Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday emphasized the importance of promoting Indian languages, stating that a shift in societal perception is imminent. Speaking at the book launch of ‘Main Boond Swayam, Khud Sagar Hoon’ by former IAS officer Ashutosh Agnihotri, Shah remarked, “In this country, those who speak English will soon feel ashamed — the creation of such a society is not far away.” He underscored that only those with determination can bring about this transformation and called Indian languages the “jewels of our culture,” asserting that without them, “we cease to be truly Indian.”
Shah argued that foreign languages cannot adequately represent or explain Indian culture, history, or values. He said the promotion of native languages is crucial for restoring national pride and positioning India as a global leader. “To understand our country, our culture, our history, and our religion, no foreign language can suffice. The idea of a complete India cannot be imagined through half-baked foreign languages,” Shah said. He acknowledged the challenge of changing deep-rooted language preferences but expressed confidence that Indian society would eventually prevail in this cultural shift.
He also tied the promotion of Indian languages to the broader national vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the ‘Panch Pran’ (Five Pledges) for the Amrit Kaal. These pledges include achieving a developed India, erasing traces of colonial mindsets, taking pride in cultural heritage, promoting unity, and instilling a sense of duty in every citizen. Shah stressed that embracing Indian languages is integral to fulfilling these commitments and that they would play a central role in India’s development trajectory.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Shah pointed to recent education policies and reforms introduced by the BJP-led administration that aim to promote mother tongues and regional languages in schools and institutions. “That is why by 2047, we will be at the pinnacle, and our languages will play a major role in this journey,” he said. His remarks reflect the growing political emphasis on cultural identity and linguistic pride as part of India’s path toward modernization and global leadership.
