Talking about what’s going on these days, it’s not just disgusting but also self-deteriorating for India’s global image. Let’s Talk about not the Elephant but the Dinosaur in the Room, a room filled of filth, Hypocrisy & a Lot of Political Agenda
Hypocrisy: Poor Vs Rich
So, it’s not the first time this has happened; it has happened many times before. As an Indian, I believe it will happen again and again, repeatedly, and it might even start in the States where it hasn’t before. So, what is happening: people are getting beaten up for speaking Hindi in HINDUSTAN’s financial capital, Mumbai, a city known for Bollywood and the Ambani’s. One is an industry for Hindi films, and the other is a Gujarat-based Indian businessman. Yet, here we are, getting beaten up just because we don’t know the local language of Maharashtra Marathi. To understand how deep-rooted this language war has become, it’s not just opinions anymore; poor people are being thrashed by political party workers , special mention to Shiv Sena and MNS, simply because they don’t have a convoy protecting them or a group of people to fight back.
My question to those advocating this so-called thrashing: let’s take it to the big shots of Mumbai and give them the same treatment. I dare you to even question them in a language they do not know.
The question here is WHY?
This hypocrisy is sickening. How many of these self-proclaimed “guardians of Marathi” dare to ask global companies to respect Marathi language and culture, to switch to Marathi signage, to conduct meetings in Marathi, or to make their products and services available primarily in Marathi? None. They know too well that their power doesn’t lie in the boardroom; it lies in picking on the people who cannot fight back.
Why is the common man facing the heat?
The daily wage worker, the migrant labourer, the shopkeeper, the driver—people who have nothing but came here to fulfil their dreams in the so-called city of dreams, a city that never sleeps. If not for the hardships they already face, they are now dealing with this turmoil and fear of a language war.
These people don’t have the luxury, power, or endurance to stand up against the system or ask for exceptions. They lack the power to question why they are being singled out in the first place. What do they know about political motives? They’re just trying to survive. But when someone, in the name of “regional pride,” comes at them with violence or aggression, they’re left defenseless. Why is it always the powerless who pay for the mistakes or arrogance of a few who want to impose their will on others?
But why has the language issue suddenly taken up so much attention?
Let’s speak truthfully, without filters. We respect each and every language spoken in India and around the world. I would love to speak and learn Marathi or any other Indian language. India, as a country, epitomizes diversity with over 25 languages spoken within its borders. Two of the oldest languages in the world- Sanskrit and Tamil-originate from my country.
However, some political parties, simply to gather votes in the name of ‘My province, My People, & My Language,’ are igniting this language hatred. They do nothing but stir people either with hatred or by offering some lucrative cash to incite violence.
The Call for Unity
Everything we do or how we treat others not only defines our legacy but also reflects the state of our country, the kind of upbringing and the ethics we possess as citizens. Let’s be clear: if we want to protect our language and culture, we must do it the right way.
We should educate, inspire, and make others aware. Let us teach about the adventures and bravery of Marathi people, and highlight the sincerity, hospitality, and culture of Marathi heritage. We want to learn and understand. What we do not want is to feel different or unwelcome in the beautiful state of brave hearts we all admire.
Let’s stop the hypocrisy, take a serious look around us, and not only cease this suffering but also spread awareness and prevent others from doing the same. Let’s set an example of what our country is and what it can become soon.
We do not want language and political wars to divide us. Let politicians fight over trivial causes. It’s time we teach them that whatever efforts they make to divide us for personal gain are wrong. We, as Indians, stand united.
Our fight is not for language alone, but for:
1. Knowledge
2. The poor
3. Culture
4. Diversity
5. Sustainable development
6. A good quality of life
We must critically examine who is truly pushing divisive agendas and why they are not asking the powerful to make the sacrifices they demand from the weakest in society.
We cannot allow this hypocrisy to continue. The language wars should not be fought at the expense of the innocent, the powerless, and the poor.
