- PM Narendra Modi emphasized that Indian languages have always enriched each other and should not be used to create divisions.
- He highlighted India’s linguistic diversity as a symbol of unity and urged people to embrace all languages.
- His remarks came amid debates over the National Education Policy (NEP) and concerns about language imposition.
Is Language a Barrier or a Bridge?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Delhi, making a strong statement against dividing people based on language. He praised Marathi as a language of bravery, beauty, and equality, reinforcing the idea that India’s linguistic diversity is not a weakness but a strength. Modi pointed out that whenever attempts were made to create differences based on language, India’s shared cultural heritage has always stood as a strong barrier against such divisions.
His speech coincided with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s renewed criticism of the National Education Policy (NEP), which promotes a three-language formula. Many regional leaders fear that such policies could lead to an imbalance in linguistic preferences, favoring some languages over others. However, Modi argued that India’s ability to embrace multiple languages is what makes it one of the world’s oldest surviving civilizations.
Language—A Tool for Unity, Not Separation
Modi’s speech also carried historical significance, as the event was held in Delhi after 71 years and coincided with two major milestones: the 350th year of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation and the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He acknowledged the role of Maharashtra in shaping India’s cultural and national identity, highlighting that the RSS, which has influenced lakhs of people, originated in a Marathi-speaking region.
He urged citizens to move away from misconceptions and appreciate the beauty of all Indian languages. “It is our responsibility to enrich and preserve linguistic diversity rather than use it as a tool for division,” he said.
As the debate over language policies continues, Modi’s message serves as a reminder that India’s strength lies in its diversity. Whether it’s Marathi, Tamil, Hindi, or any other language, they all form the cultural fabric of the nation—meant to unite, not divide.
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