A Critique of Amit Shah’s Views on Hindi and Indian Languages
Amit Shah, a prominent figure in the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), recently made a statement asserting that Hindi is a friend to all Indian languages, particularly in contrast to other Indian languages. His claim that Hindi is essential for the prosperity and unity of Indian culture has been met with considerable controversy and criticism, stemming from several underlying issues and inconsistencies.
Historical Context and Political Motivation
The statement by Amit Shah can be interpreted as a political move, particularly in the context of the historical promotion of Hindi by the Mughal Empire and thereafter by the union government. Historically, the Mughals under Nizam promoted the Persian-derived language, Hindustani, in their ruled territories, including the Hindustan nation, which encompasses the Hindi-speaking regions of India and Pakistan today. This same Hindustani, over time, evolved into modern Hindi and Urdu in both countries.
Currently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trying to fulfill its agenda of spreading Hindi across the entire country. This is met with resistance from proponents of Dravidian and other Indian languages, who argue that such a push disregards the linguistic and cultural diversity of the nation. It is crucial to recognize that linguistic diversity is an integral part of India's cultural mosaic, and its eradication or suppression would be detrimental to the richness of the country's cultural tapestry.
Logistical and Ethnocentric Issues
Amit Shah’s assertion that documents should only be written in Hindi also raises ethical and practical concerns. By limiting communication to a single language, especially one that is not the mother tongue of many Indians, the union government is excluding a significant portion of the population. For instance, in Dravidian-speaking regions like Tamil Nadu, many individuals do not have Hindi as their primary language. Requiring all documents to be in Hindi would make it difficult for people to access important government information and services, thereby perpetuating a systemic inequality.
It is noteworthy that top leaders within the BJP, including Amit Shah, often make such statements without considering the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of the Indian populace. Such statements can fuel ethnic tensions and exacerbate regional divides, which is indefensible given India’s pluralistic society.
Cultural Plurality and Ethical Consistency
The BJP often champions the idea of Hindu culture prospering and unity. However, when it comes to promoting Hindi, which has strong associations with Islam in some parts of the country, particularly South India and Marathwada, the politics become confusing. For example, Kannada, a Dravidian language spoken in parts of South India, is associated with Hindu culture. Yet, under the BJP’s agenda, Hindi is being elevated, which in practical terms, often conflicts with the cultural and linguistic associations of many communities.
One can see examples of this cultural conflict in everyday life. For instance, in Bangalore, a city known for its linguistic diversity, many ethnic Indo-Aryans speak only in Kannada, unlike in other parts of India where Hindi is more widespread. An example is seeing a North Indian Muslim, who speaks Deccani Urdu, conversing in Kannada with a Konkani-speaking Christian. This scenario demonstrates how Hindu culture can exist and even thrive without promoting a single language over others.
The BJP’s stance on Hindi versus other Indian languages, especially those of the Dravidian region, is complex and often contradictory. They advocate for the prosperity of Hindu culture but fail to acknowledge that this prosperity is best served by embracing and promoting all Indian languages. Dravidian languages should continue to thrive alongside Hindi, ensuring that the cultural and linguistic diversity of India is preserved and celebrated, and not artificially repressed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Amit Shah's claims about Hindi being a unifying force for all Indian languages are problematic and ethically inconsistent. They overlook the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the country and can exacerbate regional divides. The government and its leaders must prioritize inclusivity and respect for all Indian languages to ensure that the unity and prosperity of India are genuine and equitable.