Language is not merely a communication medium. It is tied to the history, values, and worldview of the people using it. Every language is a voice for a unique story and culture in India, a land of incredible linguistic diversity. With hundreds of languages spoken all over the nation, our national identity is richly strengthened by this diversity.
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Originally published in NDTV on 9 may '25.
Language is not merely a communication medium. It is tied to the history, values, and worldview of the people using it. Every language is a voice for a unique story and culture in India, a land of incredible linguistic diversity. With hundreds of languages spoken all over the nation, our national identity is richly strengthened by this diversity.
In 2020, India's National Education Policy (NEP) introduced the three-language policy, aiming to equip students with their native language, Hindi, and English. This method was designed to help students connect with their heritage, promote multilingualism, and prepare them for a globalised world. However, the implementation of this policy has sparked significant debate, particularly in the southern states.
The mandatory inclusion of Hindi is the main issue. States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, where Dravidian languages are spoken, view this move as an imposition. To them, making Hindi mandatory threatens their linguistic and cultural identity. While Hindi is commonly spoken in North India, enforcing it in the South is seen not only as unnecessary but also as unfair. Aside from matters of culture, practical challenges also persist.
