National language:Need and

relevance in contemporary
times.
One of the hallmarks of every civilization is the providence of a unique
language that it nurtures and gifts to the world.Cutting across geographies of all
kinds and a multitude of eras the tower of Babel is indeed not hard to visualize.A
language then becomes not only a mode of communication but an insight into a
people,their culture,aspirations and a whole new world in itself.

India with it's antiquity is home to a myriad number of

languages.The idiosyncrasies and variations are so vivid and mind boggling that in a
span of a few hundred kilometers colourful dialects emerge and in the nested
hinterlands a fascinating number of tongues still remain hidden and
unexplored.Officially our Constitution recognises nearly 20 official languages and
the government conducts it's business mostly in Hindi and increasingly over time in
English.Even though not officially sanctioned,Hindi by default has acquired the
halloed status of "The" national language and in contemporary times one needs to
examine critically the increasing popularity of English and the future of other
languages of India.

To begin with let us visit the most neglected,forgotten and "invisible" part of
Bharat.Hit by internal conflicts,absence of any tangible infrastructure and
backwardness,one's heart goes out to the people of the North-East who in spite of
being Indian citizens have to face racial slurs being labelled as "chinks" and to top
this are expected to prove their loyalty and affiliation to the land by mastering
Hindi.It is another forgotten matter that most of them are well acquainted with
English and if their talents are harnessed judiciously can add massively to India's
advantage as an English speaking country in the current scenario
of globalization.Just like the fast disappearing species of various flora and
fauna,several indigenous languages also face the threat of extinction.Some time
back the passing away of an elderly lady Ms.Bo in the islands of Andaman and
Nicobar created news as she was the last of the speakers of a rare and dying
language.The UN lists nearly 133 endangered languages which also includes several
Indian languages too and the government must wake up to this present and

immediate threat.With the decline and ultimate demise of a language the world
stands to lose out in the long run as a priceless legacy and hidden treasures are
buried for eternity.

An interesting aspect most tend to overlook is the inherent secular values

enshrined in a language.Every language is a great leveling force and minus certain
"elitist" connotations is a true binding element.A non issue like the Vande mataram
controversy notwithstanding not many know that the state song of Karnataka was
penned by a Kannadiga muslim,Mr.Nissar Ahmed and religion in spite of it's ability
to unite has failed in the larger context of humanity as is visible in the umpteen
wars and bloodshed being unleashed all over the world in modern times.There
would never have been a Bangladesh if religion was the sole agent that held it
glued to Pakistan.The thirst for freedom gave rise to a need for a distinct
identity,ethos and outlook of it's own.On the other hand there is something to cheer
for the right wingers too.The Amar Chitra Katha series and the current modernised
avatar of graphic novels have taken some of the most inspiring and intricate tales
and legends of the Hindu faith into different countries and given the world a glimpse
of it's glorious past.

The darker side of this institution is revealed in the handiwork of certain

megalomaniacs who thrive on using it as a "wedge" to induce segregation.Not long
ago an upcoming politician of a prominent state used this linguistic divide and
deprivation as a launchpad to his fledgling career with the desired results too.In it's
extreme form it may also assume racial overtones as evident in the candid ranting
and raving of extreme elements like Nick Griffin and Pauline Hanson who have gone
on to associate the colour of the skin with what they perceive to be the
crass cacophony of their "uncivilised" languages.A perfect balm for this would be to
adhere to the golden adage of "When in Rome......." and eliminate any
"loopholes".Picking up the language of the "Place" over a period of time will not only
enable one to win over new friends but also greatly broaden his/her's perspective
and there is no better way to assimilate than this.While freedom of speech and
expression are also greatly cherished one would be wiser to ingest practical realities
and not fuss over it.

Motion pictures are the greatest living medium today not only for
entertainment but also for spreading the aesthetics and nuances of a culture to
greater audiences.In this context Bollywood is definitely a great ambassador in
dispersing Hindi across the world but at what cost?The presumption of representing
Indian cinema is specious and not all agree with it .Being commercially successful
and having vast amount of resources at it's disposal doesn't necessarily ensure

quality as seen in the national film awards which are a true index of unbiased
cinematic excellence.Regional cinema in comparison has excelled to far greater
heights as can be gauged by the number of awards picked up and quality
filmmakers like Girish Kasarvalli or talented artistes like Prakash Rai are not
accorded due recognition and are relegated into the dusty annals of the archives
sooner than later.

Six decades after having earned independence,our democracy has been a

beacon of hope for the world where the finest of human values are upheld and
celebrated.No longer do we need to treat English as a foreign import and one with a
colonial hangover because it's widespread popularity and flexibility has given it a
Pan Indian character.Juxtaposing the other jewels of the great Indian linguistic
conglomerate along with Hindi on an equal footing we must welcome change with
open arms.Our diversity and plurality stands to be greatly enhanced and enriched if
everyone right from a Mizo to a Marathi and from a Kashmiri to a Kannadiga feels a
sense of belonging to a greater Indian dream rather than the need to merely
"conform" to a rigid,one size fits all order.

Yours sincerely,
ANOOP.HOSMATH,
NOTE:This article is authentic and i have also ensured that i adhere to the word
limit.Please do not reveal any other details apart from my name in case you decide
to publish this article.
REFERENCE: NOTHING SPECIFIC.