Every year on September 14th, India celebrates Hindi Diwas to honor the adoption of Hindi as one of the official languages of the country. However, the question of whether Hindi should be declared the "National Language" of India remains a topic of heated debate. This discussion isn't just about language; it's deeply intertwined with India's cultural diversity, history, and politics.

On the ocassion of Hindi Diwas 2024, we wish to delve into the significance of Hindi as a mother tongue, the reasons behind its widespread use, and why it hasn't been declared the national language to date. We will also explore the arguments for and against making Hindi the national language and how such a decision could impact India's social and cultural fabric.

The Importance of Hindi as a Mother Tongue

Hindi, an Indo-Aryan language, is spoken by over 600 million people worldwide, has a significant presence in India. It is the mother tongue of nearly 44% of the Indian population, according to the 2011 Census of India. It is primarily spoken in the northern and central parts of the country, including states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana. As the third most spoken language in the world, after English and Mandarin, Hindi serves as a unifying medium of communication for millions of Indians both within the country and abroad.

Hindi holds immense cultural significance, as it is deeply rooted in Indian traditions, literature, and arts. Classical and modern Hindi literature, including the works of prominent authors like Premchand, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and Mahadevi Verma, are cherished by millions of Hindi speakers. Hindi films, songs, and television shows also play a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of Hindi-speaking communities. The language is also a bridge that connects people with India's rich heritage, religious texts, and folklore.

The Constitutional Status of Hindi

After India gained independence in 1947, there was a need to unify the nation under a common language to foster national integration. Consequently, in 1950, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, as one of the official languages of India under Article 343 of the Indian Constitution. English was retained for official purposes for a stipulated period, which has since been extended indefinitely to ensure smooth governance and communication across states with different linguistic backgrounds.

It's important to note that Hindi is not the "national language" of India but an "official language" alongside English. This distinction exists because of India's linguistic diversity. The country is home to 22 scheduled languages recognized by the Constitution, and several states have their own official languages. Declaring one language as the "national language" could risk alienating non-Hindi-speaking communities.

Why Hindi Has Not Been Declared the National Language

• Linguistic Diversity: India is a multilingual nation with a rich tapestry of languages and dialects. The Constitution recognizes 22 scheduled languages, each with its own cultural and historical significance. Declaring Hindi as the national language could be seen as an imposition on non-Hindi-speaking states, particularly those in the South and Northeast, where languages like Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, and Assamese are predominant. The linguistic diversity in India is a source of pride, and promoting one language over others could potentially lead to social and political unrest.

• Political Sensitivities: Language has always been a sensitive political issue in India. The Anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu during the 1960s are a prime example of how contentious the issue can be. When the Central Government attempted to impose Hindi as the sole official language, it led to widespread protests and violent opposition in Tamil Nadu, a state with a strong Dravidian identity and culture. The agitation resulted in the retention of English as an associate official language, and to this day, the topic remains highly sensitive.

• Unity in Diversity: The slogan "Unity in Diversity" is often used to describe India's multicultural and multiethnic fabric. While a single national language might seem like a tool for unification, it could actually have the opposite effect by marginalizing non-Hindi-speaking communities. In a country as diverse as India, linguistic and cultural plurality must be preserved to maintain unity.

• Practical Challenges: Even if Hindi were to be declared the national language, the practical challenges would be immense. Non-Hindi-speaking states would need to invest heavily in Hindi education and training, which would be resource-intensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, it could create barriers for people in education, government jobs, and other sectors where language proficiency is critical.

Arguments in Favor of Declaring Hindi as the National Language

• Widespread Usage: Proponents argue that Hindi is already spoken by a significant portion of the population and serves as a link language across many states. In urban areas, especially in the Hindi belt, Hindi is commonly used for communication across different linguistic groups.

• Cultural Unification: Declaring Hindi as the national language could promote a sense of cultural unity and national pride. It could strengthen the collective identity of being Indian, similar to how other nations have a single national language that symbolizes their national character.

• Administrative Convenience: Having a single national language could streamline administrative processes, reduce translation and interpretation costs, and make governance more efficient.

• Promotion of Indian Languages: Advocates for Hindi believe that promoting Hindi as a national language could counter the dominance of English and encourage people to value and use Indian languages more actively.

Arguments Against Declaring Hindi as the National Language

• Threat to Regional Languages: One of the strongest arguments against making Hindi the national language is the potential threat it poses to regional languages. Many fear that this move would undermine linguistic diversity and lead to the gradual decline of other languages.

• Imposition on Non-Hindi Speakers: In states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, and others, there is a strong sense of linguistic pride. People from these states might perceive the move as an imposition of Hindi culture over their own, potentially causing division rather than unity.

• Colonial Hangover: India’s linguistic diversity has always been a strength rather than a hindrance. Declaring Hindi as the national language might be seen as an extension of the colonial mindset, where one language or culture is promoted over others.

• Focus on Multilingualism: Instead of focusing on making Hindi the national language, there should be an emphasis on multilingual education. Encouraging the learning of multiple Indian languages, along with English, could help preserve India's linguistic heritage and foster better communication.

Conclusion

The debate over whether Hindi should be declared the national language of India is complex and multifaceted. While Hindi has undeniable cultural, historical, and linguistic significance, the idea of imposing a single language on a multilingual nation like India may not be practical or desirable. India's strength lies in its diversity, and this extends to its linguistic heritage. Rather than declaring a national language, the focus should be on promoting all Indian languages and ensuring that they flourish alongside one another.

As we celebrate Hindi Diwas 2024, it is crucial to recognize the importance of Hindi as one of India's official languages and a cultural bridge that connects millions of people. At the same time, we must honor and respect the rich linguistic diversity that makes India truly unique. Only by embracing our multiplicity can we hope to build a more inclusive and harmonious nation.