'Those who speak English in country will soon feel ashamed', says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday asserted that those who speak English in the country would soon feel ashamed.

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Speaking at a book launch function, the Home Minister said, "In this country, those who speak English will soon feel ashamed - the creation of such a society is not far away. I believe that the languages of our country are the jewels of our culture. Without our languages, we cease to be truly Indian," Shah said.

He also called for a renewed effort across the country to reclaim India's linguistic heritage. Shah also forecast that English would be frowned upon as a symbolism of colonial slavery across the world.

"To understand our country, our culture, our history, and our religion, no foreign language can suffice. The idea of a complete India cannot be imagined through half-baked foreign languages," he asserted.

Shah said this during the release of IAS officer Ashutosh Agnihotri's book titled, "Main Boond Swayam, Khud Sagar Hoon". The video of the Home Minister's speech by ANI was later taken down.

"I am fully aware of how difficult this battle is, but I am also fully confident that Indian society will win it. Once again, with self-respect, we will run our country in our own languages and lead the world too," he further said.

Shah's remarks come at a time when some southern and opposition-ruled states have accused the Centre of imposing Hindi through the implementation of the 'three-language formula' that is a part of the New Education Policy (NEP).

Tamil Nadu, which has been at the forefront of the clash with the Centre, has claimed that the BJP was using the NEP not to improve education but to secretly push Hindi. Other states, like West Bengal, have also slammed the BJP over the issue.

In March, while speaking in Rajya Sabha, the Home Minister had said that from December onwards, the Home Ministry would officially communicate with states in local languages.