Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a strong pitch for preserving and promoting India’s linguistic heritage, saying that a time will come when those who speak only English will feel ashamed. Speaking at the book launch of IAS officer Ashutosh Agnihotri’s poetry collection “Main Boond Swayam, Khud Sagar Hoon”, Shah urged Indians to take pride in their native languages.
He emphasized that the richness of India’s regional languages must be celebrated and promoted instead of being overshadowed by English. “In this country, those who speak English will soon feel ashamed. We must take pride in our own languages,” Shah said.
Highlighting the significance of literature and language in preserving culture, Shah praised Agnihotri’s book, which is written in Hindi, as a step in the right direction. He noted that the book reflects deep thought and a sense of rootedness in Indian tradition, encouraging civil servants and young people to express themselves in their native languages.
Shah’s comments come amid a larger national conversation on the role of English in India and the importance of nurturing indigenous languages. He reiterated the central government’s efforts under the National Education Policy (NEP) to promote multilingual education and increase the prominence of Indian languages in academic and administrative contexts.
“We should not measure intelligence or capability by one’s fluency in English. Our languages are ancient, rich, and powerful. They are a vital part of our identity,” Shah added.
The Home Minister’s remarks sparked widespread discussion, especially on social media, where opinions were divided. While many applauded the message as a call to revive pride in Indian culture, others raised concerns about linguistic inclusivity and access to global opportunities.
Ashutosh Agnihotri, the author of the book, expressed gratitude to Shah and spoke about how his writing is an effort to connect modern India with its spiritual and cultural roots.
As India continues to balance tradition with globalization, Shah’s comments underline the ongoing debate on language, identity, and self-expression in one of the world’s most linguistically diverse nations