Two major regional parties from Nagaland—the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Naga People’s Front (NPF)—have voiced strong concern over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remark that “those who speak English will soon feel ashamed.”
Terming the comment as unfortunate and dismissive of India’s linguistic diversity, both parties emphasized the significance of English as a vital link language, especially in multilingual states like Nagaland, and underscored its role in education, governance, and global engagement.
English not new, rooted in history, says NDPP
Reaffirming that English is the officially declared language of Nagaland, the NDPP in a statement pointed out that this designation was not recent but rooted in history where English played a pivotal role for over a century, particularly in the domains of education, governance, and religion. At the same time, the ruling party declared that it strongly upheld the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages that were integral to identity, culture, and heritage, stressing that these languages must be safeguarded and passed on to the future generations.
However, the NDPP maintained that it was equally important to recognise that other languages, particularly English, served as vital bridges, linking people beyond state borders to the rest of India and to wider global community. Language, according to the party, was not merely a tool for communication but a powerful medium for exchange of knowledge, culture, and ideas.
Noting that India was a proud democratic nation built upon the foundational values of diversity, inclusiveness, and tolerance, the party said the country’s federal structure acknowledged and respected plurality of identities and cultures, including the unique voices of minorities.
This inclusivity was a strength that contributed to the greatness of the nation.
The NDPP said Nagaland, as a unique and vibrant state, was home to numerous tribes, sub-tribes, dialects, and cultures. Noting that the state’s youth were dynamic, enterprising, and globally engaged, the party claimed that one of the key enablers of their success within India and across the world had been their fluency in multiple languages, particularly English. The party pointed out that this linguistic competency had opened doors to employment, education, and professional advancement, while also fostering self-confidence and the ability to engage meaningfully with the wider world.
Reaffirming its belief that respect for all cultures and languages must be a cornerstone of national ethos, the NDPP called for creating inclusive spaces and equal opportunities for every citizen to participate in the nation-building process. As a political party, it assured of continuing to champion the principles of unity in diversity, and promoting national integration through mutual respect and understanding.
The party reiterated of remaining committed to these ideals and continuing to work towards a society that valued every voice and empowered every individual.
Shah’s comment divisive, says NPF
Expressing deep concern over the remarks made by Shah, the NPF described the statement from a figure of high national responsibility as both unfortunate and disappointing.
As the Union Home Minister, the party said Shah represented the aspirations and sentiments of a diverse and pluralistic nation, with his words carrying the weight of his office that reflected not only his personal opinion but also shaped public perception. The party pointed out that the people of India reposed their trust on the nation’s leaders, especially the Prime Minister and Home Minister, as they held important offices and were expected to uphold the dignity, unity, and inclusive spirit of the country with utmost responsibility and respect.
According to the NPF, to suggest that speaking English was something to be ashamed of was to overlook the pivotal role the language had played in uniting the diverse country. With 22 officially-recognised languages and hundreds of dialects spoken across the nation, the party maintained that India’s linguistic landscape was among the most complex in the world. In such a setting, the party noted that English had functioned as a bridge language, helping people from different states, ethnicities, and linguistic groups to communicate, collaborate, and coexist.
The NPF stated that it was no exaggeration that English had often helped maintain national coherence where linguistic fault lines had historically threatened unity, while many state boundaries had been shaped by linguistic identity, and yet English had provided a neutral, common platform, especially in education, governance, and inter-state relations.
Far from being a symbol of shame, the NPF argued that English had enabled millions of Indians, especially from rural and marginalised backgrounds, to access global knowledge, participate in international discourse, and pursue opportunities beyond regional limitations. Claiming that it had not replaced Indian languages but rather coexisted with them, the party maintained that pride in mother tongues and practical value of English were not mutually exclusive.
Strongly supporting the promotion and preservation of all Indian languages, including native tongues, the NPF however insisted that this must not come at the cost of dismissing or demeaning another language that had empowered so many. The party said true national pride lay in the ability to embrace plurality, not impose uniformity.
They party called for moving forward with unity, respect, and understanding — acknowledging the value of every language that contributed to India’s identity, including English.