Acharya Prashant explains that the current state of the Hindi language is such that for those who speak it, it is more of a compulsion than a choice. He states that it is a helplessness that people want to get rid of as soon as possible, and they are gradually freeing themselves from it. While statistics may show Hindi as one of the most spoken languages in the world, he calls this a false consolation, as the reality is different. Very few people voluntarily choose to be proponents of Hindi. Most people speak Hindi only because it is a part of their habit, and if they were more proficient in English, they would not speak Hindi at all. They are compelled to use Hindi because they cannot yet fully express all their thoughts and feelings in English, and this need for support is also diminishing. The speaker elaborates on the economic reasons for Hindi's decline, stating that the system, established by India's own policymakers since independence, has ensured that opportunities for employment and material progress are scarce in Hindi but abundant in English. He gives the example of the IIT entrance exam, which historically required English proficiency, effectively closing doors for talented students from Hindi and other regional language backgrounds. This system has systematically instilled a sense of inferiority in Hindi speakers, telling them their language is worthless for securing a livelihood. He points out that even the number of people writing in Hindi, especially in the Devanagari script, has become very low. Acharya Prashant further illustrates this by criticizing the mindset that equates speaking English with being modern and progressive, while viewing Hindi as uncultured. This is evident in everyday situations, from job interviews for Hindi-speaking roles being conducted in English to menus in restaurants in Hindi-speaking areas being in English. He points out the ignorance behind the belief that the entire developed world speaks only English, citing countries like Japan, Germany, and France that have progressed while preserving their own languages. This mistreatment of Hindi is not a conspiracy by the English but a result of our own system and policies. Finally, he connects the decline of the language to a deeper, mental, and spiritual issue. The language of any community is intrinsically linked to its self-confidence and culture. India's core identity has always been its spiritual strength, or Dharma. When a people are made to feel an inferiority complex about their core identity and Dharma, they will inevitably develop disrespect and an inferiority complex towards their own language and culture. Therefore, the disrespect for Hindi is a symptom of a deeper disrespect for one's own being and spiritual heritage.
