Progress of Hindi purposeful only with promotion, protection of other Indian languages: Shah

New Delhi - Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized on Monday that the advancement of Hindi can only be beneficial when it simultaneously respects and promotes other Indian languages. Commending individuals on Hindi Diwas, Shah reminded that India's linguistic diversity is its strength, not a weakness. He stated that each language carries history, cultural traditions, and perspectives on life, all of which contribute to the values of the younger generation. Shah asserted that linguistic diversity fortifies the unity in diversity that defines India.

He further explained that language is more than just a means of communication; it is the "memory" and "self-awareness" of a society. Shah highlighted how Hindi has bridged different sections and communities in the country as a language of dialogue, connection, and coordination. He clarified that Hindi should not be seen as a representation of a particular language but as a vital link between India's languages and national unity.

Shah, whose mother tongue is Gujarati, explained that Hindi allows him to connect directly with people across the nation.

Shah celebrated Hindi Diwas on September 14 every year, commemorating the day when Hindi was adopted as an official language by the Constituent Assembly in 1949. He encouraged the youth to learn extensively from the world while preserving their language and urged parents to speak to their children in their mother tongue. Shah emphasized that language connects individuals to their mothers, their land, their history, and their culture.