Protest against imposition of Hindi language at Delhi University
Delhi, 17th April 2022
Protest against imposition of Hindi language at Delhi University
NEFIS ORGANIZES PROTEST AGAINST IMPOSITION OF HINDI LANGUAGE ON NON-HINDI SPEAKING REGIONS AND COMMUNITIES!
STRONGLY CRITICIZES UNION HOME MINISTER’S STATEMENT!
DEMANDS IMMEDIATE APOLOGY AND RESCISSION OF THE DECISION AND APOLOGY FROM HOME MINISTER!
North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) today organized a protest demonstration along with other progressive organizations at Arts Faculty, Delhi University against the imposition of Hindi on the non-Hindi speaking regions and communities.
It should be noted that the Union Home Minister recently stated the imposition of Hindi language as a goal in the 37th meeting of the Parliamentary Official Language Committee. Amit Shah stated that the states of the North-East had agreed to make Hindi compulsory till class 10th.
This statement has widely been condemned as a step to promote Hindi chauvinism. In the protest demonstration, students from different communities and regions of the North-East, as well as other parts of India, ensured their participation.
This latest attempt by the Union Government to impose Hindi makes it amply clear that it takes Hindi to be more important than all other languages spoken in India or recognized by the 8th schedule of the Constitution of India. The current proposal, therefore, seeks to impose Hindi as a national language, thereby exerting Hindi chauvinism over other communities especially marginalized communities.
This step gives undue importance to Hindi vis-à-vis other languages of non-Hindi speaking regions. Instead of creating more infrastructure to promote languages of non-Hindi speaking regions, especially of linguistically marginal/minority communities, the ministry seeks to impose its diktat on people from non-Hindi speaking backgrounds especially marginal/minority groups. The statement only serves to promote cultural chauvinism.
This dismal situation is a result of the long standing bias and neglect on part of the government of India in ensuring that the distinct cultural identity and dignity of the marginal/minority groups and communities is preserved.
The fact that the languages of so many communities/marginal groups are not given due recognition is not accidental but the unfortunate result of the insolent attitude of an arrogant state that chooses to impose its culture and language upon marginal groups/communities in the manner of a haughty conqueror.
It should also be noted that NEFIS has consistently opposed the imposition of Hindi earlier. There was an attempt by Delhi University in 2013 to make Hindi/Modern Indian languages compulsory without bothering in the least about how it would affect the students from the North-East and other parts of India. It was only after NEFIS’ concerted struggle that University withdrew its draconic order.
NEFIS strongly denounces this chauvinist statement of the Union Home Minister, and demands that the statement as well as the intent to impose Hindi on the non-Hindi speaking people be taken back immediately. The minister must also render an apology to the masses of the country for this statement. NEFIS would further intensify its movement in the coming days, if the decision to impose Hindi, is not taken back.
Protest against imposition of Hindi language at Delhi University
Thokchom Yaiphalembi Chanu
Member
North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS)
* This Press Release was sent to e-pao.net by North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) who can be contacted at nefis(DOT)delhi(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This Press Release was posted on 18 April 2022
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