In a recent speech, Union Minister Amit Shah urged the youth of India to not give up their mother tongue. Speaking at an event in Gujarat, he said that preserving and promoting a language is like preserving one’s culture and heritage.
Shah emphasized that while it is important to learn and speak multiple languages, it is equally important to ensure that one’s mother tongue is not forgotten. He said that every language has its own beauty and cultural significance that should be celebrated and appreciated.
The Union Minister’s message is particularly relevant in today’s globalized world, where the English language has become the dominant language of communication in many parts of the world. Many young people in India are encouraged to learn English in order to succeed in their studies and career. However, the downside of this trend is that many young people are losing touch with their mother tongue and their culture.
The loss of a mother tongue can have a profound impact on an individual and society as a whole. Studies have shown that knowing a mother tongue helps in cognitive development, improves academic performance, and helps in preserving cultural heritage. It also provides a sense of identity and belonging, which is crucial for personal and social acceptance.
India is a country of diverse cultures and languages. According to the 2011 Census, there are over 19,500 mother tongues spoken in India. While Hindi and English are the official languages of the country, there are several regional languages that are just as important. For example, Gujarati is spoken by over 55 million people in India and is the official language of the state of Gujarat.
Shah’s message is significant for a state like Gujarat which has a rich culture and heritage. The state has a long history of literary and cultural traditions that are inextricably linked to the Gujarati language. It is essential that young people in Gujarat are encouraged to learn and speak Gujarati to keep the language alive.
The Union Minister’s call for preserving mother tongues is also important for other parts of India. For instance, in the north-eastern part of India, there are several tribal languages that are in danger of extinction. The more educated youth in these regions are moving away from their mother tongue and embracing English as their primary language.
In such cases, the government and society need to take collective action to protect these languages. The use of regional languages in education and public spaces can be encouraged. This can pave the way for preserving and promoting regional languages as well as local culture and identity.
Shah’s message is also relevant in the context of the growing trend of language nationalism in India. In recent years, there has been a growing demand to make Hindi the sole official language of the country. This demand has been met with resistance from several states, that are proud of their mother tongue and culture.
The Union Minister’s message stresses the importance of promoting all regional languages, rather than privileging one language over the others. Every Indian citizen has the right to choose their mother tongue, and the state should not interfere in this decision.
In conclusion, Union Minister Amit Shah’s call to preserve mother tongues is a timely reminder of the importance of language and culture. It is essential that young people in India are encouraged to learn and speak their mother tongue, while also learning and respecting other languages. Every language has its own beauty and cultural significance that needs to be celebrated and appreciated. It is only by preserving our linguistic diversity that we can preserve our rich cultural heritage.