Arunachal Pradesh's Unique Linguistic Unification through Hindi

New Delhi, Jul 10 (PTI) - In an interview, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the role of Hindi as a unifying language in his state, where each of the numerous tribes speaks its own dialect. Hindi has been part of the school curriculum since the advent of formal education in Arunachal Pradesh, and Khandu assured that there are no issues in learning it.

Highlighting the diversity in the region, Khandu noted that Arunachal Pradesh is home to 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes, each with their own languages and dialects. "If I speak in my own dialect, someone from another tribe would not understand," he explained, underscoring that this is why Hindi has become the common language spoken by everyone. Even if there are grammatical mistakes, Hindi is understood across villages, and it's used in election campaigns and legislative sessions.

According to the BJP leader, Hindi serves as a significant binding language amidst the ongoing debates about the language in Maharashtra and some southern states. He pointed out Arunachal Pradesh's strategic significance, noting that security personnel from various states, who mostly communicate in Hindi, are frequently posted there. Other organizations, like the Border Roads Organisation, also contribute to the widespread use of Hindi.

Addressing the resistance to Hindi in some states, Khandu acknowledged the importance of native languages. Every state and tribe has its own language, and these should be prioritized. His government has established an Indigenous Affairs Department to promote and preserve the indigenous languages and culture of the state.

Khandu encourages young people who move out of the state for education to continue speaking their native language upon returning home. "It's essential for preserving identity, especially given the country's vast array of communities and religious groups," he said.