I have no issue with learning Hindi or teaching it to my children. Learning languages helps us connect. However, Hindi is not the primary language in many Indian states, each with its own rich linguistic heritage.
The BJP’s Hindi-centric push, driven by its North Indian power base, should not come at the cost of local languages. Hindi should be embraced out of love, not imposed through manipulative policies.
India’s strength lies in its diversity”no single language should overshadow others. The BJP's attempt to impose Hindi, using local leaders as enforcers, reflects a colonial mindset and is sparking growing resistance, as seen recently in Maharashtra.
Goa is a clear example. Local BJP ministers, submissive to their Delhi and Gujarat bosses, are allowing Hindi to displace Konkani. Alarmingly, Goa’s BJP government permits English-medium schools to prioritize Hindi as the second language, sidelining Konkani in the crucial foundational years (Std 1-5).
This sets a dangerous precedent for Goa’s linguistic identity. Sadly, Goans themselves are partly to blame for this complacency, allowing Konkani to be undermined.
