Rethinking Hindi as the Official Language
The author argues for ending the designation of Hindi as the ceremonial rajbhasha (official language) of India, suggesting that this status has neither benefited Hindi nor the country. Instead, the focus should shift to addressing the linguistic imperialism of English.
Hindi's Linguistic Position
- Hindi is spoken by over 60 crore people, representing 42% of India's population.
- It is the world's fourth largest language and significantly larger than other Indian languages.
- While Hindi could serve as a bridge in India's multilingual landscape, its pursuit of purity and higher status can lead to cultural rifts.
Challenges with Hindi Policy
Hindi's current status as rajbhasha has led to several challenges:
- Hindi is perceived as a stepmother to its own dialects and a failed mother-in-law to other Indian languages.
- Recent initiatives may exacerbate the situation by promoting Hindi aggressively.
- Raghuveer Sahay’s poem highlights Hindi’s struggle in post-independence India, likening it to a neglected new wife.
English as the Dominant Language
- English is the language of the Indian ruling class, enjoying cultural clout and educational backing.
- Hindi speakers are increasingly migrating towards English-medium education.
- A significant portion of rural Hindi-speaking students cannot read at grade level, indicating educational challenges.
The Myth of Hindi Hegemony
While some argue about Hindi dominance, it hasn't been imposed like Russian in the USSR or Mandarin in Tibet. The real dominance lies within the subjugation of other languages within Hindi.
Proposal for Language Equality
- All 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule should become official languages, eliminating the need for a single national language.
- September 14 should be rebranded from Hindi Diwas to Bhasha Diwas, celebrating all Indian languages.
- Government initiatives for promoting Hindi should be halted, with focus shifted to promoting all regional languages.
The Path Forward
A national mission should focus on promoting regional languages through:
- Developing educational materials in multiple languages.
- Supporting institutions that protect and promote at least 100 non-scheduled languages.
Once these linguistic issues are addressed, discussions can begin on linguicism, akin to racism, casteism, and sexism.