Context: Recently, there have been a few instances of linguistic violence against non-Marathi speakers in Maharashtra. India’s diversity in religion and language is one of the primary factors which protects the secular character of the nation, ensuring its unity and integrity.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: Features of Indian secularism; Article 29, Article 343, Eighth Schedule, Census 2011 data on languages.
Mains: Official vs National Language debate, Threats to Indian secularism and linguistic diversity.
Indian Secularism
- Unlike Western secularism, which calls for a complete separation of religion and state, Indian secularism is rooted in tolerance and equality granting all citizens the Freedom of Conscience and Religion.
- The state has no official religion, making India truly secular.
- Indian secularism also addresses linguistic pluralism. It is neither pro-religion nor anti-religion or language, but actively seeks to prevent communalism, whether religious or linguistic, making diversity a foundation of national unity.
Constitutional Provisions to protect Linguistic Diversity:
As per the data of Census 2011, India has a total of 121 languages and 270 mother tongues. Such diversity needs to be protected; each and every language irrespective of region or State must be shown respect. This is the only way to protect India’s linguistic secularism.
- In order to protect linguistic diversity, the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution includes 22 languages.
- Article 29: Incorporates that any section of citizens of India including minority groups shall have the right to protect their language, script or culture, and that language cannot be the ground for discrimination. No State is permitted to go out of it in the name of a distinct language or culture.
- Article 343: As India is a Union of States, Article 343 enshrines that the official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script. The states are free to choose their own official language.
India’s religious and linguistic diversity is a key pillar of its secular character, ensuring unity and integrity. However, these aspects can also become sources of conflict, as seen in recent communal and linguistic tensions like in Maharashtra.
Threat to India’s Linguistic Diversity: Linguistic Tensions and Identity Politics
- Many Southern and North-eastern States have historically resisted the imposition of Hindi, fearing cultural and linguistic domination.
- Dravidian Movement in Tamil Nadu strongly opposed Hindi imposition, instead promoting Tamil and English as symbols of cultural pride and autonomy.
- Maharashtra has emerged as one of the most sensitive States on the language debate. The recent violence against non-Marathi speakers reflects identity politics, and not genuine concern for cultural protection.
India’s secular fabric is deeply woven into its religious and linguistic diversity. Protecting this diversity is not merely a cultural or political obligation, but a constitutional imperative.
In a globalising world, a conservative leaning towards religion or language will lead to a fragmentation of society and tear apart the secular fabric.
Also Read: What makes the Indian Constitution Secular?