UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 18th July 2025

UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 18th July 2025

Question

In the context of increasing internal migration and socio-economic mobility in India, discuss how linguistic diversity serves both as a source of cultural identity and a point of social tension. How can India balance regional linguistic pride with the need for a common link language? (10 marks, 150 words) 

Model Answer

Introduction:  

  • India is home to 122 major and 1599 minor languages, as per the Census of India 2011, reflecting immense linguistic diversity rooted in its pluralistic civilization. However, in an era of increasing internal migration (over 45 crore internal migrants according to Economic Survey 2016-17), language is both a marker of cultural identity and a trigger for socio-political conflict. 

 Linguistic Diversity: Identity vs Tension: 

  • Cultural Identity:  

  • Language is integral to regional pride, history, and local traditions (e.g., Tamil in Tamil Nadu, Marathi in Maharashtra). 

  • The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution recognises 22 official languages, preserving linguistic heritage. 

  • SC in Mohd. Hanif Quareshi vs State of Bihar (1958) recognised language as part of individual and community identity. 

  • Festivals, literature, and oral traditions (e.g., Sahitya Akademi awards for regional language authors) derive meaning and continuity from linguistic roots. 

  • Social Tensions: 

  • Language imposition fears (e.g., opposition to Hindi in Tamil Nadu; recent Kannada-Hindi disputes in Bengaluru). 

  • Political weaponisation: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s attacks over Marathi usage; demand for job/language-based quotas. 

  • Migrants facing hostility and exclusion due to lack of local language proficiency. 

  • Digital amplification of linguistic polarisation via viral videos and online hate speech (e.g., recent Reddit & YouTube spats). 

 Balancing Pride and Practicality:  

  • English as a Link Language (Realistic Approach): 

  • Used in courts, bureaucracy, education, and corporate India. 

  • NITI Aayog's Strategy for New India @75 (2018) acknowledges English as a tool for upward mobility. 

  • Promoting Multilingualism: 

  • Three-Language Formula (NEP 2020) promotes multilingual education. 

  • States like Kerala and West Bengal offer language options to accommodate migrants in schools. 

  • Inclusive Local Language Policies: 

  • Language learning support through community initiatives (e.g., Tamil classes for migrants in Chennai). 

  • Recognition of “working proficiency” instead of fluency for basic integration. 

  • Cultural Sensitisation & Media: 

  • Campaigns promoting linguistic harmony and mutual respect (e.g., Doordarshan’s regional language content). 

  • National Integration Council must proactively address linguistic discrimination. 

  • CSR-supported urban inclusion programmes could fund language training for migrant workers and sensitisation workshops for locals. 

 Conclusion:  

  • Linguistic diversity is a constitutional strength, not a liability. India must reject both forced homogenisation and parochial exclusion, instead encouraging multilingual empathy. Regional pride and national unity can co-exist when rooted in mutual respect, inclusive policies, and linguistic accommodation, enabling migrants to integrate without alienation.