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The most important element of our education should begin with a very thoughtful and widely respected perspective on managing a pluralistic society. We need a framework of fostering “organic growth” while creating a “link” ecosystem that touches upon the core of the Indian democratic and constitutional experiment.
This vision aligns closely with the ideals debated and enshrined by the founders of the Republic.Let’s explore the key elements.
Organic Growth and the “Ecosystem”The idea that each of India’s diverse cultural and linguistic elements should be allowed to grow organically is fundamental to its constitutional structure. The creation of linguistic states and the inclusion of 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution are formal recognitions of this principle. The goal was never to create a monolithic culture but to provide a framework where different identities could flourish without fear of being subsumed.This “ecosystem” you refer to is ideally one built on:
Mutual Respect: Acknowledging the intrinsic value of every language and culture, regardless of how many people practice it.
State Support: Providing resources for the preservation and promotion of diverse traditions, from literature and arts to education.
Freedom of Expression: Allowing communities to define and celebrate their own identities freely within the constitutional framework.The “Link” that Connects the “Spectrum” is the most critical and often the most contentious part of the equation. What is the “link” that holds these diverse, organically growing elements together? It’s not a single thing, but a combination of factors:
Identity: The ultimate “link” is the Constitution of India itself. It provides a common set of laws, rights, and duties that apply to every citizen, creating a shared civic identity that transcends regional or linguistic loyalties. The principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity are the threads that are meant to bind everyone.
Shared History and Civilizational Values: Despite the diversity, there is a shared civilizational heritage and a common memory of the independence struggle that acts as a powerful adhesive. The very pre-independence patriotic songs (e.g. Vande Mataram, Subramania Bharati songs, etc.) are artifacts of this shared past.
Language is a Communication Tool: As is rightly understood, language is fundamentally a tool. In a multilingual nation, having one or more “link languages” (lingua francas) is a practical necessity. Historically and in the present day, both Hindi and English have served this role in different capacities.
Flexibility and Assimilation: Remember, a sustainable language being one that is flexible and ready to assimilate is key. Both English and “Hindustani” (the colloquial blend of Hindi and Urdu) have proven to be highly adaptable. English has absorbed countless words from Indian languages, and Hindi has similarly assimilated vocabulary from Persian, English, and regional dialects. This adaptability is what makes them effective communication tools across different communities.
The Danger of Jingoism: It is a warning warning against monolithic and jingoistic approaches is the crux of the matter. When a language or cultural identity is tied to political jingoism, it ceases to be a communication tool and becomes a wall. It seeks to prove superiority rather than foster connection. This often leads to a backlash, reinforcing divisions rather than creating the “link” as I described above.
True strength lies in a culture confident enough to be flexible, to borrow, to adapt, and to evolve.
In conclusion, the framework must capture the ideal balance that India has always strived for: to be a unified nation not by erasing its diversities, but by creating a robust ecosystem where they can thrive, all connected by a shared constitutional and civic identity.
The challenge, as our earlier discussion highlighted, is that political and social pressures often work against this ideal, promoting division for short-term gains.
Finally, it is incumbent on us to embed these thoughts and views in the younger generation.
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