In a powerful address connecting India's cultural roots to its global diaspora, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted inspiring initiatives aimed at preserving Indian languages abroad. During the 129th episode of his monthly radio program 'Mann Ki Baat', the PM turned the spotlight on a quiet cultural movement taking shape far from the country's shores.
From Dubai: A Kannada Pathshala's Answer to Cultural Erosion
Prime Minister Modi began by narrating the origin story of a Kannada Pathshala in Dubai. He revealed that the initiative was born from a poignant concern among Kannada-speaking families in the United Arab Emirates. While their children were excelling in a technology-driven world, parents were grappling with an unsettling question: were the younger generations losing touch with their mother tongue?
"This is where Kannada Pathshala was born," PM Modi stated, applauding the community's effort to ensure linguistic continuity. The Pathshala represents a direct response to the challenge of cultural preservation faced by the Indian diaspora, ensuring that proficiency in global skills does not come at the cost of native linguistic identity.
To the Pacific: Tamil Celebrations in Fiji's Rakiraki
The Prime Minister's message then travelled from the Gulf to the Pacific Ocean. He expressed his delight over the celebration of Tamil Day in Rakiraki, Fiji, where a school organised its first such event. Modi described how students participated enthusiastically by reciting poems, delivering speeches, and showcasing Tamil culture on stage.
He interpreted this event as a clear signal of a growing attachment to the Tamil language among the Indian-origin community in Fiji. Hailing Tamil as "the oldest language in the world," Modi connected these overseas efforts with the momentum building within India itself, citing the prominent example of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi.
Linguistic Heritage as the Fabric of Bharat's Unity
Weaving together these global narratives, Prime Minister Modi presented them as testament to India's enduring civilizational unity. "This is Bharat's unity," he emphasized. His underlying message was clear: India's rich linguistic heritage is not confined by geography. It continues to travel with its people, adapt to new environments, and thrive in foreign lands, strengthening the cultural bonds of the diaspora.
The 'Mann Ki Baat' address effectively framed language preservation as a dynamic, global endeavor. It showcased how communities from Dubai to Fiji are actively scripting a future where technological progress and cultural rootedness can coexist, keeping the essence of India alive for generations born overseas.
