Linguistic Harmony and Identity: Rethinking India's Language Dynamics

The notion that Southerners oppose Hindi is often misplaced or exaggerated. In reality, Hindi is widely understood and used in many parts of the South. However, language is deeply tied to identity and heritage, and expecting any community to compromise on its linguistic traditions is neither practical nor fair. Many in the South have already accommodated Hindi to a significant extent. The moot question is: how many North Indians have taken steps to learn even a few words of Kannada, Telugu, or Tamil?

- ACHARYA PRASHANT

A language is not merely a tool of communication; it carries within a worldview, a way of life, and an entire cultural and spiritual lineage. Its sounds are the history of a people and the thread that ties them to their roots. In India we speak hundreds of languages, and each one tells a unique story with a deep sense of belonging.

While proficiency in widely spoken languages such as Hindi and English offers practical benefits, preserving and learning one's native language is crucial for maintaining cultural, philosophical, and spiritual heritage. India's National Education Policy (NEP) in the year 2020 introduced the idea of a three-language policy. The stated aim was simple: students would learn three languages throughout their school years—their mother tongue (regional language), Hindi, and English. The goal was to prepare students for a globalized world and at the same time encourage multilingualism and national unity. However, this policy has sparked heated debates, particularly in the southern states.