Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ignited a fresh language debate by asserting that English speakers in India will soon feel ashamed, emphasizing the need to reclaim the country’s linguistic heritage. Speaking at the launch of the book Main Boond Swayam, Khud Sagar Hoon by former IAS officer Ashutosh Agnihotri, Shah underscored the cultural significance of native languages in shaping India’s identity.
“In this country, those who speak English will soon feel ashamed — the creation of such a society is not far away,” Shah said, adding, “Without our languages, we cease to be truly Indian”.
🗣️ Call to Embrace Indian Languages
Shah argued that foreign languages cannot fully express India’s civilizational depth, stating that the idea of a “complete India” cannot be imagined through “half-baked foreign languages.” He called for a radical shift in administrative training, moving away from colonial-era models and fostering empathy through local language integration.
🇮🇳 ‘Panch Pran’ and Cultural Revival
Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Panch Pran’ (five pledges) for Amrit Kaal, Shah said that taking pride in India’s heritage and eliminating traces of colonialism are essential to national progress. He emphasized that by 2047, Indian languages will play a pivotal role in leading the country to global prominence.
📚 Literature as Cultural Backbone
Shah also praised Indian literature, calling it the “soul of our society,” and credited it with preserving the nation’s values during times of darkness.
Stay tuned for reactions and policy implications.
