Examine the New Education Policy language debate: how can India equitably balance nationalism, federalism and linguistic pluralism?

India’s diversity of languages is one of its defining features as a nation. With 22 officially recognized languages and hundreds more spoken across states, language acts both as an expression of regional identity as well as a unifying force. However, striking the right balance between nationalism and federalism based on language has been challenging.

• On one hand, Hindi has gradually emerged as a linguistic link bridging differences and enabling communication between Indians from various states. Given its wide reach, promoting Hindi as the national language seems a pragmatic nation-building strategy. The three-language formula under NEP with Hindi and English aims for greater inter-state integration.
• However, India’s federal structure accords states the freedom to legislate policies as per regional priorities. Imposition of languages, even in the garb of nationalism, contradicts the constitutional protections for linguistic diversity and risks alienating sub-national identities. Tamil Nadu’s opposition to Hindi holds lessons – no language should be forced upon any state through central policies.

Rather than snap decisions on sensitive issues like languages, cooperative dialogue and grassroots efforts at exchange and assimilation seem the most sustainable solution. Natural diffusion of languages through migration, media, blended families and cultural ties continues to build bridges across the country. States equally have obligations to enable linguistic minorities and migrants to retain mother tongues. In conclusion, neither top-down Hindi imposition nor aggressive regional linguism furthers unity. Instead, voluntary learning and multilingualism are far more effective middle paths reflecting the spirit of “unity in diversity”.

Topics: GS-I : Salient Features of Indian Society, Diversity of India