India’s Linguistic Diversity: Facts First
- 2011 Census:
- 121 languages, 270 mother tongues.
- 96.71% of the population speaks one of the 22 scheduled languages.
- 99 languages not included in the Eighth Schedule.
Relevance : GS 1(Indian Society ) , GS 2(Polity and Constitution )
Constitutional Safeguards
- Article 29: Right to conserve distinct language, script, or culture for any section of Indian citizens, including minorities.
- Article 343: Hindi (Devanagari script) is the official language of the Union, not the national language.
- Eighth Schedule: Protects 22 languages; promotes linguistic pluralism under state policy.
Unique Model of Indian Secularism
- Western secularism = state–religion separation.
- Indian secularism = state neutrality + affirmative protection for religious and linguistic diversity.
- State is not pro-religion/language, but empowered to act against communalism, including linguistic chauvinism.
Emerging Threats to Linguistic Harmony
- Resistance to Hindi imposition:
- Historic in Tamil Nadu (Dravidian movement).
- Seen in many Southern and Northeastern states.
- Recent incidents in Maharashtra: Violence against non-Marathi speakers = manifestation of linguistic identity politics.
Why Linguistic Tolerance Matters
- Language and religion: Both cultural markers and sources of exclusion.
- Conservative assertions of language = risk of fragmentation, damaging national unity.
- India’s unity in diversity relies on liberality and tolerance across linguistic lines.
Role of Political Leadership
- Political parties must prevent linguistic polarisation.
- Must uphold constitutional morality over regional chauvinism.
- Language-based discrimination contradicts the spirit of federalism and violates constitutional values.
Globalisation vs Identity Assertion
- In an interconnected world, rigid linguistic nationalism can isolate communities.
- Need to promote multilingualism, not majoritarian language dominance.
Conclusion
India’s linguistic secularism is foundational to its democracy. Protecting every language — big or small — equally is not merely a cultural concern but a constitutional necessity. As India moves forward, it must uphold inclusive federalism and safeguard its plural linguistic heritage against rising linguistic nationalism.
