“Hindi is Not Our National Language”: R Ashwin Sparks Language Debate on Vishwa Hindi Diwas

Chennai, January 10 – Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has reignited a debate on the status of Hindi as a language in India. Speaking at the 23rd Graduation Day of Rajalakshmi Engineering College in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, Ashwin remarked that Hindi is not India’s national language but an official language. His comments, delivered in Tamil, have drawn attention and sparked discussions across social and mainstream media.

During his address, Ashwin engaged the audience by asking how many students were proficient in Tamil, English, and Hindi. When he called for a cheer from English-speaking students, the response was enthusiastic. The roar grew louder for Tamil speakers. However, when he mentioned Hindi, the silence from the crowd was palpable.

“English students in the house – give me a yay,” he began, receiving loud applause. “Tamil?” The response was thunderous. “Okay, Hindi?” Silence followed. Ashwin then stated, “Hindi is not our national language; it is an official language,” speaking directly to the audience in Tamil.

This comment comes at a time when linguistic identity remains a sensitive issue in India, particularly in southern states like Tamil Nadu, where there is resistance to the imposition of Hindi. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and other regional parties have often criticized the central government’s perceived attempts to promote Hindi over regional languages.

Ashwin’s remarks coincided with Vishwa Hindi Diwas, celebrated annually on September 14 to promote Hindi and acknowledge its cultural significance. Hindi ranks as the third most spoken language globally, with over 600 million speakers, trailing only Mandarin Chinese and English. India also observes World Hindi Day on January 10 to celebrate the language’s international influence and literary contributions.

At the same event, Ashwin shared his philosophy on perseverance and leadership. Reflecting on the challenges of Team India’s captaincy, he shared a motivational message for students.

“When someone says I can’t do it, I wake up to accomplish it, but if they say I can, I lose interest,” he explained.

“Had any engineering staff told me I couldn’t become captain, I would have worked harder,” he added, emphasizing the importance of persistence. “If you are a student, you will never stop. If you aren’t, learning will cease, and excellence will just be a word in your cupboard,” he said, encouraging continuous learning and determination.

Ashwin’s statements on both language and leadership have fueled lively discussions online, highlighting his influence beyond cricket. The ongoing debate underscores the complexity of India’s linguistic diversity and the sensitivities surrounding language policies.