R. Ashwin’s remark on Hindi sparks a timely debate on India’s Linguistic Identity

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has done what few public figures dare—spark a national conversation about one of India's most sensitive topics: language. By stating unequivocally that Hindi is not India’s national language but one among 22 officially recognized languages, Ashwin has reignited a debate that cuts to the heart of India's identity as a diverse, multilingual democracy.

Ashwin’s statement comes at a time when language politics continues to hover just beneath the surface of India's socio-political discourse. While Hindi has long held the position of being the most spoken language in the country, its role remains contentious in non-Hindi-speaking states, many of which view its promotion as a threat to regional languages and cultures.

Unsurprisingly, Ashwin’s comments have polarized social media. On one side are those hailing his remarks as a much-needed acknowledgment of India’s linguistic plurality. On the other, critics see his words as undermining the potential of Hindi to act as a unifying national language.

What both sides seem to miss is the nuance: India’s linguistic diversity is not a barrier to unity—it is a strength. Ashwin’s words underline this reality and remind us that promoting one language as superior over others risks fracturing the very fabric of our federal democracy.

India’s Constitution made a deliberate choice not to designate a national language, recognizing the potential pitfalls of such a move in a linguistically diverse country. Instead, it gave Hindi and English the status of official languages, alongside 21 other recognized tongues.

This debate, however, isn’t just about semantics; it is about inclusivity. Every time this issue resurfaces, it forces us to examine whether we are doing enough to protect the linguistic and cultural heritage of all Indian states, not just those that speak Hindi.

Ashwin’s remarks are a reminder that the language debate is not just a political issue—it’s a question of identity and respect. For India to remain a truly united nation, it must embrace its linguistic diversity rather than seek to homogenize it. He has thrown the ball into the public’s court. Whether we engage thoughtfully or reduce it to another Twitter slugfest will reveal much about our collective maturity as a nation.