A language is not merely a tool of communication; it carries within a worldview, a way of life, and an entire cultural and spiritual lineage. Its sounds are the history of a people and the thread that ties them to their roots. In India we speak hundreds of languages, and each one tells a unique story with a deep sense of belonging.
This summary is AI-generated. Please read the full article for complete understanding.
Originally published in the The Sunday Guardian on 29 mar '25.
A language is not merely a tool of communication; it carries within a worldview, a way of life, and an entire cultural and spiritual lineage. Its sounds are the history of a people and the thread that ties them to their roots. In India we speak hundreds of languages, and each one tells a unique story with a deep sense of belonging.
While proficiency in widely spoken languages such as Hindi and English offers practical benefits, preserving and learning one’s native language is crucial for maintaining cultural, philosophical, and spiritual heritage. India’s National Education Policy (NEP) in the year 2020 introduced the idea of a three-language policy. The stated aim was simple: students would learn three languages throughout their school years— their mother tongue (regional language), Hindi, and English. The goal was to prepare students for a globalized world and at the same time encourage multilingualism and national unity. However, this policy has sparked heated debates, particularly in the southern states.
