Developed India can only be built on foundation of its native languages, says President
Speaking at the sixth convocation of the Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University in Maharashtra’s Wardha, Droupadi Murmu urged every Indian to learn at least one more Indian language besides their local one
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Context
President Droupadi Murmu emphasized that a strong, self-reliant, and developed India must be constructed on the foundation of its native languages. Highlighting a shared cultural consciousness across the nation's linguistic diversity, she urged citizens to foster integration by learning at least one Indian language in addition to their mother tongue. This vision aligns with recent governmental pushes toward multilingualism in education and administration.
UPSC Perspectives
Polity
The Indian Constitution intricately balances linguistic diversity with administrative efficiency and national integration. The recognizes 22 official languages, providing them institutional support, representation, and a framework for their progressive use. Furthermore, mandates the state to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary education stage for children belonging to linguistic minority groups. The President's call to learn another native language echoes the constitutional ethos of fraternity (a feeling of brotherhood among all citizens) and national harmony. UPSC often tests candidates on the constitutional safeguards for linguistic minorities and the role of the , a special officer appointed under Article 350B to investigate matters relating to these safeguards. Understanding the balance between promoting Hindi under Article 351 and respecting regional linguistic autonomy is vital for Mains.
Social
India's linguistic landscape is incredibly diverse, yet the President correctly noted a "single stream of culture" uniting them. This reflects the foundational civilizational concept of unity in diversity (the peaceful coexistence of different cultural, linguistic, and religious groups within a single nation). Promoting native languages is crucial because languages are not just mediums of communication; they are repositories of indigenous knowledge systems, oral traditions, and unique cultural heritage that face the threat of extinction. Initiatives like aim to enhance interaction and mutual understanding between people of diverse cultures living in different states. For UPSC Mains, candidates must critically analyze how linguistic identity shapes regional aspirations, and how cross-learning of regional languages can prevent linguistic chauvinism (an aggressive bias in favor of one's own language) while strengthening national unity.
Governance
Leveraging native languages in education, justice, and governance is a fundamental prerequisite for building an inclusive, developed nation. The landmark strongly advocates for multilingualism (the ability to understand and use multiple languages) and mandates teaching in the mother tongue or regional language until at least Grade 5 to enhance cognitive development. Historically, the Three-Language Formula (a policy recommending the teaching of Hindi, English, and a modern Indian language) was formulated by the to bridge the North-South linguistic divide and promote integration. Modern governance has taken this further through technology; for instance, the mission acts as an AI-led language translation platform to democratize internet access and government services for non-English speakers. When governance and technical education are delivered in native languages, it breaks the elitist barriers of English, directly accelerating self-reliance and inclusive economic growth.