Language Wars in India: Pride, Power, and the Cost of Coercion
Language Wars in India: Pride, Power, and the Cost of Coercion Author’s Note: This article critiques language politics, governance failures, and social behavior. It does not target or stereotype any linguistic or regional community. Its purpose is to argue for constitutionalism, coexistence, and institutional responsibility in a multilingual democracy. Language in India is not merely a tool of communication—it is identity, memory, dignity, and belonging. In a country of extraordinary linguistic diversity, this richness should be a source of collective strength. Yet increasingly, language has become a flashpoint for social conflict, particularly in urban, migrant-heavy states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. What begins as cultural pride often escalates into coercion and fear—not because languages are valued too much, but because institutions protect them too weakly. Why Language Becomes a Flashpoint Language conflicts usually arise ...