Hindi Should Be Made India’s National Language
“Unity in Diversity” is a phrase often used to describe India, but it is worth questioning how united we truly are when divisions based on religion, caste, class, and language persist. While free speech might appear to be a solution to this fragmentation, the lack of a common language poses a significant barrier. In a country where each state has its own regional language, this linguistic diversity complicates effective governance at the national level.
Genesis 11 of the Bible recounts the story of the Tower of Babel, a time when all of humanity spoke a single language. As people grew arrogant and attempted to build a tower that would reach the heavens, God intervened by confounding their speech, causing them to speak different languages. Unable to understand one another, they abandoned the construction. The name ‘Babel’ itself, meaning confusion, reflects the chaos that linguistic diversity can create. Although this story is a work of fiction, it highlights an important truth: a multiplicity of languages can hinder cooperation and unity.
Currently, Hindi and English serve as India’s official languages. However, Hindi, spoken by over forty percent of the population, is a natural candidate for a national lingua franca. Rooted in Sanskrit, the language of ancient Hindu texts, Hindi has cultural significance that resonates with India’s heritage. The opposition to Hindi, particularly from South Indian states, stems from a fear that their regional languages may be overshadowed. While these concerns are valid, the advantages of having a single national language for communication and governance far outweigh the potential drawbacks.
A national language would foster better communication and a stronger sense of unity among the people. It would enable more effective governance and facilitate the exercise of free speech across the country. By choosing Hindi as the national language, India can strengthen its identity and bring its diverse populace closer together.
