On Hindi again

Dear Prime Minister,

Through this letter I want to share my problem with you as I think you can solve it. I am working in the finance dept of a PSU. Where I work, the people are not very well versed in Hindi.

Here, we have a “Hindi Cell” whose work is to increase the use of hindi in official works and gradually the whole work in offices be done in Hindi. We have to hold “Hindi Review meetings” in our office on monthly basis. The purpose of the meeting is to check the progress of usage of hindi in our department. Similarly, we have to send “quarterly reports on official language implementation” wherein no. of letters sent to various regions in Hindi is to be reported, no. of notings done in Hindi in different registers is to be reported etc. The people from “Hindi cell” take measures like nominating members for taking Hindi classes without the wishes of concerned person. They use the pretext of Official language Act, 1963, Official language Rules, 1976, President’s Order, 1960 to impose hindi. They send letters/minutes in Hindi without considering whether the recipient understands Hindi or not. It seems that lack of knowledge of Hindi is a crime.

So, this additional burden acts as deterrant in our work. I asked people here, what purpose is served by this additional burden. I am told that Hindi is our Official language and government policy is to promote Hindi. So, being part of a PSU, we need to follow it. I am from a Hindi speaking region still I find this policy of government very suffocating and backward.

It is true that hindi is the most widely spoken language in India. But English is preferred by all for official purposes. Even in Hindi speaking areas, business works are mostly done in English as it is the most convenient language. Also, English is a global language. All through my school life I have read quality books in English and now I am suddenly asked to do my work in Hindi because Hindi is the official language of the country. What purpose will it serve? While doing official correspondences, shouldn’t the intended recipient be in mind rather than promoting our official language?

I understand the reason behind this policy is to connect India. But will the forced imposition connect people? Has forced thing ever brought anything good in lives? In childhood we were forced to choose subjects which, our parents thought, were safe. What good it did? It created a generation of uninterested people who didn’t love their work. I guess, I am digressing from the point.

So, it is true that Hindi is the connecting language. Why so? Because of Bollywood. The beautiful songs there, are loved In North, South, East, West alike. Why not let it connect people rather than forcing them to adopt Hindi?

Through this letter I would like to request you to reconsider this policy. Hindi should be an enabling tool rather than something which creates problem in our works.

I find English more comfortable for working and so does the majority of working population. Shouldn’t democracy prevail in all aspects?

Aren’t there more pressing needs like saving environment, finding alternative to plastic, banning tobacco etc than promoting Hindi?

This forced Hindi imposition in my office is affecting my liberty, free will and creating negativity.

Please help.