Hindi positioned as bridge among Indian languages amid unity push from Amit Shah
by Utsav RoyDuring the golden jubilee event of the Union Home Ministry’s Official Language Department, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the role of Hindi as a collaborative force among Indian languages. Emphasizing unity through linguistic harmony, he stated that Hindi should be viewed not as a competitor but as a companion to all regional tongues.
Highlighting the importance of collective progress, Shah noted that true linguistic empowerment can only be achieved through cooperation between Hindi and other native languages. He encouraged all state governments to facilitate the teaching of medical and engineering courses in regional languages, stressing that a nation’s greatness lies in embracing its mother tongues.
He urged linguistic scholars and experts to contribute to the digital ‘Hindi Shabd Sindhu’ initiative and promised that any newly added words would be actively promoted. Shah reiterated that no language should be denied the opportunity to evolve and grow.
Clarifying his view on foreign languages, Shah said that while these should not be opposed, the focus must remain on honoring and expressing ourselves in our native languages. He emphasized that glorifying our linguistic heritage is key to imagining a fully developed India.
Shah also pointed out that around 95% of candidates appearing for CAPF constable exams opt to take them in their regional languages, demonstrating the deep connection people have with their mother tongues.
Reflecting on past attempts to use language as a divisive tool, he asserted that such efforts have failed. Instead, the government now aims to use language as a unifying force. The Official Language Department, he said, will lead this mission to ensure India’s cultural unity through its linguistic diversity.
He stressed that administration must be conducted in languages that people can easily understand. According to Shah, no country can safeguard its cultural values, literature, history, and social ethics without maintaining a strong bond with its native languages.
Established in 1975, the Official Language Department was created to encourage the use of Hindi in official communication and administrative functions. Shah reaffirmed its role in making governance more inclusive and rooted in the linguistic fabric of the nation.