Paper: GS – II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Salient Features, Issue: Linguistic Protection.
Context:
India’s religious and linguistic diversity helps preserve its secularism and national unity. However, these same cultural aspects can also become major sources of conflict, as seen in recent communal tensions and violence in Maharashtra.
Key Takeaways:
India’s Linguistic Diversity:
- According to the 2011 Census, India encompasses 121 languages and 270 mother tongues.
- This linguistic variety is a fundamental aspect of India’s cultural identity and contributes to its secular nature, promoting unity and integrity.
- Role of Secularism in India Indian secularism is distinct from Western secularism, which emphasizes a stricter separation between religion and state.
- In India, secularism is manifested not only in the context of religious freedom but also in the recognition and protection of linguistic diversity.
- The Constitution ensures equal rights for individuals to practice and propagate their religion and protect their languages and cultures.
Constitutional Provisions for Linguistic Protection:
- Eighth Schedule: The Constitution’s Eighth Schedule lists 22 official languages, acknowledging the country’s linguistic diversity and providing a framework for their recognition and promotion.
- Article 343: While designating Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union, Article 343 allows states to choose their own official languages, respecting regional linguistic identities.
- Article 29: This article guarantees the right of all citizens, including minority groups, to protect their language, script, and culture, ensuring that language cannot be a basis for discrimination.
Importance and Significance of Linguistic Protection:
Challenges and Political Role in India’s Linguistic Secularism:
Conclusion:
- Protecting India’s linguistic secularism is essential for preserving its cultural identity, promoting social harmony, and strengthening national unity.
- By upholding constitutional provisions, promoting linguistic tolerance, and investing in language preservation, India can ensure that its linguistic diversity remains a source of strength and pride.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
