The curious case of India's National Languages(s) - Part 2
Why is South India so hostile towards Hindi imposition?
Coming to Point # 3, it is not surprising to see Tamil Nadu being openly critical about implementing Hindi as the common language of communication. After all, the state has been pretty vocal against the use of Hindi in the past. Anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu go all the way back to the late nineteen thirties and even after independence. Karnataka too, has recently joined the anti Hindi fray by banning the use of Hindi signboards on Bengaluru Metro Train stations.
All the South Indian states (probably barring Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) have been averse to what they feel is the ‘imposition’ of Hindi as a common language.
It could be for the following Reasons:
All the South Indian states have a strong base for their respective native language(s) which has been in practice since centuries. They feel Hindi is as foreign to them as English is and do not accept it readily.
They feel that Hindi was chosen as the common language as a matter of convenience for certain Hindi speaking states. None of the South Indian states or other states were consulted in this regard.
They feel that the Hindi language is being ‘imposed’ on them without their consent and usage of Hindi will erode their own cultural and linguistic identity.
In that sense, they question the rationale for choosing Hindi as the common/national language. They ask why their regional language cannot be chosen as the common/national language and why is Hindi being imposed upon them? On that grounds, they feel any of the regional languages spoken in India has an equal claim to be the official language and not just Hindi alone.
The above points indicative that a majority of the South Indian states do not readily accept Hindi, as they feel it has been imposed on them without their prior consultation and approval.
I would tend to agree with this point of view. If there had been some kind of voting or something, and if every state had unanimously voted for Hindi as a common language, then things would have been different.
But even those in South India must realise the need for a common language to facilitate inter-regional and national communication. No one in this day and age can afford to be locked and isolated in their own silos. And propagating one’s own native language as the common language does not make practical sense. It has to be accepted by the other states (which stands a slim chance). Furthermore, if each state starts proposing its’ own regional language to be the common one, then we will be back to square one. This kind of situation threatens national linguistic unity.
Here is an imaginary conversation between a North Indian and South Indian to illustrate my point:
North Indian: Hi there! How are you?
South Indian: I’m fine thanks! How about you?
North Indian: I am good, thank you! I wanted to speak to you on something!
South Indian: What is it?
North Indian: I heard you guys don’t accept Hindi as the official language. Is that true?
South Indian: That’s true! Why should we?
North Indian: Well, why shouldn’t you? What’s your issue on doing so? I mean, we’re an independent country now. And the best way to assert our independent cultural identity is by language. Look at the Chinese, the Japanese! How aggressive they are in promoting their language within their countries. Look at the Koreans! Korea was briefly under Japanese rule. But they shook it off, and look at them now! They’re so far ahead. Why can’t India be that way? Why should we still be using English within the country for regional communication? It’s a colonial leftover. We need a national language, a common language to be used across the country as a unifier. And Hindi seems to be the obvious and natural choice.
South Indian: I’d agree with you on all points but one: Why choose Hindi? What’s the rationale for choosing Hindi as the official language? You’re putting it on a pedestal and a status above the other languages of India. That’s simply not true. I respect Hindi as a language, as I respect the other languages of India. I do not see Hindi as superior or inferior to other Indian languages. And I certainly cannot accept it as the official language.
North Indian: I never said Hindi was superior to all other languages. I simply said that it’s the natural choice for being the official language across India.
South Indian: And again I ask you, why is that?
North Indian: Well, it’s the most spoken language in India and the fourth most spoken language in the world for one thing.
South Indian: That in itself doesn’t prove anything. Hindi might be the most spoken language in India, but it’s mostly concentrated in the northern belt. It’s not widely spoken in other states like West Bengal, Assam, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha and other states.
North Indian: What do you mean? Look at Mumbai and Pune and other major cities like Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. How can you say Hindi isn’t spoken there?
South Indian: In the big cities maybe. But take a look at the small towns. Hindi isn’t spoken there often. And secondly, the other states haven’t explicitly mentioned that they have wholeheartedly accepted Hindi as the official language.
North Indian: Well, they haven’t explicitly mentioned that they reject it as well. If they have no problem in accepting Hindi, why don’t you?
South Indian: For the simple reason that you’ve decided to make Hindi the official language without consulting us. You’ve never put us under the loop. You’ve decided on Hindi because you speak it and it comes to you naturally. You’ve never once considered our feelings in this regard. You took a decision on our behalf and simply expected that we’d tag along.
North Indian: Do you realise that your stance is threatening national linguistic unity? How can you guys be so self centred?
South Indian: Self-centred!? Look who’s talking! You’ve taken this decision as a matter of convenience to you only without even considering how we’ll think about it. I know that we are looking like the villains here. But my point still stands. What if the situation were reversed? What if any of the South Indian languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada or Malayalam were to become the official language?
North Indian: What then? Well, we’d speak it then, wouldn’t we?
South Indian (sarcastically): Indeed you would!
North Indian: Yes we would. We’d have to learn it from scratch, of course. Learning it is not the problem. The only problem is it would take a huge amount of time. Learning a new language is never a day’s work. And you’d then be having a superiority complex. I’ve been to some states in South India. They don’t consider the feelings for people outside their state and region one bit. They look down upon you because you don’t speak their language and won’t speak Hindi or English even though they know it.
South Indian: You guys are no less! I’ve been heckled by your gang for my accent and pronunciation when I tried to make an effort to communicate with you people in Hindi. It made me feel as if I was an outcast or something. If you can’t give proper respect to others, how can you expect the same?
North Indian: Well, there are a few rotten apples, I agree! But you don’t need to typecast the entire community! We’re not all like that, you know! Well anyways, all that is beside the point. Will you, or will you not take Hindi to be the official language?
South Indian: No we will not! It’s no use arguing. My point still stands. And by the way, don’t even try to think of imposing Hindi on us. We won’t accept it. Language and culture are not things which can be imposed on people. History will second me on that! Mohammad Ali Jinnah in 1948 proposed to make Urdu as the official language of Pakistan, totally ignoring the sentiments of the Bengalis in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The result of that became apparent twenty three years later.
North Indian: Am i hearing you right? You’re saying that you’re going to break away just because of your refusal to accept Hindi?
South Indian: Well I didn’t say that directly. But there’s no doubt that if there happens to be any forceful imposition of Hindi or any other language on us, then things will definitely ‘go South’ (pardon the expression).
North Indian: Do you even realise what you’re saying?
South Indian: Well .. yes! Yes, I do! I don’t want this to happen as much as you do. But as I said, if you try and force things on us …..
North Indian (sighs): Oh all right! No one is imposing anything on you. But just remember this. We’re speaking in English now. Do you know that India has the highest number of English speakers outside the United States and Great Britain? It’s not a fact that I’m particularly proud of. And how did this come about? Well, I’ll tell you how it came about! English was introduced by the British. They arrived on our shores many hundreds of years ago as a small trading outfit. But they saw that we were weak and divided. They took advantage of that, built their army and spread their influence throughout the subcontinent. They promoted the use of English above our other languages. They disbanded our traditional education system and introduced theirs. And this has continued over the years. History says that India became independent in 1947. Well, I say that the British never left! Their influence remains in the form of the English language which still thrives in our country today, thanks to people like you who still use it. It’s pretty ironic that you people accept English, a foreign language and reject other languages which have their roots in our country.
South Indian: Well, why not? After all, knowledge of English keeps us in good stead globally. Knowledge of English helps you get high paying jobs in the country and abroad. And what will knowledge of Hindi give us? A paltry government job maybe!
North Indian: Jobs! Is that all you care about? Don’t national pride and identity mean anything to you? Does money always take precedence over national matters?
South Indian: There you go, making me look like the villain again! I’m just being practical. After a lot of hard work, India has managed to make her presence felt in the world. Our knowledge of English has played an important role in boosting international ties and making sure India is in step with the world. After a lot of struggle, India has developed her identity. Do you want to take all that back, just over your obsession for a national language?
North Indian: There you go, misunderstanding me as usual. I agree that English is important for global matters. But before we go global, let’s think regional; think national!
South Indian: Ok, fine! But that goes for you too! Why do you expect us to adjust always? Let any one of the four South Indian languages be the official language from now on.
North Indian: Well, ok! But then, what if seeing your proposal, other states pitched to make their regional language as the official language? Where would we be then? This threatens national unity.
South Indian: OK, so now when it comes to making any of our languages as the official language, suddenly the question of national unity pops up, eh ?! Ah, the hypocrisy of it!
North Indian: Well you know what? Arguing with you is like pouring water on a buffalo’s back! Let’s forget this entire episode. Forget that we ever had this discussion! Let things be as they are! Keep up with your pig-headed attitude! Somewhere in the far corner of the globe, people of a small island nation would be feeling mighty proud of themselves and what they have achieved! “Jolly good show!”, they’ll be saying among themselves.
South Indian: WELL, THAT’S FINE BY ME!
North Indian: AND ME TOO!
Me (stepping in): Hello there! I just happened to be passing by. I couldn’t help overhearing some part of the conversation. I feel both of you have a valid point.
North Indian: And who are you? Where do you come from?
Me: It doesn’t matter. Just think of me as a mediator or something! Now coming to your argument, I feel both of you have some valid points. (to the North Indian) Your point of having a common official language is spot on! India’s domestic economy is growing, regional and linguistic barriers are being broken. No one in this day and age can sit in their silos.
North Indian: That’s what I was trying to tell him!
Me: True! But on the other hand, he has a valid question on the rationale of choosing Hindi to be the official language! How would you feel if suddenly, one fine day someone turned up and said to you, “Hey you know what? From today onwards, XYZ is the official language of the country. All official documents, Identity cards, circulars and other stuff would now be communicated in this language. You need to start learning it.” I don’t question his patriotism and agree that the south Indian states needed to be consulted on the issue of deciding on and finalising the official language.
South Indian: That’s true!
Me (to the South Indian): Then again, what would have happened even if you were consulted in this regard? You most probably would have opposed Hindi and pitched for your own regional language(s) for the spot. And seeing you, every other region probably would have pitched for their own regional language to take centerstage. And that would bring us again back to square one! (addressing both people) Many ‘developed’ nations did not give India much of a chance after independence. They thought we were too diverse and too different to integrate into one. “Without an external guiding hand, they will start squabbling with each other over petty issues and very soon, will disintegrate.”, they stated to that effect. Going by the arguments I just heard, you both seem to be hell-bent to prove them right! Language is one of the most powerful factors in influencing unity. And given the vast linguistic diversity we have across the nation, this was going to become an issue sooner or later. We do need an official language within the nation, for internal communication. And language cannot be imposed on people, therefore you and other citizens of the nation have to put your heads together and come up with a solution. We should have a language which is wholeheartedly accepted by all citizens of the country. It shouldn’t be a foreign language. But at the same time, it should be relatively new to us all, so as to not give a feeling of superiority complex to those who already speak it.
North/ South Indian: Now which language can it be?
Me: Put your heads together and think. There is a very obvious solution. Let’s see if your views match mine.
What do the other Non-Hindi states feel about this proposal?
It would be interesting to know what people from other non-Hindi speaking states of India such as Punjab, Assam, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha etc. feel about this issue. Their silence could mean any of the two things mentioned below:
They comply with the proposal
They simply don’t care. Their attitude be like: “Let any language be declared the official language. We’ll continue our ways and will only learn a new language if we need to.”
A summary of the current Situation
Up till now, it’s clear that not all the states of India accept Hindi as the common language. So this brings us to a kind of Mexican standoff.
The North Indian states mostly don’t accept English to be used as an official language within the nation, as it’s a foreign language. And from my experience, they’re not comfortable with choosing any other regional language as well.
The South Indian states are not ready to accept Hindi as they feel it is being imposed upon them. They feel that it was chosen as a matter of convenience by the Hindi speaking states and they weren’t consulted in this regard.
The remaining states haven’t yet voiced their opinion, making their stand unclear.
So if not Hindi, then which language is to be the common language, if at all?
India’s challenge arises from the fact that no other country in the world has such unparalleled linguistic diversity. Choosing one language over the other might result in differences. The only other region to rival the linguistic diversity of India is Europe. But Europe is a continent and not a country.
Therefore, keeping in mind India’s unique problem, a unique solution should be forged.
The next question which arises keeping in mind the above consideration is:
If we do need an official common language, which language will it be? If any one of the regional languages apart from Hindi is designated as the common language, this will trigger the same debate.
I can see only one solution to this issue. Choose a new common language which is accepted unconditionally by all the states and regions of this country. However there are certain things to be kept in mind before doing so:
1. This language should be widely accepted by all the states. Language is something which cannot be forced or imposed upon people.
2. There has to be a proper infrastructure and a methodical process for tutoring people in this common language. It cannot be imposed suddenly and things cannot be changed overnight.
Given the circumstances, I feel Sanskrit is the ideal choice for a common language, for the following reasons:
1. Sanskrit is the base for many of the current Indian regional languages. And even though some people claim that Sanskrit has its’ origins outside of India, many of the currently spoken Indian languages have their roots in it.
2. Sanskrit is taught in school, so no one is a stranger to it. It will not be difficult to pick up, especially if it is taught from an early age.
3. Everyone will be starting at an even keel, since Sanskrit is new to many. The question of linguistic discrimination or superiority will not arise.
There are probably many who will argue that this whole process is unwarranted and it will cost a huge amount of time,money and resources and might hinder day-to-day operations. This is true to some extent, as change is one thing which Indians haven’t accepted readily even in this continually evolving digital age. Therefore, asking people to learn a new language from scratch and add it to daily use is going to be no easy task. This entire process, if implemented is going to be a huge challenge. Hence, it needs to be planned properly and executed in a phased manner, so that people do not feel burdened by it.
My Verdict and conclusion
My concluding 2 cents:
Language plays a very important role in national unity. India’s economy is also growing at a steady rate. Regional barriers have been broken as people have realised that they cannot forever remain in their silos. A common official language can break communication barriers and boost trade, commerce, education and other factors. I agree that English, for all its’ virtues is still a foreign language. Hence we need an Indian language to be the natural choice for an official language. And for me, Sanskrit seems to be a logical choice (for the reasons mentioned above). But this can only be done with the support and the acceptance of the Indian people. It needs to be a combined and coordinated effort between the people and the government.
On the other hand, if it’s too much trouble let things be as they are and continue to be so in the future.
References
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/70-years-anti-hindi-imposition-becomes-dmk-s-war-cry-once-again-109063
http://guruprasad.net/posts/part-2-language-issue-in-india-anti-hindi-agitations/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Hindi_agitations_of_Karnataka
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/nammametrohindibeda-pro-kannada-activists-stage-protest-outside-bmrcl-office/article19135164.ece
https://www.news18.com/news/india/war-cry-says-kerala-chief-minister-on-amit-shahs-one-nation-one-language-pitch-on-hindi-diwas-2309629.html
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/the-bogey-of-hindi-imposition/article29439762.ece
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/shahs-hindi-push-draws-sharp-reaction-from-the-south/article29424530.ece
https://www.dailypioneer.com/2014/columnists/first-the-language-then-liberation.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengali_language_movement
https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/one-nation-one-language