Charting India's Linguistic Future: Amit Shah Advocates Hindi for Science, Judiciary, and Police, Stresses Mother Tongue for Education

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently delivered a compelling address that has set the national conversation alight, passionately advocating for a linguistic shift critical to India’s progress. Speaking at the Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha Sammelan in Ahmedabad, Shah urged for Hindi to emerge as the pre-eminent language across the vital domains of science, the judiciary, and law enforcement.

His vision is clear: for India to truly flourish, its core administrative and intellectual pursuits must resonate in an Indian voice.

Shah’s argument is rooted in a fundamental belief that national advancement is intrinsically linked to linguistic sovereignty. “No country can truly achieve greatness if its administration, its scientific laboratories, and its judicial courts continue to operate predominantly in a foreign tongue,” he asserted, drawing a stark contrast between self-reliance and dependence.

This powerful statement underscores a call to action, aiming to replace colonial linguistic legacies with a language deeply embedded in India's cultural fabric.

Beyond the realm of high-level discourse, the Union Minister placed immense emphasis on the foundational role of the mother tongue in primary education.

He highlighted that learning in one's native language is not merely a matter of convenience but a crucial catalyst for cognitive development and cultural connection. “Education imparted in the mother tongue deeply connects the child to their society, traditions, and an innate sense of identity,” Shah explained, advocating for a pedagogical approach that nurtures understanding from the earliest stages of learning.

Dispelling any notions of linguistic hegemony, Shah clarified Hindi’s role as a unifying force, not a dominant one.

He artfully described Hindi as a ‘friend’ to all other Indian languages, envisioning it as a vital bridge for communication and mutual enrichment, rather than a replacement for the nation’s rich linguistic diversity. This nuanced perspective aims to foster an environment where multiple languages thrive, with Hindi serving as a common thread.

The Home Minister also cast a spotlight on the sustained efforts of the Narendra Modi-led government to invigorate and promote Indian languages, signaling a broader national commitment.

He proudly noted that the government has consistently championed policies designed to bolster the stature of regional languages alongside Hindi, ensuring that India’s linguistic heritage is preserved and celebrated across its vast cultural landscape.

Shah’s address resonated with an ambitious future vision for Hindi, extending its influence far beyond national borders.

He shared aspirations for Hindi to be recognized as an official language at the United Nations, a testament to its growing global prominence and the increasing number of its speakers worldwide. This international objective underscores a desire for India's linguistic identity to command respect on the global stage.

Echoing the principles enshrined in the New Education Policy (NEP), Shah reiterated the policy's pivotal focus on integrating the mother tongue into the educational framework.

This alignment highlights a cohesive national strategy that recognizes the profound impact of language on intellectual growth and cultural rootedness. He passionately stated, “Language is the very soul of any culture; to lose our language is to risk losing our identity, our traditions, and ultimately, our culture itself.”

In essence, Amit Shah’s recent pronouncements are more than just policy recommendations; they are a deeply felt call to strengthen India’s linguistic foundation.

By championing Hindi for national administrative and intellectual spheres, while simultaneously upholding the indispensable value of mother tongue education, Shah envisions a future where India’s progress is propelled by its own vibrant linguistic heritage, ensuring both national pride and global standing.