Hindi is not India's national language, says Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin, the celebrated cricketer, recently sparked significant discussion during a graduation ceremony at a private college with his comments on his career and the status of Hindi in India.

While interacting with the students, Ashwin raised a point about language when he asked if anyone preferred to ask questions in Hindi. The crowd’s silence prompted him to address the issue head-on.

“I thought I should say this: Hindi is not our national language; it is an official language,” Ashwin clarified, offering a perspective that resonated with ongoing debates around language in India, especially in regions like Tamil Nadu where the topic remains sensitive.

Ashwin, known for his candid remarks, also spoke about his choice not to pursue the captaincy, despite the widespread assumption that he would take the role.

“When someone says I can't do it, I wake up to accomplish it, but if they say I can, I lose interest,” he shared, explaining his approach to challenges. Reflecting on his engineering background, he added, “Had any engineering staff told me I couldn’t become captain, I would have worked harder.”

His words highlighted the importance of determination and perseverance.

Encouraging the students to embrace a mindset of continuous learning, Ashwin advised, “If you are a student, you will never stop. If you aren’t, learning will cease, and excellence will just be a word in your cupboard.” His emphasis was on staying committed to growth and self-improvement throughout life.

Ashwin’s remarks on Hindi also tapped into the deep cultural and political history of Tamil Nadu, a state where resistance to Hindi has been a long-standing issue.

In the 20th century, the Dravidian movement, which sought to elevate Tamil and protect its cultural identity, strongly opposed the central government's push for Hindi in schools and public offices. For many in the movement, Hindi was seen as a threat to Tamil heritage and identity.

Tamil Nadu’s political parties have long advocated for the primacy of Tamil, arguing that the promotion of Hindi could erode local cultures and languages. The pride in Tamil and its ancient traditions runs deep, and the state's resistance to Hindi reflects a desire to preserve that cultural legacy.

The broader sentiment of resistance to Hindi is also connected to a drive for regional autonomy. Tamil Nadu’s leaders have consistently argued that promoting Tamil is vital to securing the state’s political and cultural independence within India, a stance that continues to influence the state's approach to language and identity.