On Thursday, former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu addressed students, highlighting the importance of learning Hindi without imposing it on anyone. He cautioned against what he termed “blind opposition” to the language, advocating for students to acquire multiple languages to enhance their future career opportunities. He stated, “Do not oppose Hindi blindly, but I firmly believe it should not be forced upon anyone, and I reject any form of imposition.”

Balancing Regional Pride with National and Global Languages

During his speech, Naidu emphasized the necessity of balancing pride in one’s regional language with the practical benefits of learning Hindi. He remarked, “To achieve national prominence or explore opportunities across various regions in the country, learning Hindi becomes essential.” Additionally, he recognized the role of English, referring to it as a global lingua franca. “Though English is a foreign language, it serves as an international connecting language, and students should also strive to learn it,” he noted.

Mother Tongue First: Preserving Language Begins at Home

Naidu underscored the significance of one’s mother tongue, advising students to take pride in their native languages. “Master your mother tongue. Acquiring proficiency in Hindi and English will also prove beneficial for your future,” he expressed. He encouraged students to converse in their native languages at home and within their communities. “Begin by communicating in your mother tongue, then proceed to learn other languages. Take pride in using your mother tongue with your grandparents, neighbors, and during religious gatherings. Preserving your language starts at home,” he elaborated.

No Imposition, No Opposition: Embracing Linguistic Diversity

Expressing his perspective on linguistic hierarchy, he said, “One should prioritize their mother tongue, followed by Hindi, and then other languages. This is my guidance for you. Aim to learn as many languages as possible.” Naidu highlighted several Indian languages as being rich and beautiful, stating, “Languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Assamese, Punjabi, and Santhal deserve respect. We are fortunate to have such a linguistic diversity in our country, along with Hindi.” He reiterated his position against both the imposition and the opposition of Hindi. “Do not be mistaken; we should neither impose nor oppose Hindi. That is my stance, and it should be yours as well,” he advised the audience.

Personal Experience: Realizing Hindi’s Importance in Delhi

In a personal reflection, Naidu shared his experience of realizing Hindi’s significance after relocating to Delhi. “Coming from Nellore, initially, I did not learn Hindi. However, upon moving to Delhi, I understood its importance. If you aspire to become a national leader or work in different states, knowing Hindi is crucial,” he explained.

Final Message: Respect Roots, Expand Knowledge

Naidu concluded by encouraging students to broaden their understanding and respect foundational values. “Prioritize respect for your mother, motherland, teachers, and institution. Then, focus on enhancing your general knowledge about significant issues and figures,” he added, leaving students with a profound message on the importance of language and cultural pride.

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