The recent remarks attributed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the launch of the book ‘Main Boond Swayam, Khud Sagar Hoon’, authored by former civil servant Ashutosh Agnihotri, have ignited a debate on language and national identity in India. While it remains unclear whether Shah explicitly denigrated English speakers, his statement that “those who speak English will soon be ashamed” has sparked widespread concern and controversy. Several voices from across the political and social spectrum have responded, emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity and the enduring role of English in India’s socio-political fabric. In Nagaland as well as majority of states in the north east, where English is the official state language-a designation rooted in historical necessity and administrative pragmatism-such comments appear particularly provocative. The reactions highlight an important truth- India’s linguistic diversity is one of its defining features. The Constitution recognizes 22 official languages, alongside hundreds of dialects, illustrating the complexity and pluralism of the nation. While Hindi and English are designated as the official languages for government purposes, regional and indigenous languages continue to thrive and shape local identities. In Nagaland various organizations have reacted to Shah’s statements. The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) and the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) issued strong statements condemning the remark, describing it as alarming and contrary to India’s democratic ideals. Both organizations pointed out that India’s vibrantly diverse linguistic landscape is a cornerstone of its national identity, and such comments threaten the unity in diversity that the Constitution enshrines. They expressed concern that these remarks could foster divisiveness and undermine the spirit of inclusion that has always been a hallmark of Indian democracy. Joining the chorus, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), a major coalition partner of the BJP in Nagaland, noted that English has played a crucial role in enabling opportunities in education, employment, and governance for over a century. NDPP emphasized that English has been a unifying force, facilitating communication across India’s myriad languages and dialects, and serving as a bridge for millions seeking to connect with the broader global community. In another statement, the Naga People’s Front (NPF), a former ally of the BJP and now part of the oppositionless government, expressed disappointment at Shah’s statement, calling it “unfortunate.” The NPF maintained that the role of English in India’s development cannot be overstated. It stressed that as the language of progress, global engagement, and social mobility, English enables marginalized and rural populations to access knowledge, participate in international discourse, and better their circumstances. NPF therefore, argued, that far from a symbol of shame; English language instead, embodies a tool for empowerment and unity amid India’s linguistic mosaic. Remarks like Shah’s, in the current political climate, risk fueling divisiveness. Critics argue that such statements may be motivated by an underlying agenda to promote majoritarian, Hindutva-driven narratives that seek to forge a singular national identity based on language and culture. This approach is seen by many as undermining the constitutional principle of linguistic equality and the inclusive spirit that envisages a country where multiple identities coexist harmoniously. The challenge lies in balancing promotion of national languages with the recognition and celebration of India’s multilayered linguistic reality-a task that requires sensitivity, inclusivity, and a firm commitment to democratic values.
Monday, June 23, 2025