By Nazmin Saikia
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| picture credit : Nazmin Saikia |
India’s linguistic diversity is among the richest in the world, with the 2011 Census recognizing 121 languages spoken by more than 10,000 people each, and the constitution officially recognizing 22 scheduled languages. This multilingualism is a source of immense cultural wealth, yet it also poses complex challenges in governance, education, and social cohesion. The interplay of language and identity remains a sensitive and sometimes volatile issue, particularly as India grapples with policy decisions that affect millions across diverse regions.
The North-South Language Divide: Historical Roots and Current Realities
One of the most persistent fault lines in India’s linguistic landscape is the North-South language divide. This divide is not merely about geography, but about history, culture, and politics. Northern India, particularly Hindi-speaking states, has often been seen as the linguistic heartland, especially since Hindi is the most widely spoken language in the country and one of the official languages of the Union government. Southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala have strong Dravidian linguistic identities and have resisted efforts perceived as the imposition of Hindi.
In Tamil Nadu, this resistance is more than symbolic. The anti-Hindi agitations of the 1960s and again in the 1980s are well-documented moments when language became the rallying point for Tamil identity and political activism. These movements successfully prevented Hindi from becoming the sole official language of India, cementing Tamil Nadu’s insistence on protecting its language and culture.
Fast forward to 2023 and 2024, and the same tensions persist. According to a The Hindu report dated January 15, 2024, the Tamil Nadu government reaffirmed its opposition to central government initiatives aimed at making Hindi compulsory in schools. The state insists on continuing with Tamil and English as the primary media of instruction, viewing Hindi imposition as a threat to its cultural heritage. Similar sentiments are expressed in Karnataka and Kerala, where regional languages like Kannada and Malayalam are prioritized in official and educational domains.
Education Policy and the Language Question: The National Education Policy 2020
Language in education is a flashpoint for conflict and negotiation. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introduced by the central government, emphasizes the importance of mother-tongue or regional language instruction in early childhood education. This policy aims to improve learning outcomes by teaching children in their first language for at least the first five years of schooling.
While the policy’s intent is widely praised as a recognition of linguistic diversity and cultural preservation, its implementation has proven complicated. India’s multilingual states often face challenges deciding which language(s) to prioritize in schools where multiple languages coexist. The three-language formula, which recommends that students learn the regional language, Hindi, and English, remains a contentious topic.
In a February 10, 2024, article in The Times of India, educators and parents in Karnataka expressed difficulties in applying the three-language formula. Language preferences vary widely within the state, with urban students favoring English and Hindi, while rural students and tribal groups prioritize Kannada and local dialects. The conflicting demands have led to confusion and inconsistent policy enforcement. Critics argue that the NEP’s broad guidelines are difficult to customize to India’s complex linguistic realities without adequate resources and training.
Language as a Political Tool: Regional Identity and Mobilization
Beyond education, language is a powerful political tool. It shapes identity and mobilizes communities around governance and self-rule. In recent years, several movements and political campaigns have demonstrated how language continues to influence India’s political landscape.
In Rajasthan, a state dominated by Hindi but with a rich tapestry of dialects, there has been a growing demand for official recognition of Rajasthani as a distinct language rather than a collection of dialects. According to a March 5, 2024, report by NDTV, cultural organizations and regional politicians have petitioned the central government to include Rajasthani in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, which lists official languages. Advocates argue that official recognition would bolster cultural pride and enable better administration, education, and preservation of literature.
Similarly, Bhojpuri, a widely spoken language in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, is gaining momentum in efforts to be declared a classical language. Classical language status, which currently applies to languages like Tamil, Sanskrit, and Kannada, entitles languages to government funding for research and preservation. A March 18, 2024, NDTV article highlighted campaigns led by Bhojpuri scholars, politicians, and cultural activists who argue that Bhojpuri’s rich literary tradition and large speaker base merit this recognition.
These demands underscore the symbolic importance of language in affirming cultural identity and political legitimacy. Language recognition is not simply administrative; it affects public pride, educational curricula, media representation, and resource allocation.
Language and Statehood: The Case of Telangana and the Northeast
Language has also been central in the formation of states and demands for new states. The creation of Telangana in 2014 was driven in part by a strong Telugu linguistic and cultural identity, coupled with perceptions of economic neglect by the Andhra Pradesh government. The Telangana movement demonstrated how linguistic identity can be a unifying force behind political and territorial reorganization.
In the northeastern region, language remains a core issue amid ethnic and tribal diversity. States like Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram have multiple languages spoken by different tribal groups. In Manipur, tensions over official language policies have occasionally flared into conflict. A November 2023 investigative report by Indian Express detailed how language demands intersect with ethnic identity, land rights, and political representation, complicating efforts to maintain peace and governance in the region.
The Northeast’s complex linguistic mosaic highlights the difficulties of applying uniform language policies in culturally heterogeneous areas. Here, language is not just a communication tool but a marker of ethnic identity and autonomy.
Central Government Initiatives and Regional Responses
The central government has sought to promote Hindi as a link language to foster national integration. However, these efforts have often been met with skepticism or outright resistance from non-Hindi-speaking states.
For instance, the push to increase the use of Hindi in government offices and public services has been criticized by many southern states. According to a report published in The Hindu in December 2023, the Ministry of Education in partnership with the Kendriya Hindi Sansthan launched initiatives to promote Hindi learning, including scholarships and teacher training programs. However, Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments have declined to participate fully, emphasizing voluntary adoption rather than compulsion.
Moreover, the rise of English as a global lingua franca complicates the picture. For many Indians, English serves as a neutral medium that transcends regional divisions. This is especially true in urban areas and for upward mobility in business, technology, and international relations. The tension between Hindi, regional languages, and English reflects India’s complex multilingual identity and the competing pressures of tradition and modernity.
Conclusion: Balancing Unity and Diversity
India’s linguistic situation exemplifies the larger challenge of managing unity and diversity. Language policy is not only about communication but about identity, culture, and power. The North-South divide, the implementation of educational reforms, regional political mobilizations, and statehood movements all show that language remains a critical issue shaping India’s social and political landscape.
Policymakers must navigate these complexities carefully, respecting regional sentiments while promoting inclusive national integration. The NEP 2020’s emphasis on mother-tongue learning is a positive step, but it requires nuanced application sensitive to local realities. At the same time, recognizing and supporting India’s myriad languages through official status and cultural promotion is vital for preserving the country’s pluralistic heritage.
As India advances further into the 21st century, language will continue to be a defining factor in how its people understand themselves and their place in the nation. The challenge is to foster a polity where linguistic diversity is celebrated and not a source of division.
References
“Tamil Nadu government reiterates opposition to Hindi imposition,” The Hindu, January 15, 2024.
“Three-language formula challenges in Karnataka schools,” Times of India, February 10, 2024.
“Push for Rajasthani official language status gains political traction,” NDTV, March 5, 2024.
“Efforts to recognize Bhojpuri as a classical language,” NDTV, March 18, 2024.
“Language and identity in Northeast India: A complex interplay,” Indian Express, November 2023.
“Government initiatives to promote Hindi and regional language responses,” The Hindu, December 2023.
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