India's Three-Language Communication
Dr. Lalit Mohan Sharma
To say that hundreds of languages and mother tongues are spoken in India is almost a cliche, and yet no less a truth and practically most relevant. Constitution recognises 22 languages, a lot more than whole of Europe, two official languages-- English and Hindi, 29 persons constitute the team of interpreters in the Parliament. Nevertheless problems remain for laymen. I visit APJ Kalam Museum at Rameshwaeam, it is Tamil all the way, 98% notifications are in Tamil only. Then the road signs: it's mainly in one language, Tamil, Telgu, Kannada, depending on the state you are visiting.
Kalam Museum, Bharat Ratna, Missile Man, former President, well it should be an international destination.
Notifications should be in English, Hindi and the local regional language. Mind you, in India, Hindi is spoken by 53 %.
Official language policy adjudicates a three language formula : English, Hindi and the regional language, thus satisfying international reach, national aspirations and regional recognition.
Kothari Commission proposed it and in 1968 it was introduced as a part of education policy. Mother tongue or regional language was to be the first language. The second language for Hindi- speaking areas was to be a modern indian language or English. For now Hindi areas, Hindi or English. This policy did play positively to regional claims as also national and international urges. Reality on the ground turned out not so friendly. Rarely, students opted for a regional language of southern states. Attempts at nationlising the cause of language bore no significant results.
The hue and cry of resistence to Hindi in Bengal or the southern states continued and the dream of having Hindi as Rashtriya Bhasha was spelt and sang again and again while celebrating 14 th September as Hindi Diwas. Not even the road signs could follow the logic of comfortable communication to tourists from India and abroad.
One problem can have more than one solution, or it could have graded solutions. But certainly, not when timid efforts are made with due consideration of dignity and claims of others. Both Subhash Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru, even Gandhiji, visualised Hindostani as the national language, which could be more easily acceptable and accessible to people at large. The Congress Working Committee meeting endorsed Hindi by just one vote. There in lay the importance of a single vote, speaking democratically.
Nodal fact remains that the three language communication is most suited to be used for Road- Signs, museums and as for guidelines to public places. ( international, all- india and local visitor- tourist!!)
A couple of years ago, when I visited France, my heart was jubilant at seeing the welcome notification in Hindi at Eiffel Tower in Paris. This is a very small way that you can make the tourist happy at being greeted in the language he speaks. Three languages in India.. You must say it!!
Dr Lalit Mohan Sharma from Himachal Pradesh India is former Principal at State Government Colleges, has published ten books of English poetry, have been anthologised as poet and author in books and journals, works with State War Memorial, and Harmony Day Care Centre, NGO for Special Children, and President, Dayanand Education Society.
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