Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s celebrated cricketers, has often been vocal about issues beyond cricket. Recently, during an interaction with students, Ashwin reignited a sensitive topic when he stated, “Hindi is not our national language, but an official language.” His comment, accompanied by a playful survey of students’ linguistic preferences, opened up a larger conversation about India’s linguistic diversity and the perception of Hindi as the dominant language.
The Context of Ashwin’s Statement
During the interaction, Ashwin gauged the linguistic comfort of students by asking whether they preferred to speak in English, Tamil, or Hindi. The response was telling. While English and Tamil elicited enthusiastic cheers, Hindi was met with silence. This incident subtly highlighted the varying linguistic priorities and emotional connections people have with their native tongues.
Ashwin’s remark emphasized an often-overlooked fact: India does not have a national language. The Constitution designates Hindi and English as the official languages for central administrative purposes, but states have the freedom to choose their own official languages. This reflects the federal structure of India and its commitment to preserving linguistic diversity.
Hindi: A Dominant Yet Contested Language
Hindi, spoken by over 40% of Indians, enjoys widespread usage in politics, media, and Bollywood. However, its dominance often sparks resistance in non-Hindi-speaking states, particularly in South India. States like Tamil Nadu have historically opposed the imposition of Hindi, advocating for the preservation of their own linguistic heritage.
The Anti-Hindi Agitations of Tamil Nadu in the 1960s serve as a significant historical backdrop to this sentiment. These protests were pivotal in shaping India’s language policy, ensuring that English remained a key medium for communication alongside Hindi.
Linguistic Pride and Regional Identity
Ashwin’s observation aligns with the deep-rooted pride Indians take in their regional languages. Tamil, for instance, is one of the oldest languages in the world, with a rich literary heritage. It is not surprising that Tamil-speaking students responded more enthusiastically than those preferring Hindi.
This cultural pride extends to other states as well. From Bengali to Marathi, Telugu to Kannada, India’s linguistic diversity is both its strength and its challenge.
The Need for Linguistic Sensitivity
Ashwin’s remark underscores the need for linguistic sensitivity in a multilingual nation like India. While Hindi holds an important place in India’s cultural fabric, equating it with a “national language” can alienate millions who speak other languages. This is why the Indian Constitution refrains from declaring any language as the national language.
Instead, India’s language policy promotes inclusivity. Article 29 of the Constitution protects the rights of citizens to conserve their language, script, and culture, ensuring that no linguistic group feels marginalized.
Conclusion: Celebrating Unity in Diversity
Ashwin’s statement is a timely reminder of the importance of respecting India’s linguistic diversity. His playful interaction with students may have highlighted a larger truth: language is not just a medium of communication but also a marker of identity and heritage.
In a country as diverse as India, linguistic inclusivity is crucial for fostering unity. Hindi may be an official language, but it is one among many. Ashwin’s candid remark and the audience’s reaction remind us that India’s strength lies in its ability to embrace all its languages and cultures with equal respect.