states have accorded similar status to their regional languages. Highlighting the linguistic rich- ness of Rajasthani, Bhandari referred to the Rajasthani Dictionary com- piled by Dr Sitaram Lalas, which contains more than 210,000 words. He said RANA would continue its “peaceful, democratic and constitu- tional” campaign until Rajasthani is included in the Eighth Schedule. The development follows an order issued on Tuesday by the office of Rajasthan Governor and Chancellor Haribhau Bagde directing 11 state- funded universities across Rajasthan to establish Rajasthani Language Study Centres. The universities covered under the directive include the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur, Jai Narain Vyas University in Jodhpur and Mohan- lal Sukhadia University in Udaipur, among others. The Governor’s Secretariat has instructed the vice-chancellors of the universities to initiate the process of es- tablishing the centres “at the earliest” and submit progress reports to Raj Bhavan. - ANI “Historic Milestone”: Rajasthani Diaspora In North America Welcomes Governor’s Order On Language Centers PHOTO:ANI Members of Rajasthan Association of North America pose for a picture. T he Indian Overseas Congress USA (IOC USA) held a demon- stration at Times Square July 26, 2026, to express support with Indian students who were protesting the leak of medical examination papers and demanding the removal of the Education Minister who has since resigned. The Times Square) event “brought together national leaders, state chapter representatives, members, and sup- porters from across the United States,” organizers said in a press release. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exams are among the most important route to qualify for admission into medical schools in India. “Carrying the Indian National Flag alongside the American flag, participants emphasized that education should re- main transparent, merit-based, inclusive, and accessible to all, regardless of social or economic background,” the press release said. Participants carried placards bearing messages such as “Save Democracy, Save India,” “Stand with India’s Students,” “Justice for Students,” “Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Future,” and “Protect Constitu- tional Values.” The event was led by George Abraham, Vice Chairman; Mohinder Singh Gillzian, National President of the Indian Overseas Congress USA; John Joseph, National Secre- tary General; and Baldev Randhawa, National Vice President. It was coordinated with the support of Sophia Sharma, National General Secretary; Imran Pasha, President of the New York Chapter; and Minnaj Khan, National Secretary. They were national office bearers and state chapter leaders. Speakers congratulated Indian students “for standing firm in defense of justice, fair- ness, and democratic values,” Abraham said. Gillzian said India’s greatest strength lies in its Constitution and in the aspirations of its young people. Joseph said today’s students are tomor- row’s scientists, doctors, entrepreneurs, teachers, administrators, innovators, and nation-builders. Randhawa reaffirmed the Indian diaspo- ra’s solidarity with students seeking fairness, transparency, and constitutional governance. Organizers said the demonstration showed the unity and organizational strength of IOC-USA. Indian Overseas Congress USA Holds Demonstration At Times Square Expressing Solidarity With India’s Students By a StaffWriter PHOTO:COURTESY IOC-USA IOC-USA demonstration at Times Square July 26, 2026. News India Times (August 1, 2026 - August 7, 2026) August 7, 2026 10 Community