Former Indian spin-bowling legend Ravi Ashwin has got himself in the eye of the storm following his remarks on the Hindi language during a graduation ceremony at Rajalakshmi Engineering College in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. His negative comments on the Hindi language sparked nationwide outrage and widespread condemnation from his ardent supporters. 

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Ashwin insists Hindi is not national but an official language

Whilst addressing a gathering at the Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Ashwin asked which language should he choose while delivering his speech. Although English and Hindi received a warm response, the mention of the Hindi language instantly plunged the audience into a state of silence.  

“I thought I should say it, Hindi is not our national language; it is an official language.”

Ashwin was quoted by DT next saying that Hindi may not be our national language but it is certainly an official language given its wide audience base all over India. Ashinw received a warm applause from the Tamil-dominated audience but a war soon broke out on social media who deemed his remarks critical.

Here is the video:

 

#Watch | தமிழுக்கு அதிர்ந்த அரங்கம்.. இந்திக்கு SILENT.. "இந்தி தேசிய மொழி இல்ல".. பதிவு செய்த அஸ்வின்!

சென்னையில் உள்ள தனியார் பொறியியல் கல்லூரியில் நடைபெற்ற பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் மாஸ் காட்டிய கிரிக்கெட் வீரர் அஸ்வின்#SunNews | #Chennai | #Ashwin | @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/TeWPzWAExQ

— Sun News (@sunnewstamil) January 9, 2025

 

India, being a linguistically diverse nation has nearly 22 recognized languages as stated by the constitution of India. Hindi and English are the top two widely spoken languages within the country and hold the status of an official language. However, confusion looms between the language's national and official status, and more often than not, this ambiguity often leads to clashes and misinterpretation. 

In recent times, the government of India has been proactively trying to unite the entire nation under the umbrella of one main language - Hindi. However, this notion has been confronted by many states and regional parties especially Tamil Nadu, who stand opposed to the wide-scale implementation of the Hindi language. Supporters on social media argued that an individual of Ashwin's prominence ought to avoid expressing opinions on delicate matters such as language.