The Tumbling Tower of Unity: Uniformity of the "Language Wars" takes the lead!

 The linguistic and cultural diversity of India has always been a matter of pride, a source of cultural richness but also a reason for sociopolitical tension. In recent months, the southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, have witnessed a significant unrest due to their "Language Wars" against the central government itself.

Image Source- Odisha TV

What exactly is happening in these southern states?

In the state of Tamil Nadu there is a language-centric party called The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Their perceived notion of the language "Hindi" being imposed on the Non-Hindi Speaking States, is leading to protests and processions being carried out against the central government's language policies. This resistance is deeply rooted in the state's history, dating back to the anti-Hindi agitations of the 1930s and 1960s. The recent protests have seen the supporters of  DMK defacing the Hindi letters on signboards at railway stations, roads, etc., organizing a statewide demonstration.

Image Source- ABP News

Image Source- Meme Central (Facebook)

Now what is happening in Karnataka, you ask? Karnataka has always been the epicenter of the "Language Wars" in India. There is always something or the other happening in the state's capital, when it comes to their linguistic identity. This ultimately has led to the state implementing policies emphasizing the usage of Kannada, leading to conflicts with neighboring states such as Maharashtra and the central government.

Image Source- The Hindu

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So let me ask you, the readers, a Question. Won't these Southern language wars affect all the other states of India as well? Will these "Language Wars" not re-instigate the flames of Individuality amongst the states?

Of course, it will. We have had cases where these sentiments have spread onto other states of India.

The Spread across the States

Assam: The state witnessed the Bengali Language Movement in the Barak Valley during the early 1960s. The Assam government's decision to make Assamese the sole official language led to significant unrest among the Bengali-speaking population, culminating in the tragic events of May 19, 1961, where altercations with the police, resulted in civilian casualties. 

Image Source- Wikipedia

Maharashtra: The state has seen movements advocating for the primacy of Marathi, leading to tensions with non-Marathi-speaking communities. These movements have occasionally resulted in protests and policy changes favoring the local language. Recently, several videos have surfaced online of people getting either criticized or assaulted over not speaking in Marathi.

Image Source- English Jagran

But let me ask you, the readers, one last Question. Are these "Language Wars" more important than the other pressing issues of our Nation? Are these "Language Wars" more important than a medical student getting sexually assaulted in Kolkatta? Are these wars more important than the issue of Poverty and Unemployment in India?

NO, right!

But I truly feel that these "Language Wars" are like a recipe to break up india....so if we want to maintain the unity, integrity and dignity of India, 

We need to accept a 'Multi-Ethnic' India, 

We need to accept a 'Multi Religious' India,

We need to accept a 'Multi-Cultural' India,

We need to accept a 'Multi-lingual' India,

and we need to accept a 'Multi-Colored' India. 

The moment we prioritize Uniformity over Unity, we will lose our country.