Languages Can Strengthen National Unity, Says Himachal Governor
Governor Kavinder Gupta releases book on the three-language formula, emphasizing that regional dialects and mother tongues are keys to India's unity.
In a powerful call for linguistic preservation and national integration, Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta stated on Wednesday that India's diverse languages and regional dialects are fundamental pillars of the country's cultural identity. Speaking at the launch of the book “Akshar Se Atmabodh Tak: Tribhasha Sutra” (From Letters to Self-Realisation: The Three-Language Formula) at Lok Bhawan in Shimla, the Governor emphasized that language should function as a bridge between communities rather than a barrier.
A Repository of Human Values
The Governor highlighted that language transcends its role as a mere tool for communication. According to Gupta, it serves as a vital repository for a nation's literature, philosophy, history, folk wisdom, and core human values.
“The beauty of India's unity does not lie in all of us speaking the same language but in respecting each other's culture, thoughts and emotions even while speaking different languages,” the Governor remarked during the event.
The book, authored by Prof. Sat Prakash Bansal, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, along with various contributors, aims to reconnect the modern education system with India's deep-seated cultural roots. It seeks to guide the youth in navigating and understanding the nation's vast linguistic diversity.
The Three-Language Formula and NEP 2020
Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Governor Gupta noted that the implementation of the three-language formula could significantly enhance the linguistic capabilities of students. He suggested that this approach allows learners to become familiar with various cultures and traditions simultaneously.
He advocated for a balanced educational model that includes:
- Instruction in mother tongues and local languages.
- Mastery of Hindi, the national language.
- Integration of modern scientific and technological education.
Gupta urged citizens to take immense pride in their mother tongues while actively learning other Indian languages. He stressed that staying connected to linguistic heritage is not at odds with advancing in fields like science, research, and innovation.
A Call to Revive Disappearing Scripts
Expressing concern over the potential loss of heritage, the Governor issued a specific appeal to academic institutions. He warned that without deliberate intervention, the younger generation might lose touch with their ancestral linguistic history.
“I appeal to all our universities to work through research to revive our old scripts so that the coming generations can understand them properly,” he stated, urging universities to lead the charge in protecting disappearing traditional scripts.
Sharing his personal connection to the Dogri language, the Governor lauded the Central University of Himachal Pradesh for its proactive steps in promoting regional dialects, expressing confidence that such initiatives would encourage young people to use their heritage in daily life.
Environmental Responsibility: The 'Apna Himachal' Spirit
Shifting focus to the state's ecology, the Governor also addressed the importance of protecting Himachal Pradesh's natural landscape. He noted that the prosperity of the tourism sector is directly linked to the cleanliness of the state's mountains and rivers.
He called upon local communities to embrace the spirit of ‘Apna Himachal’, treating the preservation of the state's natural beauty as a collective responsibility. He concluded by noting that government initiatives can only achieve true success when the society actively participates in their implementation.