why should we need to have one language in india.
Answers
My answer to the basic question is Yes and No!
1)NO, because we are a diverse nation and that is our strength. We don't have a common religion, we don't have uniform cooking habits, we dress differently, our climates in the various parts of the country are different, even within the same religion, we worship differently. So why are we so particular about having a common language? Instead let us have common goals like removal of poverty, progress, a uniform law, etc.
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2)YES, but not INSTEAD of our various languages but IN ADDITION TO and without imposition. Currently we have three languages that qualify, and, depending on need, all Indians must be encouraged to learn or at least be familiar with at least the first two of these languages in addition to their native language.
a) The English language serves us well for uniting the intelligentsia, and for international contacts, for learning Science, Technology and Medicine and for Business and commerce.
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Do you feel the need for a common language in India?
There are excellent answers from others already.
Since you have asked me to answer, I will present my thoughts.
My answer to the basic question is Yes and No!
1)NO, because we are a diverse nation and that is our strength. We don't have a common religion, we don't have uniform cooking habits, we dress differently, our climates in the various parts of the country are different, even within the same religion, we worship differently. So why are we so particular about having a common language? Instead let us have common goals like removal of poverty, progress, a uniform law, etc.
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2)YES, but not INSTEAD of our various languages but IN ADDITION TO and without imposition. Currently we have three languages that qualify, and, depending on need, all Indians must be encouraged to learn or at least be familiar with at least the first two of these languages in addition to their native language.
a) The English language serves us well for uniting the intelligentsia, and for international contacts, for learning Science, Technology and Medicine and for Business and commerce.
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b) The Hindi language (without in any way being "superior" to other regional languages) has awesome power simply because it allows us to communicate with about 800 million people out of the 1200 million Indian population. About half of this number speaks the language as a native language and another half speak it as a second language. It is a political "brahmaastra" for a person interested in mass contact with his fellow citizens all over India, e.g politicians, social workers, entertainers, advertisers, and business men seeking the largest target/customer base. Books, movies, TV programmes in Hindi have an unmatched audience and and awesome reach. While many people can get by without knowing either English and Hindi, any person who wishes to make an impact outside the comfort zone of his home state, must know both. He need not be a scholar. He only needs to have a working knowledge of the language
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c) Sanskrit: Simply because it unites the Indian languages, and is the language the scriptures of the Hindus are written in, besides being precise, and also because India is home to this ancient Classical language. All indian languages can fall back on Sanskrit for abitration and for coining new terms. Of course everyone need not learn it. Non Hindus could be exempted. Some sections of the Hindu population who are averse to Sanskrit can also stay away. I don't think this will ever be a popular spoken language but like Latin it can serve as a liturgical language. It should never be made compulsory and must be above controversy.
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Are we burdening ourselves needlessly ? I don't think so. When learned at a tender age, we all have the capacity to pick up all three. Don't kids learn Maths, Science History, Geography? Social studies, Arts, Hobbies all at the same time? No one complains that it is a burden. Till the level of Matriculation, we have taken all these subjects in our stride. So a couple of additional languages being taught during childhood should not be an issue. Of course one need not have the same proficiency in all the languages. One can stop with the level required for each one. I recommend the High School level standard should be the minimum. Later on depending on need and aptitude and interest, each of us can decide whether to proceed further or not.