International Mother Language Day, observed every year on February 21, is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a global call to appreciate and protect linguistic diversity. This day serves as a reminder of the beauty found within the multitude of languages spoken across the planet, and it encourages the promotion of multilingualism. According to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, one language dies every 14 days, often due to the imposition of dominant languages on their speakers. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need to combat linguistic imperialism, which can stifle cultural expression and hinder societal progress.
Countries like India, with its rich linguistic fabric comprising over 120 major languages and countless dialects, find themselves at the center of this issue. The debate surrounding language imposition is particularly relevant for India, as it navigates the complex interplay between national identity and cultural representation. Sujit De emphasizes, "There is no room for the 'one nation one language' policy in a multilingual democratic country like India." This sentiment stems from historical events, particularly the emergence of Bangladesh, where language played a pivotal role in the fight against Pakistan’s linguistic oppression. The lessons learned from this struggle resist being swept under the carpet of religious fraternity; they instead remind us of the significance of linguistic rights.
India’s historical response to its linguistic diversity has been the introduction of policies such as the three-language formula, aimed at teaching Hindi, English, and the regional language. Critics, including activists from Tamil Nadu, argue this approach often tilts the scales toward Hindi dominance, marginalizing other languages. Students have taken to the streets, protesting proposals to make Hindi compulsory across non-Hindi speaking states. Tamil student Ganesh protests, saying, "They call Hindi the 'national language,' but India has no national language. This is about erasing our identity." Such protests reflect the broader societal fears surrounding identity and language.
Across the globe, Belgium has set a precedent for managing linguistic diversity effectively. The country officially recognizes Flemish, French, and German, ensuring representation and autonomy for each language community. This approach has allowed Belgium to resolve its internal strife and maintain cohesion. "Belgium has recognised Flemish, French, and German as their official languages... effectively allowing each language community to govern its own affairs," remarked De, emphasizing the potential benefits of such policies.
Similarly, the United States adopts flexible language policies within its elections, facilitating access for non-English speakers. Voters may receive ballots printed in languages reflecting the local demographic, enhancing democratic participation and respecting the mother tongues of diverse populations. This commitment to linguistic representation is something India could emulate. "If India wants to improve its HDI, it has to take many measures. A liberal language policy is certainly one of them," De asserts, pointing to the path to greater human development.
The relationship between language and identity cannot be overstated. Language is more than just communication; it embodies memory, culture, and history. While proponents of Hindi cite practical advantages for economic opportunities, especially for those fluent enough to navigate northern markets, many non-Hindi speakers view this narrative as exclusionary. The call for preserving linguistic diversity becomes synonymous with the fight for justice and equal representation. "Language is not just communication—it is memory, history, and resistance," argues Tamil scholar Ram, reflecting on the deep importance of language to personal and cultural identity.
India's linguistic struggle lies at the heart of its national narrative. While it is easy to gravitate toward policies promoting uniformity, the challenge instead is to weave together the rich tapestries of languages present within its borders. This sentiment echoes voices calling for coexistence over coercion. Noble laureate Amartya Sen reminds us, "India’s plurality is its identity. To destroy this is to destroy India itself." Hence, every citizen's language has its rightful place, and truly embodying this ethos will lead India toward unity and strength.
On this International Mother Language Day, as nations gather to reflect on their own linguistic policies, India stands at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. By respecting and nurturing its diverse languages rather than imposing dominant notions of communication, the nation can honor its rich history and pave the way for peace and prosperity. Each voice, from the Tamil farmer to the Hindi clerk, can harmonize within the national chorus, celebrating uniqueness without discord. This is the challenge and promise of India’s multifaceted identity—a chance for every language to contribute meaningfully to the story of the nation.