Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin sparked conversations on language and cultural identity while addressing students at a private college's graduation ceremony.
Ashwin clarified that Hindi is not the national language of India but an official one, a statement that drew applause and reflections on India’s linguistic diversity.
Ashwin’s comments came after he encouraged the audience to ask questions in Hindi or Tamil, particularly for those less comfortable with English. Observing their hesitation, he remarked, "I thought I should say this: Hindi is not our national language; it is an official language."
The veteran cricketer also discussed his cricketing journey, revealing that he had never aspired to captaincy.
"When someone says I can't do it, I wake up to accomplish it, but if they say I can, I lose interest," he said, sharing insights into his personal motivations.
Ashwin highlighted the role of his engineering background in shaping his approach to challenges, saying he would have worked harder had anyone doubted his ability to lead.
He also encouraged students to embrace lifelong learning, stating, "If you are a student, you will never stop. If you aren't, learning will cease, and excellence will just be a word in your cupboard."
Ashwin’s statement about Hindi resonates particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the imposition of Hindi has been a sensitive issue for decades.
The state’s historical resistance to Hindi stems from efforts in the 1930s and 1940s to mandate the language in schools, which led to protests spearheaded by the Dravidian movement.
Political parties in Tamil Nadu continue to champion Tamil over Hindi, arguing that the promotion of Hindi marginalises regional languages and identities.
They also assert that the preservation of Tamil is crucial for maintaining cultural and political autonomy within the Indian union.
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