Is PM Modi’s Hindi Fluency His Greatest Asset? Amish Tripathi Weighs In

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's Hindi fluency is seen as a strength by Amish Tripathi.
- Criticism of leaders for their English skills is discouraged.
- There is a need for pride in Indian languages.
- Social pressures to speak English can undermine national pride.
- Tripathi calls for appreciation of leaders who communicate in their native tongues.
Mumbai, July 7 (NationPress) Author Amish Tripathi has publicly backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that his proficiency in Hindi is a significant asset rather than a drawback.
In response to recent online trolling regarding the Prime Minister's English abilities, Tripathi condemned those who ridicule leaders for their English skills, encouraging a sense of pride in Indian languages. In an exclusive interview with IANS, he recognized the importance of English in today’s job market but emphasized that it should never undermine one’s self-respect or love for native languages. He voiced his concern regarding the societal pressure to speak English and criticized attitudes that look down on those who prefer Hindi or other regional languages.
Amish Tripathi remarked, “I’m not against English. In fact, learning it has become essential. To secure quality employment, English proficiency is often required. In my family, my generation is the first to attend an English-medium school, while our parents were educated in Hindi-medium institutions. So, to clarify, I have no opposition to English or its influence.”
Using PM Modi as a case in point, the acclaimed author stated that mocking anyone for their English fluency is unjust, particularly when they did not receive an English education. “He articulates himself in Hindi effortlessly and without notes. That deserves recognition. If he opts to speak in English, that’s acceptable—but ridiculing him for it is simply inappropriate.” He also drew parallels with global leaders who confidently communicate in their native tongues, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and leaders from Japan and China. “No one mocks them for not speaking English. So why should we do it here?”
Tripathi concluded by reiterating his belief that while English can have a beneficial influence, the insistence on speaking it should not compromise one's self-esteem or national pride. “It's crucial that we shed this pressure and embrace our own languages,” he stated.
Recently, Prime Minister Modi faced criticism on social media for his English fluency during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. This is not the first instance of such backlash; he has encountered similar ridicule at various events for preferring to communicate in Hindi instead of English at formal international gatherings.