Interesting debate was generated in the Legislative Assembly on a resolution tabled by Chaman Lal Gupta of breakaway BJP. It sought proper support and recognition of regional and sub-regional languages in the State. Most of the members cutting across party line supported the resolution which, however, was withdrawn when the Minister in charge of Education assured the house that some steps had already been taken and more were in the offing to give regional and sub-regional languages their due place in our social structure. Sixty-five years past independence, we are still debating the issue of languages in this country. Regional and sub-regional languages should get their due if we mean that these should flourish with the passage of time. Cultural Academy is the powerful source catering to the need of promoting local indigenous languages. It is not correct to say that Dogri or Kashmir or Ladakhi/Balti remains without support and patronage of the Government. It may be in small measures, but promotion of regional languages is very much in place. Further attention to this issue would be desirable.
However, while this debate is going on and keen interest is evinced for indigenous lanugos in the regions and sub regions, it has to be noted that English language has been of tremendous benefit to the country as a whole. But for widespread reach of English language, we would have been left outside the scientific and technological world. It has also to be accepted that in the world of globalization and IT revolution, regional and sub-regional cultures are getting submerged under the over-arching global culture, like it or not. Can we afford to remain glued to the mystique of our past and nostalgia of ancient cultural values at the cost of our future development and compatibility with forward looking and progressive global trends? Our law makers should have brought in this aspect while debating the issue of language and culture. Balancing of two diametrically opposite trends and hammering out a middle course is the way.
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