Part XVII of the Indian Constitution deals with Official Language. Within this part, Article 351 stands out as a directive principle specifically aimed at the development and promotion of the Hindi language. While Article 343 declares Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union, Article 351 outlines the Union’s responsibility to actively foster the growth and spread of Hindi.
This article reflects the vision of the Constitution-makers regarding the role of Hindi as a language capable of serving as a link and medium of expression for the diverse cultural fabric of India. It is not merely a statement about the status of Hindi but a positive obligation placed upon the Union government to work towards its enrichment and wider usage, while emphasizing inclusivity and drawing from the country’s rich linguistic heritage.
Original Text
351. Directive for development of the Hindi language
It shall be the duty of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language, to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India and to secure its enrichment by assimilating without interfering with its genius, the forms, style and expressions used in Hindustani and in the other languages of India specified in the Eighth Schedule, and by drawing, wherever necessary or desirable, for its vocabulary, primarily on Sanskrit and secondarily on other languages.
Detailed Explanation
Article 351 lays down a specific directive principle for the Union government concerning the Hindi language. It mandates the Union to take steps for the development and promotion of Hindi. The primary objective behind this directive is to enable Hindi to become a language that can effectively represent and convey the diverse elements of India’s composite culture.
The article specifies the method for the development and enrichment of Hindi. It envisages the language being enriched through assimilation. This assimilation should not interfere with the fundamental character (“genius”) of the Hindi language. The sources for this enrichment are primarily Hindustani and the other languages of India listed in the Eighth Schedule. This indicates an intention to make Hindi inclusive and representative of various Indian linguistic traditions. Furthermore, the article suggests drawing upon Sanskrit for vocabulary, describing it as the primary source, and secondarily on other languages wherever needed or desirable. This reflects the historical and linguistic connection between Hindi and Sanskrit, while also allowing for the inclusion of vocabulary from other sources. In essence, Article 351 is a positive injunction directing the state to facilitate the growth of Hindi as a rich, adaptable, and culturally representative language for the entire nation.
Detailed Notes
- Article 351 is a directive principle for the development of the Hindi language.
- It is part of Part XVII of the Indian Constitution, which deals with Official Language.
- It imposes a duty upon the Union government.
- The duty is to promote the spread of the Hindi language.
- The duty is also to develop the Hindi language.
- The purpose of development is for Hindi to serve as a medium of expression.
- The expression should be for all elements of the composite culture of India.
- The enrichment of Hindi should occur through assimilation.
- Assimilation should not interfere with the inherent nature or “genius” of the language.
- Forms, styles, and expressions from Hindustani should be assimilated.
- Forms, styles, and expressions from other languages of India listed in the Eighth Schedule should be assimilated.
- Vocabulary for Hindi should be drawn upon.
- Sanskrit is specified as the primary source for drawing vocabulary.
- Other languages can be used as secondary sources for vocabulary, wherever necessary or desirable.
- It is a positive obligation on the Union to actively develop Hindi, distinct from its declaration as an official language (Article 343).
- It emphasizes inclusivity and draws from various Indian linguistic traditions.
- It highlights the connection between Hindi and Sanskrit.
Additional Comments
- Article 351 is programmatic in nature, outlining a goal and a method for language development.
- It reflects a balance between promoting Hindi and acknowledging India’s linguistic diversity by suggesting assimilation from other Indian languages and Hindustani.
- The reference to “composite culture of India” underscores the idea that Hindi should be able to articulate the diverse cultural heritage of the nation.
- The mention of the Eighth Schedule languages for assimilation is significant, linking Hindi’s development to the recognized major languages of India.
- The directive to primarily draw vocabulary from Sanskrit has historical and linguistic roots, as Hindi has evolved from Indo-Aryan languages influenced by Sanskrit.
- Critics sometimes argue that the emphasis on Hindi development and Sanskritisation might alienate speakers of other languages or promote one language over others, despite the clause about assimilation.
- Article 351 must be read in conjunction with other articles in Part XVII, which deal with the use of Hindi and English for official purposes, official languages of states, language for communication between states, and language of the judiciary.
- It is a directive principle, meaning it is a guideline for policy-making by the state (Union), rather than a justiciable right.
Summary
Article 351 of the Indian Constitution places a duty on the Union government to promote the spread and development of the Hindi language. The objective is for Hindi to become a medium capable of expressing India’s composite culture. This development should occur by enriching Hindi through assimilation of forms, styles, and expressions from Hindustani and the other languages listed in the Eighth Schedule, without altering its basic character. Furthermore, it directs that vocabulary should primarily be drawn from Sanskrit and secondarily from other languages, as needed. This article serves as a directive principle guiding the Union’s efforts towards making Hindi a rich and representative language for the nation.