The author reflects on the absence of a national language in India, questioning why Hindi has not been granted this status despite the presence of national symbols. They draw a parallel to historical decisions, like the revocation of Article 370 in Kashmir and the resolution of the Babri dispute, suggesting that the elevation of Hindi could be achieved through decisive political action. The author expresses hope that the current government will address this issue, criticizing previous administrations for their handling of the matter over the past seventy years. They emphasize that Hindi is not merely a language but a fundamental aspect of India’s identity and self-respect.
Furthermore, the author highlights the significance of Hindi, describing it as the unifying force of the nation and the language spoken by millions. The annual celebration of Hindi Diwas is questioned; the author suggests that a language so pervasive in daily life shouldn’t necessitate a designated day. Hindi, as the soul of India and the language of its people, should not be relegated to bureaucratic processes.
### The Transformation of Hebrew: A Lesson in Linguistic Revival
The article recounts the story of Israel’s decision to make Hebrew its official language. It details how, after the establishment of the state in 1948, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, a staunch Jewish nationalist, swiftly implemented this change, transforming Hebrew from a nearly extinct language into a national symbol within a single day. The historical context of this decision and the factors contributing to Israel’s success in reviving Hebrew are explored.
### The Munshi-Ayyangar Formula and Linguistic Compromise
The article then shifts to the historical context of language debates in post-independence India. It discusses the Munshi-Ayyangar formula, proposed in 1949 to resolve conflicts surrounding the official language status, which led to the designation of Hindi as the official language and Nagari as the script. The formula acknowledged the use of English in legal and administrative matters, along with the promotion of Hindi to embody India’s diverse culture.
### The Lingering Question: Hindi’s Unfulfilled Promise
Despite the compromises made during the Munshi-Ayyangar formula, Hindi has not yet been recognized as the national language even after 78 years. The article highlights the frustrations associated with this, emphasizing the constraints imposed on Hindi as merely an official language. It references literary figures who saw Hindi as the key to India’s progress and identity. The article concludes with a call to action, urging the recognition of Hindi as a language of national pride.
### The Importance of Hindi in a Diverse Nation
The article emphasizes the fact that Hindi is the language of communication for a large part of the country. Despite geographical diversity, the world of Hindi is vast. Hindi speakers are found everywhere, from Kashmir to the Northeast, and to the coast of Kanyakumari. The article also underscores how Hindi has assimilated influences from many languages, embracing the country’s diversity. The author argues that the strength of Hindi lies in its embrace of diversity.
### The Role of Journalism and the Need for Political Will
The author emphasizes how newspapers have helped make Hindi more inclusive and reach more people. Journalism and the media have helped Hindi grow, and they continue to provide words to Hindi. The author underlines the fact that political will is needed for Hindi to achieve its proper status. The author asserts that Hindi should be valued and honored to achieve the self-respect and global recognition the nation deserves. The article concludes by reiterating the importance of Hindi in national identity.
### Recognizing the Language: A Path to National Identity
The article ends by highlighting that recognizing Hindi and giving it its proper place is essential for national self-respect and global standing. The diverse nature of India necessitates a leader, and that leader should be Hindi. It calls for the unity of the nation by emphasizing the importance of recognizing Hindi as an integral part of the nation’s identity.