Amidst the ongoing debate over promoting Hindi as a national language, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stirred controversy by stating that those who speak in English should feel ashamed. Tamil Nadu has been vocal in its opposition to the ‘undue’ importance being given to Hindi. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin remarked that the National Education Policy is being used not to improve the quality of education, but to secretly promote Hindi. West Bengal also expressed similar concerns and criticized the BJP’s stance on the issue.
Speaking at a book launch event, Shah stated the need to prioritize native languages, calling them the foundation of India’s identity. “Native languages should take precedence over foreign languages. In this country, those who speak English will soon feel ashamed. The creation of such a society is not far away. I believe that the languages of our country are the jewels of our culture. Without our languages, we cease to be truly Indian,” Shah said.
He called for a conscious effort by the people to reclaim India’s linguistic heritage. Shah predicted that the day is near when English will be viewed as a symbol of colonial slavery. “No foreign language can help us understand our country, our culture, our history, or our religion. The idea of a complete India cannot be imagined through half-baked foreign languages,” he added.
At the same time, Shah said there should be no further divisions in the country based on language, stating that India has already seen enough dissent in the past.
