New Delhi: At a time when the Central government is facing criticism for trying to impose Hindi through the implementation of ‘three-language formula’, Union Home Minister Amit Shah brought in a new angle to the language row.
Speaking at a book launch event, the Home Minister said that those who speak English in our country will soon feel ashamed.
“In this country, those who speak English will soon feel ashamed… the creation of such a society is not far away. I believe that the languages of our country are the jewels of our culture. Without our languages, we cease to be truly Indian,” Shah said, calling for a renewed effort to reclaim India’s linguistic heritage.
Shah predicted that English would be frowned upon as a symbol of colonial slavery across the world.
“To understand our country, our culture, our history, and our religion, no foreign language can suffice. The idea of a complete India cannot be imagined through half-baked foreign languages,” he asserted.
“I am fully aware of how difficult this battle is, but I am also fully confident that Indian society will win it. Once again, with self-respect, we will run our country in our own languages and lead the world too,” the Home Minister further said.
The New Education Policy (NEP), which proposes the three-language formula, has been a bone of contention between the Central government and some non-BJP ruled states.
Tamil Nadu has been at loggerheads with the Centre, claiming that the BJP is using the NEP to push Hindi.
Amid the raging row, Shah said earlier that December onwards, Home Ministry will communicate with states in its native languages.
