Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement that Indians who speak English will “feel ashamed” is more than rhetoric. It signals a push for Hindi dominance amid rising language politics in India. This risks deepening divides in a country built on linguistic diversity.
The choice of words “feel ashamed”, implies a moral failure in speaking English, despite the language being one of India’s key tools for social mobility, global communication, and diplomacy. English is not just a colonial residue; it is a bridge across India’s linguistic divides and a gateway for millions to access jobs, education, and the internet.
Suggesting shame in using English delegitimizes this reality and promotes a homogenized cultural narrative.
India has over 121 languages spoken by millions and 22 official languages in the Constitution. Hindi is the mother tongue for about 44% of Indians (Census 2011). The rest speak languages like Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, and Malayalam often using English as a neutral link.
Shaming English speakers ignores India’s federal design and the practical need for a common language.
This statement fits a political agenda aiming to make Hindi a symbol of Indian identity. However, southern and northeastern states reject this push. Tamil Nadu and Kerala oppose the three-language policy in schools. Karnataka and Telangana have protested Hindi signage in public spaces.
English unlocks opportunities for millions in IT, education, and diplomacy. It is a skill, not an elitist marker. Suggesting shame around English risks alienating India’s youth and hindering their global prospects.
India’s strength lies in linguistic choice, not compulsion. National unity requires respect for all languages, allowing every Indian to speak freely in any tongue.
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