NPF, NDPP defend use of English; assert linguistic plurality

DIMAPUR — Two of Nagaland’s major political parties—the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP)—have issued statements defending the use and relevance of English, amid ongoing national discussions about the status and role of the English language in Indian society.

In a statement issued on Friday, the NPF responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s June 19 remark that those who speak English in India will “soon feel ashamed.”

“Such a statement, coming from a figure of high national responsibility, is both unfortunate and disappointing,” the party stated, expressing concern over what it described as a dismissive attitude towards a language that has served as a unifying tool in a linguistically diverse country.

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 “To suggest that speaking English is something to be ashamed of is to overlook the pivotal role that the language has played in uniting our diverse country,” the party stated. It underscored that English has served as a neutral and practical medium of communication in a nation where state boundaries themselves are often shaped by linguistic identities.

“Far from being a symbol of shame, English has enabled millions of Indians—especially from rural and marginalised backgrounds—to access global knowledge, participate in international discourse, and pursue opportunities beyond regional limitations,” the NPF noted.

Stating that “pride in our mother tongues and the practical value of English are not mutually exclusive,” the party stressed that supporting regional languages should not come at the cost of denigrating another.

“True national pride lies in our ability to embrace plurality, not impose uniformity,” it asserted.

In a separate statement, the ruling NDPP addressed the broader debate around the English language, without referring to Shah’s remarks.

Reaffirming that English remains the officially declared language of Nagaland, it said, “This designation is not recent—it is rooted in our history, where English has played a pivotal role for over a century, particularly in the domains of education, governance, and religion. At the same time, we strongly uphold the importance of preserving and promoting our indigenous languages, which are integral to our identity, culture, and heritage. These languages must be safeguarded and passed on to the future generations.”

The party acknowledged the need to preserve indigenous languages but also argued that English continues to be a vital bridge, both within India and with the wider global community.

“Language is not merely a tool for communication; it is a powerful medium for the exchange of knowledge, culture, and ideas,” it stated.

In the context of Nagaland, which is home to numerous tribes, sub-tribes, and dialects, the NDPP said, “Our youth are dynamic, enterprising, and globally engaged. One of the key enablers of their success—within India and across the world—has been their fluency in multiple languages, particularly English.”

Further, the party said that India’s democracy is “built upon the foundational values of diversity, inclusiveness, and tolerance,” and the country’s federal structure acknowledges and respects the plurality of identities and cultures, including the unique voices of minorities.

“This inclusivity is a strength that contributes to the greatness of our nation,” it added.

The NDPP reaffirmed its belief that all cultures and languages must be valued, and that such respect must form a cornerstone of the national ethos, while pledging to promote unity in diversity and national integration through mutual respect and understanding.