Discussion on Language Diversity at the World Book Fair

New Delhi's cultural scene is buzzing with life. There are theatre shows, cultural performances and literary festivals, all taking place at a frenetic pace. It might throw some of us off-balance but there is definitely beauty in the chaos, especially if one has a ring-side view of the happenings.

One such event, the World Book Fair, has different connotations for people. Personally, I enjoy being enveloped by the smell, sight and feel of tomes. So, I welcomed an invitation to participate in a session titled "Language Diversity" in which I was asked to address the oft-debated strife between English and Hindi.

The event was graced by the presence of the recently awarded Ganesh Devy, who received the Padma Award and who is one of the most knowledgable Indian linguists walking the earth today. As someone mentioned in an aside, this was one award that was richly deserved.  We had Prof. Avadhesh Kumar Singh from IGNOU in the chair, Prof. Asha Sarangi from JNU, Dr. Vibha Chauhan from Delhi University and Dr. Suraj Rao from Sukhadia College, Udaipur. 

The discussion was enriching and informative. As speaker after speaker pointed out, the hegemony of Hindi and the deliberate attempt by the British to play the politics of language are clearly evident in documented history. There were numerous references to Mahatma Gandhi and his stand on the declaration of Hindi as the language of the Nation, followed by the huge controversy on the adoption of a uniform script. 

Amidst this research-laden academic discourse, my voice chafed by bringing the harsh and unmitigated truth from the heat and dust of India to the opulence of ivory towers. In my brief address, I chose to highlight the following points-

• The symbolism associated with English today as a tool for upward mobility. Even the most economically backward family aspires to educate their children in English medium schools, regardless of the capacity of either the teachers or the pupils. 
• The perception that Hindi was an unwanted imposition upon the large, non-Hindi speaking population of the country. Hindi can claim hegemony not through official diktats but when it appeals to readers and users.
• The politics of language that has been conveniently used by the ruling class and the reformers, whether it was the Reform movements of the 6th century B.C. or the British policy of linguistic segregation. The conflict is more concocted than real. If you ask the 'Aam Aadmi' (meaning as it was prior to Mr.Kejriwal and his party's arrival), it matters little whether something is articulated in English or Hindi. It is the content that is relevant. 
• The economics of linguistics, whether it is the alleged push to English writing from the Publication industry, the literary awards to ensnare readership from one of the most populous country's or the intrinsic surge in growth of a language that enables India to build bridges with the world. 
• Above all, the ability of a language, be it English or Hindi, to re-invent itself to survive. There is incredible diversity in India, and yet, today, multeity is shrinking across sectors- whether it is bio-diversity, handicrafts, festivals or cuisines. Heterogeneity is swamped by a curious similarity in the way we speak, dress or eat. Inevitably, linguistic multiplicity is also declining and there are frequent instances of inter-mingling and assimilation. When Charles Darwin spoke of survival of the fittest species and he might as well have been speaking of languages. To remain relevant, Hindi or English will require to adapt to the dynamic environment. in this endeavor, both are aided by technology, especially the universal appeal of television and Bollywood. 

My apprehension at being so boldly unequivocal about English being an undeniable part of modern India that cannot be obliterated, even if one is foolhardy enough to try, soon turned to relief. Not only did the Chairperson of the session, Mr.Avadhesh Kumar, support my heart-felt pitch for accepting the inevitable, but was blasphemous enough to suggest that Academia needs a reality-check. And soon the entire assembly was discussing not English vs Hindi but English & Hindi.