Hindi beyond administration
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called for Hindi to be adopted as the primary language in science, technology, the judiciary, and law enforcement. Speaking at the Fifth Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha Sammelan in Gandhinagar on Hindi Diwas, Shah emphasised that Hindi should not be limited to administration and daily conversation but should play a significant role in these critical sectors.
Hindi as a unifying force
Shah highlighted that there is no conflict between Hindi and other Indian languages, describing Hindi as a ‘friend’ rather than a competitor to regional languages. He cited Gujarat as an example, where both Gujarati and Hindi have coexisted and flourished, thanks to the efforts of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Educational benefits
Emphasising the importance of mother tongue in education, Shah noted that children naturally think in their native languages. He argued that learning in one’s mother tongue improves understanding and retention, making education more effective.
Technological advancements
Shah also introduced the ‘Bahubhashi Anuvad Sarthi’, an AI-powered translation platform designed to bridge language barriers. This initiative aims to make information and services accessible to the public in multiple languages, ensuring no citizen is left behind due to language issues.
Expanding hindi vocabulary
The ‘Hindi Shabd Sindhu’, a comprehensive Hindi dictionary, has expanded from 51,000 words to over 700,000. The government plans to make it the largest dictionary in the world by 2029, reflecting the growing importance of Hindi in science, law, and technology.
Amit Shah’s advocacy for the expanded use of Hindi underscores the government’s commitment to promoting linguistic unity and accessibility. By integrating Hindi into science, technology, the judiciary, and law enforcement, the government aims to foster a deeper connection with citizens and ensure services and information are available in a language that resonates with the majority.
