It is ironic how a self-styled “language warrior” in Mumbra would find out the hard way that there can be adverse fallout in enforcing a linguistic preference. The person had confronted a vendor selling fruits and vegetables in Mumbra to speak in Marathi. Unknown to the so-called language activist was the fact that this vendor hailed from the predominant Muslim community in the area.
The situation quickly escalated when a larger group of locals assembled, opposing the language warrior’s stance. The activist seemed to realize how wrong he had been and changed his tune and apologized to the crowd. However, the locals were not satisfied with his oral apology. They insisted he publicly apologize in Hindi, and for good measure, filmed him so that the record would show that he was respecting linguistic diversity.
The case offers us insight into the complicated relationship between cultural and linguistic identities in places as varied as Mumbra. While the promotion of local languages is welcome, insisting upon them, perhaps without sensitivity, can become a source of division rather than unity. One hopes this serves as a timely reminder that to respect all languages and cultures is the true test of the true harmony of a society.