How Are Indian Languages Crucial in Overcoming Colonial Mindset?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian languages are vital for national identity.
- Promoting these languages can help overcome colonial influences.
- Government initiatives are underway to support multilingual education.
- Hindi acts as a bridge among various linguistic groups.
- Embracing native languages fosters unity and pride.
New Delhi, June 26 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that to overcome the Colonial mindset, individuals must think, analyze, and make decisions in Indian languages, particularly the official ones, which he described as the essence of the nation.
During the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Official Language Department, HM Shah stated, "People must embrace their own language, articulate their thoughts in it, and cultivate the capacity to think, analyze, and make decisions in their native tongue; only then can we liberate ourselves from the Colonial mindset."
“This isn't about rejecting any language, including foreign ones; rather, we should cherish our own languages. We ought to speak, think, and respect our languages," he remarked.
Addressing the unsuccessful attempts over the years to fragment the nation along linguistic lines, HM Shah asserted, "We will ensure that languages act as a unifying force for the nation, and the Language Department will play a significant part in this mission."
HM Shah highlighted the government's initiatives to promote Indian languages, noting that national admission tests like NEET, JEE, and CUET are available in 13 languages, alongside their use in recruitment processes for the Central Armed Police Forces.
He emphasized the unifying nature of Hindi, claiming, "I firmly believe that Hindi is a companion to all other languages and can never be the adversary of any language. Hindi and our regional languages together are crucial for fostering our mission of self-worth and national pride."
The department will assist states to ensure that communication with the Central government is conducted solely in Indian languages, he added.
He stated that the groundwork laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 will see Indian languages playing a vital role in nurturing national pride.
"PM Modi has emphasized the importance of freeing the nation from colonial mentality, and Indian languages are the most effective means to revive and celebrate our heritage while progressing towards a Viksit Bharat," he concluded.