The Importance of Mother Tongue – Based on Mohan Bhagwat’s Speech
Mother tongue is not just a means of communication; it is a carrier of identity, culture, tradition, and deep-rooted emotions. Emphasizing this idea, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, during his speech at the 100th-year celebration of the 24th Peedam of Perur Aadheenam held in Coimbatore, underlined the critical importance of preserving and promoting one’s mother tongue.
In his address, Bhagwat noted that the world has drifted away from the path of Dharma (righteousness), and that it is our responsibility to remind society of these lost values. In this context, he stressed the need to preserve and pass on our cultural and linguistic heritage to future generations. He emphasized that true happiness comes from inner peace and alignment with nature and tradition, and warned that destroying our environment and culture would ultimately lead to our own downfall.
A significant concern raised by him was the disintegration of family structures, which has contributed to the erosion of cultural values. Language plays a vital role in maintaining these values. When families drift apart and children grow up in environments detached from their mother tongue, it leads to cultural alienation. Today, many children hesitate to speak in their native language, often giving preference to English or other dominant languages due to societal pressure or perceived prestige.
Language loss is not a trivial matter—it’s a loss of collective memory, worldview, and unique ways of understanding life. As Bhagwat rightly pointed out, “Loss of language is a loss of culture.” Every language carries within it the philosophy, literature, spiritual depth, and historical consciousness of a community. When a language fades, a way of thinking, a unique human experience, also disappears.
In the modern era, due to globalization and rapid urbanization, there is a growing tendency to sideline mother tongues, especially in education and media. Schools increasingly prioritize English-medium instruction, and children grow up learning less about their own cultural roots. This detachment can be bridged only if families, educators, and policymakers actively promote the use of mother tongue in daily life, education, administration, and even in technology.
Reviving the use of mother tongue is not a matter of nostalgia; it is about empowering communities to express themselves fully and authentically. A child who learns in their mother tongue not only grasps concepts better but also develops a strong emotional and cultural identity. Bhagwat’s appeal urges every Indian to take pride in their linguistic roots—be it Tamil, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, or any other regional language.
In conclusion, Mohan Bhagwat’s message is a timely reminder that cultural strength begins with linguistic pride. Protecting and nurturing the mother tongue is not merely about words and grammar—it is about preserving the soul of a civilization. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring that our language, and through it our culture, continues to thrive in the generations to come.
