They can't understand why, in spite of more than 160 years of Bhojpuric existence in this country, the Government hasn't thought of a Bhojpuri Speaking Union or of a full-fledged centre to promote the language and the culture.

Spearheading the movement in favour of the preservation of Bhojpuri and its culture is the former Minister and Health and Minister of Cooperatives, Jugdish Gobhurdun, founder-coordinator of the Indian Diaspora Centre.

“It's unacceptable that the language of the majority is treated in the way it is. It deserves a better deal,” he said at a press meeting, in Port Louis,on Wednesday. He urged Government to give Bhojpuri a place of prestige and pride.

“Bhojpuri is a living language and has always been used. Its folklore, including music, dance and 'Boohaawals' (riddles) is widely prevalent in the island and, if not given the proper attention, it may disappear,” he said.

Sarita Boodhoo, who has been fighting for more than three decades for the promotion of Bhojpuri, cannot understand why the language is still lagging behind. She is all praise for the managing director of Professor Basdeo Bissoondoyal SSS, Ramnath Jeetah, for his singular effort in teaching the language at his institution for the last eight years at his own expense, without any grant or support from the authorities.

Other organisations like the Suryavanshi and the Hindu Bajrang Mandal say there are hardly enough “good Bhojpuri news, films, documentaries” on the Radio and Television. “The national station must review the situation,” say Pandit Rakesh and Pandit Sudhakar from HBM. They question why a Bhojpuri Union Bill was not included along with the Hindi, Urdu,  Tamil, Marathi, Telugu Speaking Unions Bills at the National Assembly.

“It's sheer bashing and discrimination,” points out the president of HMB. “We hope, as promised, Government will consider introducing the language in all primary schools along with Kreol,” he adds.

Sobhanund Seeparsad, an authority in the language, says: “It's time the authorities start doing something to save the language. It represents the cultural soul of the majority in this country. It's the language of love and unity. It's in the interest of all to preserve it.”

The Indian Diaspora Centre is organising a Bhojpuri Mela from August 22 to 31 to arouse awareness among Mauritians of their ancestral roots and at the same time to commemorate the 108th birth anniversary of Swami Krishnanand.