'Those who speak English will soon feel ashamed': Amit Shah says time has come to reclaim India's linguistic heritage; hails PM Narendra Modi's 'Panch Pran'

Time of India

5 hours ago

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday called for a renewed national effort to reclaim India's linguistic heritage, declaring that native languages are central to the country's identity and should take precedence over foreign tongues.
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Speaking at the launch of Main Boond Swayam, Khud Sagar Hoon, a book authored by former IAS officer Ashutosh Agnihotri, Shah said India must shed remnants of colonial influence and embrace its own languages with pride.
'In this country, those who speak English will soon feel ashamed — the creation of such a society is not far away. Only those who are determined can bring about change. I believe that the languages of our country are the jewels of our culture.
Without our languages, we cease to be truly Indian,' he said.
Shah argued that foreign languages cannot capture the essence of Indian culture and history.
'To understand our country, our culture, our history, and our religion, no foreign language can suffice. The idea of a complete India cannot be imagined through half-baked foreign languages. I am fully aware of how difficult this battle is, but I am also fully confident that Indian society will win it.
Once again, with self-respect, we will run our country in our own languages and lead the world too,' he said.
'Panch Pran' and a vision for 2047
The Union Minister also reiterated the significance of the 'Panch Pran' or five pledges laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of India's roadmap towards the centenary of independence.
'Modi Ji has laid the foundation of the 'Panch Pran' (five pledges) for the Amrit Kaal.
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Achieving the goal of a developed India, getting rid of every trace of slavery, taking pride in our heritage, staying committed to unity and solidarity, and igniting the spirit of duty in every citizen — these five pledges have become the resolve of 130 crore people. That is why by 2047, we will be at the pinnacle, and our languages will play a major role in this journey,' Shah said.
Call for administrative reform
Turning to the subject of bureaucracy, Shah emphasised the need for reform in the training of administrative officers, suggesting that current practices still reflect colonial-era thinking.
'A radical change is needed in the training of administrative officers... Rarely are they trained to introduce empathy in our system. Maybe because the British era inspired this training model. I believe that if any ruler or administrator rules without empathy, then they cannot achieve the real objective of governance,' he said.
Literature as the soul of society
Praising the importance of literature, Shah described it as a vital force that sustained India through historical challenges.
'When our country was consumed in an era of pitch black darkness, even then literature kept the lamps of our religion, freedom, and culture lit. When the government changed, no one opposed it. But whenever someone tried to touch our religion, culture and literature, our society stood against them and defeated them. Literature is the soul of our society,' he said.