Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Minority languages

Sir, — The British Government has taken a wise decision to introduce Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Gujarati in British schools. It will meet the psychological needs of the Indian settlers. As the cultural elements are directly linked with the mother-tongue, the child will be given the benefit of his cultural roots. Language provides the individual with identity and image. Rootless people are prone to become anti-social elements, if the history of immigrants is closely studied.

But in this respect the Indian Government is shown in a poor light. All the Indian languages, except Hindi, are treated with a step-motherly attitude.

The importance given to Hindi is in a way sidetracking other languages. The concept of link language itself is moth-eaten and partial, as all the languages put together can link mother India in real terms. The concept of linguistic States is becoming disastrous. It has evolved into `hating' the languages of the neighbouring States.

T.V. Ramana Murthy,
Waltair

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