Hindi speakers have an 'attitude problem', say south Indians

India’s linguistic diversity is both a strength and a source of tension. Since Independence, conflicts between different speech communities have often reflected deeper anxieties about identity, regional autonomy, resource allocation, and cultural preservation. These tensions, which have occasionally erupted into violent confrontations, can be traced back to several historical, political, and economic causes. However, entrepreneur Mohandas Pai and activist Brinda Adige see a problem with the disrespect for local culture in the attitude of Hindi speakers who eke out a living in the cities of the five southern states.

India’s linguistic diversity is both a strength and a source of tension. Since Independence, conflicts between different speech communities have often reflected deeper anxieties about identity, regional autonomy, resource allocation, and cultural preservation. These tensions, which have occasionally erupted into violent confrontations, can be traced back to several historical, political, and economic causes.

1. Post-Independence language reorganisation (1950s–60s)

Key flashpoint: States Reorganisation Act of 1956

After Independence, India inherited colonial-era provinces that did not reflect linguistic boundaries. As demands for linguistic states grew louder—especially from Telugu speakers in the Madras Presidency—a series of protests, including the death of Potti Sriramulu during a hunger strike, forced the Nehru government to redraw state boundaries on linguistic lines. This led to the creation of Andhra Pradesh, and eventually other states like Maharashtra (Marathi), Gujarat (Gujarati), Karnataka (Kannada), and Kerala (Malayalam).

Tensions emerged when:

• Multiple language groups claimed the same territory (e.g., Marathi vs. Gujarati in Bombay).
• Minority language speakers within new states felt alienated or suppressed (e.g., Tulu speakers in Karnataka, Bodos in Assam).

2. The Hindi imposition controversy

Key flashpoint: Anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu (1965)

The Indian government proposed making Hindi the sole official language by replacing English, as mandated by the Constitution after a 15-year transition period (ending in 1965). Non-Hindi states—especially Tamil Nadu—vehemently opposed this, viewing it as cultural imperialism by North India. Violent protests broke out, especially in Tamil Nadu, where Dravidian parties like the DMK rose to prominence by championing Tamil identity.

The core issues were:

• Fear of loss of access to central government jobs and services.
• Assertion of cultural and linguistic pride against perceived northern domination.

To quell unrest, the government agreed to continue using English along with Hindi in official functions—a compromise that still stands.

3. Regionalism and identity politics (1970s–1990s)

Linguistic identity became a powerful political tool. Several movements were launched not just against other linguistic groups but against central authority or dominant state capitals.

Examples:

• Punjabi Suba movement: Aimed to create a Sikh-majority Punjabi-speaking state. This led to the trifurcation of Punjab and the creation of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
• Assam Movement (1979–1985): Focused on expelling "foreigners" (largely Bengali-speaking Muslims and Hindus). It was both a linguistic and an ethnic protest.
• Gorkhaland movement (Darjeeling): Nepali-speaking Gorkhas sought a separate state within India, resisting Bengali dominance in West Bengal.

In these cases, linguistic differences often overlapped with ethnic and religious identities, compounding tensions.

4. North-East India’s complex linguistic-ethnic rivalries

Northeastern states like Manipur, Assam, Tripura, and Nagaland have dozens of language groups. Tensions arise both:

• Between locals and migrants (e.g., Assamese vs. Bengalis, or indigenous Tripuris vs. Bengali Hindus), and
• Among tribal communities (e.g., Kukis vs. Meiteis in Manipur, Nagas vs. Kukis).

Language here often acts as a stand-in for deeper struggles over land, political power, and autonomy.

5. Rise of language-based chauvinism (2000s onwards)

In the 21st century, identity politics became more assertive, sometimes exclusionary.

Examples include:

• Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS): Targeted Hindi-speaking migrants in Mumbai, demanding priority for Marathi speakers in jobs and signage.
• Kannada protectionist groups: Occasionally clash with Tamil or Telugu speakers over water disputes or cultural issues.
• Opposition to Hindi signage in Bengaluru Metro and other South Indian cities.

Digital platforms amplified these issues, with online trolling and boycotts based on linguistic identity becoming increasingly common.

6. Language politics in education and employment (2010s–2020s)

Language-based reservation demands and disputes over the medium of instruction in schools and competitive exams have deepened divisions.

Notable instances:

• NEET exam controversies: Tamil Nadu opposed the centralised medical entrance test, citing a bias against Tamil-medium students.
• Debates over the New Education Policy (NEP): Many southern states opposed the promotion of Hindi in curricula.
• Demands for job quotas and exam papers in regional languages: These have spurred friction between dominant and minority language groups.

7. Census and language enumeration issues

The Indian census includes a language survey. Disputes frequently arise over:

• Classification of dialects as separate languages.
• Inflated or suppressed figures to assert dominance or claim official recognition.
• Concerns that the promotion of Hindi as a "link language" undermines regional tongues.

These debates intensify political struggles, especially in multi-lingual states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar.

Language as both identity and battleground

India’s linguistic diversity is unparalleled, but it also makes national integration a delicate balancing act. While the Indian state has generally respected multilingualism through the Eighth Schedule and language-based states, tensions flare when groups feel marginalised, whether culturally, economically, or politically.

From the anti-Hindi protests in Tamil Nadu to ongoing turf wars in the North-East, linguistic communities often fight not simply for language but for recognition, dignity, and control over resources.