Hindi: A Friend, Not a Rival to Indian Languages, Says HM Amit Shah

On September 14, Union Home Minister Amit Shah kicked off the Hindi Diwas 2025 and the fifth All India Rajbhasha Conference in Gandhinagar. He emphasized that Hindi should be seen as a friend to other Indian languages, not a rival.

Shah noted that this conference, held outside of Delhi for the fifth time, helps bridge the gap between Hindi and regional languages. He mentioned great figures from Gujarat, like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, who championed Hindi. This blend of Hindi and regional languages broadens opportunities for children across the country.

During his address, Shah stressed the need for Hindi to grow beyond just conversation. He said it should play a vital role in science, technology, and the justice system. He also introduced ‘Saarthi’, a new translation system that helps government documents move smoothly between Hindi and regional languages.

The Digital Hindi Shabd Sindhu, an online dictionary, has evolved to include about 700,000 words and aims to be the largest language dictionary by 2029. In a thoughtful gesture, Shah distributed AI-powered smart glasses to visually impaired citizens. These glasses can help them read in their mother tongue, recognize faces, identify currency, and provide voice assistance, offering a sense of independence.

He encouraged parents to converse with their children in their native languages. Research shows that this can boost a child’s learning ability by nearly 30%.

Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fostering unity through language and culture. He likened Modi’s efforts to Sardar Patel’s post-independence actions in unifying India.

Shah reminded everyone that language is tied to culture. He viewed Gujarat as a melting pot of languages and traditions, emphasizing the importance of respecting all Indian languages. He urged people to embrace Hindi alongside their regional tongues.

The event also spotlighted special publications on Hindi and recognized outstanding contributions by institutions and writers. Over 6,000 delegates attended, showcasing the enthusiastic spirit of Hindi Diwas.

In recent years, the push for multilingualism has gained traction, with many voices advocating for the preservation of regional languages. In a 2022 survey, over 70% of parents expressed a desire for their children to learn their mother tongues, highlighting a national trend towards embracing linguistic diversity.



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Amit Shah, Hindi Diwas, All India Rajbhasha Conference