Language is a fundamental pillar of any nation’s culture and civilization. This is why concerns regarding the preservation and promotion of languages are common worldwide. India is no exception; various states here are actively working to protect their linguistic and cultural identity. The Indian Constitution is fundamentally federal and democratic, granting every state the right to preserve its language and cultural heritage. However, linguistic disputes arise when a particular language is imposed or given undue dominance, leading to tensions among federal units.
Recently, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, made highly inappropriate remarks about the Urdu language in the state assembly. Such statements are unbecoming of a person holding a constitutional position. His hostility towards Urdu is not merely a regional issue or a political statement; rather, it reflects a broader cultural and linguistic aggression. This attitude disrupts the linguistic harmony of the country.
Urdu has been an integral part of the Indian subcontinent’s literary, cultural, and social landscape for centuries. Its speakers and admirers are not confined to Uttar Pradesh but are spread across the entire country. The influence of Urdu is evident in India’s academic and literary heritage, fine arts, cinema, and music. In such scenario, opposition to Urdu by a high-ranking official is tantamount to undermining a shared cultural heritage.
Since its inception, Urdu has been a beautiful amalgamation of various cultures. Drawing from Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and local dialects, it has established itself as a bridge between different linguistic and cultural communities in the subcontinent. The inclusion of Urdu in social interactions and cultural exchanges fosters harmony, reduces distances, and brings people of diverse faiths, sects, and regions closer together. This spirit of inclusivity forms the foundation of a strong federal structure and a cohesive society.
From a constitutional perspective, the Constitution of India grants equal rights to all official languages. Urdu is listed among the scheduled languages of India, meaning that its protection and promotion are not acts of charity but constitutional obligations. Any negative sentiments expressed against Urdu by Yogi Adityanath or any other figure effectively undermine the constitutional framework and the spirit of democratic values.
India’s federal structure was designed to allow states to retain their linguistic and cultural rights while remaining part of the union. When policies emerge that discriminate against certain languages, the balance of federalism is threatened. Such biases often breed resentment against the federal system and fuel separatist sentiments. The greatest risk to India’s federal structure arises when the central government leans towards promoting a single language or cultural model at the expense of others. While Hindi and English have been given special status at the national level, the Constitution explicitly recognises the inclusion and importance of other languages. Despite these constitutional safeguards, political interests frequently drive attempts to impose a dominant language across the country, triggering linguistic disputes.
If a multicultural democracy like India is facing linguistic conflicts, it indicates serious flaws in our approach to federalism and democratic governance. Discriminatory treatment of Urdu, resistance to Hindi in southern states, or any linguistic community’s sense of marginalisation all stem from the perception that the dominance of the majority language is pushing other languages into oblivion. To eliminate this perception, it is essential to uphold the constitutional principle of equal treatment for all languages and to recognise linguistic diversity as a national asset.
Urdu has played a significant role in shaping the cultural and literary landscape of this region for centuries, fostering unity and understanding among diverse communities. If we wish to strengthen our federal structure, we must adopt a fair and balanced language policy. Only then can the dream of an inclusive and unified India be realised. Linguistic freedom and pluralism are the true essence of a democratic and federal system. By embracing these principles, we can not only resolve linguistic disputes but also preserve and promote our rich cultural heritage.