Amid Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s pitch for promoting Indian languages and advocating for Hindi as a unifying medium, a heated debate has erupted in Maharashtra over the state government’s decision to include Hindi as a third language from Class 1.
Amit Shah Calls for Indian Languages to Unite Nation
Speaking at the golden jubilee celebration of the central government’s Official Language Department, Amit Shah stated that languages had previously been used to divide the nation, but such attempts had failed. According to a PTI report, he emphasised the need to align governance with national spirit, adding, “In the last few decades, language was used as a means to try to divide India. This move was not successful even though efforts were made. We will ensure that our languages become a powerful medium to unite India.”
Shah maintained that Hindi should not be seen as a rival to other Indian languages. “I sincerely believe that Hindi can’t be an opponent to any Indian language. Hindi is a friend of all Indian languages,” he said. Stressing the importance of using Indian languages in administration, he urged state governments to take initiative in offering medical and engineering education in regional languages.
“There is no opposition to any language. There should not be any opposition to any foreign language. But there should be an urge to glorify one’s own language,” Shah added, asserting that language is “not just a medium of communication, it is the soul of a nation.”
At several instances in recent times, Amit Shah has called for the Hindi language to become a unifying force for national integration. However, his remarks have been opposed by DMK-ruled Tamil Nadu, where Chief Minister MK Stalin has refused to implement the three-language formula in the state schools. However, the introduction of Hindi as the third language has now kicked up a political storm in the BJP-ruled Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Government’s Order On Hindi In Schools Triggers Political Backlash
The controversy stems from an amended order issued last week by the Maharashtra government stating that Hindi will generally be taught as a third language to students in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5. While the order clarified that Hindi would not be compulsory and students could choose another Indian language if at least 20 students per grade opted for it, the move sparked strong reactions.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar voiced his disapproval of the early introduction of Hindi in schools. “I believe Hindi should not be introduced from Class 1 to 4. It should begin from Class 5,” he said, noting that students must first become proficient in Marathi, as quoted by PTI. He stressed the need to avoid burdening children at a young age and called for reconsideration of the policy. He added that a final decision would be taken following consultations with literary figures, language experts, and political leaders.
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar echoed similar views, stating, “Hindi should not be made compulsory in primary education. There is no objection to Hindi being introduced after Class 5.” He underlined the importance of focusing on the mother tongue in early education and giving parents the right to choose whether their child should learn Hindi later.
Actor Sayaji Shinde also opposed the move, saying, “Students should be allowed to learn Marathi, which is a very rich language. They should become well-versed in Marathi at an early age, and not be burdened with another language.”
Uddhav Accuses BJP of ‘Imposing’ Hindi, Sena UBT & MNS Announce Protests
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray lashed out at the BJP over what he called an imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra. He accused the ruling party of fuelling division through language. “We don’t oppose or hate any language, but that doesn’t mean we will allow imposition of any language. We oppose the imposition of Hindi and it will continue,” he said, alleging the BJP was imposing a “language emergency”, PTI reported.
Thackeray also announced his party’s participation in a protest on July 7 at Azad Maidan against the three-language formula and imposition of Hindi, asserting that the BJP was attempting to disrupt the linguistic harmony of Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray similarly condemned the decision and said the party would organise a morcha on July 6 from Girgaum Chowpatty, without any party banner. “We will not allow the imposition of Hindi or any other language in Maharashtra. The government’s move to remove Marathi-ness from the state,” he said.
Raj Thackeray also indicated that the agitation would involve representatives from various political parties, artists, and writers, underscoring that “Maharashtra is bigger than any fight.”
NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh backed Raj Thackeray’s remarks, saying, “Raj Thackeray has already put forth his views about Hindi. I too agree with him, Hindi should not be forcefully imposed.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday reiterated that Hindi remains optional and Marathi continues to be compulsory. He stated that the government would ensure stakeholders are consulted before arriving at a final decision on the language policy.
