Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, took the helm of the 38th meeting of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language, convened in New Delhi. This pivotal session marked a notable milestone as the 12th volume of the Committee’s report on Official Language received approval for presentation to the President.
During his address, Amit Shah underscored the essence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, a celebration of India’s 75th year of independence. He emphasized that two fundamental principles, or “Pran,” were integral to this celebration – the respect for heritage and the eradication of symbols of subjugation. Shah stressed that the strength of Indian languages, including the official language, is vital for the complete realization of these principles.
Amit Shah debunked any notion of competition between Hindi and local languages, asserting that the empowerment of the nation hinges on the promotion of all Indian languages. He contended that respect for heritage inherently involves linguistic reverence, and the acceptance of the official language is intrinsically linked to the recognition and respect accorded to local languages.
Highlighting the monumental step towards promoting local languages, Shri Amit Shah announced Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s initiative to introduce engineering and medical courses in 10 languages. This landmark decision is poised to pave the way for the prominence of local and official languages in educational domains.
Amit Shah applauded the role of Indian languages in unifying the nation, hailing them as instruments of national cohesion. He commended the resilience of Indian languages, which survived and thrived even during the colonial era.
The Home Minister emphasized that the acceptance of the official language transcends legal mandates, finding its roots in goodwill, inspiration, and encouragement. Shri Shah lauded the preservation of Indian languages and their dictionaries throughout history, showcasing their enduring strength.
The session also recognized the extensive work undertaken by the Committee of Parliament on Official Language, acknowledging its commitment to promoting and disseminating the official language. Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, and Union Ministers of State for Home Affairs, Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra and Shri Nishith Pramanik joined Shri Amit Shah in leading the discourse towards the advancement of linguistic unity in the nation.
