The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reignited a national debate over India’s language policies, as a senior minister suggested that English speakers may soon feel ashamed for using the language. This declaration has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents warning that the push for Hindi could undermine the role of English in education and commerce. The controversy highlights the growing tensions between cultural nationalism and the practical utility of English in an increasingly globalized India.
The minister’s comments come amid a broader BJP effort to position Hindi as the lingua franca of the nation, a move many see as part of a cultural nationalist agenda. While the party argues that promoting Hindi will strengthen national unity and reduce linguistic divides, critics contend that English remains essential for India’s economic growth and international engagement. This has led to concerns that the policy could disproportionately affect non-Hindi speaking regions and marginalized communities.
As the language debate intensifies, it has also become a political flashpoint, with opposition parties and civil society groups calling for a more inclusive approach. The situation underscores the complex interplay between language, identity, and national policy in India, a country with over 20 official languages and a diverse linguistic landscape.