Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 26: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday called for a decisive cultural shift away from the colonial mindset, urging citizens to think, analyse, and make decisions in Indian languages, especially the official ones, which he described as the “soul of the nation.”
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Official Language Department, Shah said true freedom from colonial influence is only possible when people begin to take pride in their own languages. “Unless we think and express ourselves in our own language, we cannot truly be free of colonial mentality,” he said.
Clarifying that the message is not about opposing any language, including foreign ones, Shah emphasised the importance of honouring and valuing Indian languages. “This is not about opposition but pride. We must speak, think, and respect our languages.”
He criticised past attempts to divide India on linguistic lines, stating that the government is determined to ensure that language becomes a tool for national unity. The Official Language Department, he said, will play a significant role in this mission.
Highlighting government initiatives, Shah pointed out that major national entrance exams such as NEET, JEE, and CUET are now conducted in 13 Indian languages, and that recruitment for Central Armed Police Forces has also incorporated these languages.
Shah reiterated the unifying role of Hindi, saying, “Hindi is a friend of all other languages, not their adversary. Hindi, along with regional languages, is central to building national self-esteem and pride.”
He further stated that the Centre would work closely with states to ensure that communication with the Union government is carried out in Indian languages.
Concluding his address, Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047 places Indian languages at the heart of cultural revival and national development. “Indian languages are the best medium to celebrate our legacy and shed colonial influences while shaping a stronger, self-confident India,” he said.