Rashtrabhasha Hindi Samasyaye Va Samadhan

This document, "Rashtrabhasha Hindi: Samasyaye va Samadhan" by Radhamohan Upadhyay, from the Z_Jain_Vidyalay_Hirak_Jayanti_Granth collection, argues for the central role of Hindi as the national language of India and discusses the challenges and solutions related to its adoption and promotion.

The author emphasizes that while administration is transient, language, religion, and culture have a much longer lifespan, with culture being the very foundation of a nation's identity. India's unique continuity, stretching back millennia, is attributed to its enduring religion and languages, which have evolved and sustained themselves. Language, in particular, is portrayed as the lifeblood of a nation, responsible for social organization and the genesis of culture. The text quotes a Vedic verse to highlight the inherent power and unifying force of language, stating it bestows wealth, knowledge, and inspiration upon the nation. Each language carries its cultural essence, and Hindi, in this context, is presented as the language that embodies the spirit of India.

The author asserts that Hindi has historically served as the national language and a crucial link language across India, even before official recognition. During the Mughal era, Hindi was the language of the masses, and even Urdu emerged from a blend of Hindi and Persian. The text highlights instances where foreign scholars and missionaries recognized Hindi's widespread usage and compiled its grammars, underscoring its pan-Indian reach. Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Goswami Tulsidas are cited as prominent figures who utilized Hindi to spread their messages, demonstrating its efficacy in reaching the common populace.

The piece critically examines the post-independence period, particularly the debate surrounding Hindi's status as the official language. It attributes the delay and ensuing controversies to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's reservations about Hindi, which he reportedly considered a "poor language." The author contrasts Nehru's approach with that of Atatürk in Turkey, who swiftly established Turkish as the national language. The text also laments the perpetuation of English as a medium of instruction, arguing that it drains students' time and resources and fosters a colonial mentality. The rise of English-medium schools is seen as detrimental to Indian culture and the development of native languages.

The document identifies several challenges facing Hindi:

• Influence of English: The pervasive use of English in education and public life is seen as undermining Hindi and other Indian languages.
• Lack of national will: Despite Hindi's widespread usage, there's a perceived reluctance among some leaders and a segment of the population to fully embrace it as the sole national language.
• "Internal sabotage": The author suggests that certain political interests and mindsets have actively hindered Hindi's progress.
• "Paper progress": Government efforts to promote Hindi are often criticized as superficial, with a disconnect between reported progress and the actual situation.
• Influence of media: Television and cinema are seen as contributing to the erosion of Hindi and Indian culture through the promotion of English and Westernized lifestyles.
• Socio-economic factors: The aspiration for social mobility and better job prospects is driving parents towards English-medium education for their children, creating a social divide.

The author advocates for several solutions:

• Mandatory education in mother tongues: This is presented as a way to strengthen national identity and prevent the erosion of culture.
• Promoting Hindi through mass media: Utilizing platforms like television and radio to disseminate Hindi content and cultural programs.
• Strengthening Hindi through scholarships and institutional support: Encouraging the study and research of Hindi at higher levels.
• Sacrifice and conviction: The author calls for individuals, particularly the affluent and influential, to prioritize Hindi and invest in its development, drawing parallels with nationalistic fervor in other countries.
• Political will: A strong commitment from political leaders to champion Hindi and ensure its rightful place as the national language.
• International recognition: Efforts to gain official recognition for Hindi in international forums like the United Nations, citing its widespread use globally.

The document concludes by highlighting the significant global presence of Hindi, with its study and promotion in numerous universities worldwide. It also notes the efforts of expatriate Indians and foreign scholars in enriching and disseminating Hindi literature and language. The ultimate call to action is for a unified and determined effort to elevate Hindi from its current "de jure" status to a "de facto" national language, reflecting the true spirit of India.