‘Hindi is not a national language, it's an official language’ - Ravi Ashwin sparks language row

Legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently got involved in a controversy after his remarks on the Hindi language during a graduation ceremony at Rajalakshmi Engineering College in Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu which sparked a nationwide debate.

During the event, Ashwin addressed the audience and asked which language he should use for his speech, English, Tamil, or Hindi. While Tamil and English received huge responses, the reaction to Hindi was muted. Ashwin then pointed out Hindi is an official language.

“I thought I should say it, Hindi is not our national language; it is an official language,” he said as quoted by DT next. The comment earned him applause from the largely Tamil-speaking audience but triggered a heated discussion on social media.

Here's the video -

Also Read: 'I do not think we have heard the last of that yet' - Brad Haddin shares unique point of view on R Ashwin's retirement

India, a nation which is known for its linguistic diversity, recognizes 22 scheduled languages under the Constitution. Hindi, along with English, holds the status of an official language, but it is not designated as the national language of India. This difference is often misunderstood, leading to widespread debates.

Over the years, there have been efforts to promote Hindi as a unifying language which has not been appreciated, particularly from non-Hindi-speaking states like Tamil Nadu. Fans on social media argued that a public figure of Ashwin's stature should refrain from making comments on sensitive issues like language.

Meanwhile, the veteran spinner recently announced a sudden retirement from international cricket following the Brisbane Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ashwin, who was a part of the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy winning squads, also represented India in 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is, picking 156 and 72 wickets respectively. The 38-year-old will be next seen playing for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.