The issue of language dispute in the country is not new, it has often been the center of politics in the states of South.
Hindi diwas 2025: India’s greatest power is its linguistic and cultural diversity. But this diversity sometimes becomes the cause of dispute and movement. Anti -Hindi movement is an important example of this. It is not just a historical episode, but even today, it affects education policy, administration and politics.
Come, do we understand this whole matter in the context of historical, constitutional and states on the pretext of Hindi Day? Will also know why there is often a fight in the states in the name of language?
1-Constitutional structure and language dispute foundation
The constitution makers had admitted that it is difficult to concept any one national language in a multilingual country like India. Therefore, in Article 343, Hindi was declared the official language and English got initial approval as an assistant language. But as soon as the Center tried to apply Hindi on a large scale, there was an increase in dissatisfaction in non-Hindi states. This dissatisfaction continues to emerge at some time or the other till date.
2- History of anti-Hindi movement
- 1937: Hindi mandatory in Madras Presidency was opposed. Periyar and his followers called it North Indian domination. Keep in mind that there was English rule in the country. Hindi also opposed and is still in the same Tamil Nadu.
- 1965: As soon as the constitutional deadline of implementing Hindi was completed, there were major movements in Tamil Nadu. These protests opened the way to keep English together and it still remains.
- 1980-90s: This issue remained alive in Dravidian politics. There were a lot of agitations and this dispute exists as North vs South India.
Every year ‘Hindi Day’ is celebrated on 14 September.
3- Debate and movement
Despite changing the time, the anti -Hindi spirit did not end, but in new circumstances, new forms came up. Social media controversy and many times in the year 2019 and 2022, have washtag trends like #StopHindiimposition. When only Hindi and English options are given in railway and government applications, objections are raised from states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal. Similarly, three language formula remains a permanent controversy in school education.
4- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and language dispute
NEP 2020 again launched the language dispute. It was said in the policy that under the Trishag Sutra, all the students should study three languages. In this, it was said to include mother tongue, Hindi and English for students. Although the government made it clear that no language would be imposed on anyone, but states like Tamil Nadu rejected it immediately by trying to impose Hindi.
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly opposed NEP and announced that it would remain on its traditional two language formulas (Tamil + English) i.e. education policy also directly connected with language politics.
5- Role of regional parties and electoral politics
In Tamil Nadu, DMK and AIADMK always made Hindi protests a part of their political negative. In Maharashtra, Shiv Sena and MNS opposed Hindi in the name of Marathi Asmita. Recently, when the Maharashtra government approved the teaching of Hindi as the third language in the state schools under the Tribhasha formula, there was a lot of opposition and the government had to withdraw its decision.
In Karnataka too, a voice against Hindi raises from time to time. This proves that language is not only an issue of education or administration, but also political capital.
6- North vs South discussion and digital age debate
Language dispute is not limited to roads today, it looks very clear even in the online world. Non-Hindi audience expresses dissatisfaction over releasing films on OTT platform by dubbing in Hindi. In areas like gaming and mobile applications, there is opposition from South India only on giving Hindi and English interfaces. It suggests that the question of language in Digital India also remains political and culturally sensitive.
In areas like gaming and mobile applications, there is opposition from South India only on giving Hindi and English interfaces.
7- Impact on administration and employment opportunities
There is an attempt to give priority to Hindi in many central recruitment examinations (eg Railways, Banking, SSC). Non-Hindi speaking candidates oppose this. In the courts too, English is the most used till now, because it is a complex process to place Hindi or regional languages equally.
9- Positive aspects of language dispute
This entire controversy is often seen negatively, but some positive things are also hidden in it. This has strengthened the linguistic diversity of India. Governments always had to adopt a culture of consent before imposing a language. Translation, linguistic technology and multilingual education were promoted. Today, books are being available in engineering studies and in other languages. The government is ensuring this work on priority.
10-affected paths and solutions
- Instead of emphasizing any language a national language, it would be appropriate to give equal respect to every language.
- NEP 2020 clearly mentions that no language will be imposed on anyone, it will have to be strictly implemented in behavior.
- Along with Hindi and English, regional languages will also have to be recognized in job and examination system.
- Cultural exchange, cinema, music and literature can also be credited to bridge linguistic gap.
The anti -Hindi movement is not just a opposition to Hindi, but it is a question of linguistic identity and cultural identity. The Constitution has recognized India as a multilingual nation, so if the central government or any institution has to move forward on the question of language, then it will have to adopt a policy based on communication, consent and balance.
The National Education Policy 2020 showed that as soon as Hindi or any other language is further done, the protest takes birth automatically. India’s politics and society can move forward only when every language gets equal respect and diversity in unity is not only seen in slogan but also in behavior.
Also read: How Hindi was born, how much it increased in the world?