Hindi Complements Indian Languages, Does Not Compete: Deputy CM Shinde

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday said Hindi strengthens India's linguistic diversity rather than threatening it. Speaking at the Hindi Diwas 2026 celebrations and 6th All India Official Language Conference in Navi Mumbai, Shinde emphasised that promotion of Hindi should proceed alongside preservation of regional languages.

Shinde highlighted India's cultural unity through Devanagari script and historical contributions of Maharashtrian saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram to broader Indian traditions. He cited Saint Namdev's compositions reaching Punjab and influencing Guru Granth Sahib as evidence of long-standing dialogue between Indian languages.

Clarifying that Hindi's expansion aims to complement rather than replace regional languages, Shinde affirmed Maharashtra's commitment to both Marathi—which holds Classical Language status—and Hindi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was present at the event.