Some southern states ‘not even trying’ to understand Hindi: Goa CM Sawant

“We always say regional languages should be promoted, and they should definitely be. But at the same time, for interaction and coordination across the country — from Kashmir to Kanyakumari — when we call ourselves Indian citizens, we should be connected by at least one language… One should at least understand [Hindi]. While we promote the state [official] language, along with Konkani, it is important to know Hindi as well,” Sawant said.

On the importance of learning multiple languages, the CM said: “If we are fixated on [learning] the regional language only, and keep saying that we will learn and study only in Konkani or English, it will not work. I believe one should know multiple languages. Even in the National Education Policy, Hindi is promoted along with the regional languages. With the objective of ‘Unity In Diversity’, Hindi is being given importance. We can all be from different states — following different languages and cultures — but we are all Indians.”

Sawant further said that it was heartening that students now pursue PG and PhD in Hindi, and encouraged them also to pursue a career as translators. “In the Official Language research cell, we translate texts from Konkani to English and vice-versa. In this department, there is a requirement for proficient translators for translation from Konkani to Hindi and vice-versa… Also, we will promote the [Hindi] film industry in the state in future. When political leaders from across the country visit Goa, we look for people fluent in Hindi for anchoring roles,” he added.

“When we [Goans] speak in Hindi, half of the words are either Konkani or English. During election campaigns in the Hindi belt, people pointed out that I often use English words while speaking in Hindi. I had replied that we don’t speak in Hindi very often as well as do not read in Hindi at all. We only watch Hindi films. I am also not fluent… but now, I can give a speech in Hindi properly,” the CM said, while advocating the need to promote Hindi along with regional languages.