Three languages that are very pertinent in our lives in India are our mother tongue, English and Hindi. Mother tongue is what we definitely inherit and English is something we strive to master but what binds India across the length and breadth of the country is Hindi. Though there are differences in perception and politically we become very sensitive many a time when Hindi is given some priority by the centre, and we start objecting to accepting the dominance of Hindi and its imposition on us. 

Most of the Northeastern states of India do not study Hindi nor does it culture it in their daily needs as many revolutionary groups across the region had objected to and banned its use in past decades. Subsequently, sentiments are fueled by politicians for their own sweet purpose. The same is with the southern region where any special mention of Hindi creates emotions flaring. 

But if we observe the last few decades, with the penetration of cable networks into our homes and now the new media, people are slowly getting glued to the language. The TV opera and serials had hooked youths and housewives to mega family shows. Reality shows have taken people to another dreamland and the migration of people for education and profession has made it necessary for us Indians to have a common language. Hindi has filled up that space and we are quite accommodating with the use of the language.

In a country like India with such diversity, it is very difficult to have a common language but this diversity is the strongest reason to have a common communicating language that the whole of the nation can understand and communicate. The very reason we can sing our National Anthem keeping our head high.  

Hindi as a language has done its part and people have adopted it as the second language after their mother tongue. It will be self-serving if the politician can leave it aside for their selfish needs, divisive force using it as a tool to divert attention, and Central Government not forcefully impose it on people.

Let us bind ourselves as a nation, concentrate on our local development and culture our tradition and let language be not a reason we fight among ourselves but let us cherish our rich culture, diverse traditions, and various languages. Let Hindi or any other language flourish but we definitely need a common language to communicate, transact, and showcase. English can not be that language as it is a foreign language. So what best than Hindi?

Jai Hind!