Amit Shah to Inaugurate Major Hindi Language Conference in Agartala
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to inaugurate the Joint Regional Rajbhasha Sammelan for the Northern and Eastern Regions at the International Indoor Exhibition Centre in Hapania, Agartala, on Friday. This significant event highlights the government's ongoing efforts to promote Hindi as the primary official language while respecting linguistic diversity across India.
Government's Commitment to Linguistic Diversity
Asuli Arya, the secretary of the department of official language in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), emphasized the Centre's dedication to the development of all Indian languages. She firmly stated that there is no intention to impose any single language on citizens. "There is absolutely no question of language imposition," Arya declared, assuring that individuals are free to use their mother tongue for raising grievances or communicating with government departments.
Arya explained that Hindi serves as the primary official language in central government offices, including public sector undertakings (PSUs) and banks. To support this, the government has implemented various measures such as establishing training institutes, expanding translation services, and developing software tools aimed at promoting Hindi usage effectively.
Technological Advancements in Language Promotion
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is leveraging technology to enhance language services. Arya highlighted the introduction of AI applications for translation, speech recognition, and real-time processing by the department of official language. The "Bharatiya Bhasa Anubhag" has further expanded these capabilities, ensuring more efficient communication.
Additionally, the department's software platform, "Bharti," currently supports translation in 15 languages and is planned to be extended to all 22 official languages recognized in India. This initiative aims to facilitate seamless interaction between citizens and government bodies, regardless of linguistic backgrounds.
Political Leadership and Cultural Focus
Arya noted that both Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah communicate in simple Hindi, setting an example for promoting the language across ministries. She reiterated the government's vision to build India by 2047, with a strong focus on cultural heritage, inclusivity, and indigenous traditions. This approach underscores a balanced promotion of Hindi while valuing regional languages.
In a move to streamline communications, Arya mentioned that the home minister's messages to states are now issued in Hindi, reinforcing its role in official correspondence without undermining other languages.
Event Details and Participants
The Rajbhasha Sammelan is expected to attract over 3,000 participants, including prominent figures such as Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, three Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries from northeastern and eastern states. This gathering aims to foster discussions on language policy and implementation strategies, contributing to a more unified yet diverse linguistic landscape in India.
The conference serves as a platform to review progress, share best practices, and plan future initiatives for promoting Hindi and other Indian languages in official domains.
