Legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently found himself at the center of a controversy following his remarks about the Hindi language during a graduation ceremony at Rajalakshmi Engineering College in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. His comments sparked a nationwide debate on linguistic diversity and the role of Hindi in India.
During the event, Ashwin asked the audience which language he should use for his speech—English, Tamil, or Hindi. While Tamil and English received enthusiastic responses, the reaction to Hindi was notably subdued. Ashwin then made a pointed remark, stating, “Hindi is not our national language; it is an official language.” This comment was met with applause from the predominantly Tamil-speaking audience but ignited a heated discussion on social media.
India is celebrated for its linguistic diversity, with the Constitution recognizing 22 scheduled languages. Among these, Hindi and English are designated as official languages, but there is no national language. This distinction is often misunderstood, fueling debates about language policies in the country.
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Efforts over the years to promote Hindi as a unifying language have met resistance, particularly in non-Hindi-speaking states like Tamil Nadu, where linguistic pride runs deep. Critics on social media argued that Ashwin, as a prominent public figure, should avoid commenting on sensitive issues like language, as such remarks can be polarizing.
#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
The controversy comes at a time when Ashwin is transitioning from international cricket. The veteran spinner recently announced his retirement following the Brisbane Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, concluding a stellar career. Ashwin, who played pivotal roles in India’s 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy triumphs, leaves behind an impressive legacy. Over his career, he represented India in 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is, claiming 156 and 72 wickets, respectively.
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At 38, Ashwin remains active in domestic cricket and will next be seen representing the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. While his on-field achievements are celebrated, the recent linguistic debate underscores the delicate balance public figures must navigate when addressing culturally sensitive topics.
