India's linguistic diversity reflects unity: Derek O'Brien

New Delhi

Amid the ongoing language debate, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O'Brien on Friday highlighted India's rich linguistic diversity, calling it a reflection of the nation’s unity in diversity. In a video message, the TMC Parliamentary Party leader in the Rajya Sabha said that 97% of Indians speak one of the 22 constitutionally recognised languages as their mother tongue. He added that over 19,500 languages and dialects are spoken across the country.

Taking a swipe at the central government, O'Brien said, Amit Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and their team will never understand the strength of India’s linguistic diversity.

His comments followed reported remarks by Home Minister Amit Shah on the English language, which stirred public debate.

TMC MP Sagarika Ghose also weighed in, saying on social media that English should not be looked down upon. English connects people across India, it’s aspirational and gives global access. Indians should never feel ashamed of any language, she posted.

The 22 languages recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution include Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Urdu, and others. When the Constitution was adopted in 1950, Hindi was declared the official language, and English was to be used for 15 more years.

However, the Official Languages Act of 1963 allowed the continued use of English for official Union purposes and communication with states that do not use Hindi. This Act came into effect on 26 January 1965, solidifying English’s role alongside Hindi in central administration and parliamentary affairs.