While those of the old school regard the proposal downright preposterous, the likes of Dayashankar Joshi, former head of South Gujarat University's department of linguistics and one of the pioneers of the movement, firmly believe that since Gujarati does not distinguish between short and long high vowels, the two ways of writing them (rhaswa and deergha).

``This will reduce the burden on students and language-users as a whole, since the separate markers find limited use: For instance, in words derived from Sanskrit'', he says. ``But most users find it cumbersome.''

On criticism that a few concessions could trigger similar demands for relaxation of grammar rules, he says, ``One should be prepared to answer questions that are logical.''

The talk of reforms and a fewconferences saw Gujarat Vidyapeeth -- inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, it compiled Gujarati Jodni, the Bible for written Gujarati way back in 1929 -- come out with a booklet last month, making its opposition vehemently clear. Some writers have called the proposed changes a crime, some say it's an affront on tradition, while others opine the language will lose its credibility.

Vidyapeeth's prompt response followed a convention in Unjha in January this year when about 150 people signed a pledge to accommodate changes while using Gujarati. Publications like Naya Marg, a bi-weekly published from Ahmedabad, Natak, a tri-monthly, Swastha Manav, a monthly, and Madhyantar, a daily, have already started using the ``new Gujarati in print.

Joshi alleges that those who oppose reforms are promoting a kind of elitism and ``wouldn't like to lose the influence they wield over the system. They are foisting on to a large majority a language very few use and are comfortable with''.

Tobolster his argument, Joshi cites a letter sent to him by an anonymous writer from Navsari, who says ``Despite having a bagful of degrees like M.Sc., M.Ed. Ph D (maths) to my credit, I can't differentiate between the short and long vowels.''

Educationist Ramesh Oza , who is not in favour of the reform, says, ``Learning can never be an easy process. It requires hard work. Many encounter difficulties while studying Mathematics, History and Science but that does not mean you make concession.

``The so-called reformers say they have interests of the uneducated in mind, but instead of educating them, they are showing them shortcuts'', he alleges.

Head of SGU's department of comparative literature Ashwin Desai says, ``You can't do away with symbols, for that will tell on rhythm and meaning, especially in poems. One should learn to imbibe the diverse elements of a language.''

Both Oza and Desai think the language reformation will never become a mass movement. ``Five crore people have learnt one form oflanguage. That can't be changed overnight,'' Oza says. Desai says laymen are simply not interested in the technical aspects of the language but suggests a way out: students' marks should not be deducted on this count.

Joshi is unfazed by the criticism. Along with the Satya Shodhak Sabha, he is organising the first-ever public discussion on `Jodani Sudhar' at K P Commerce College on June 5. The debate has begun in right earnest.