A language controversy erupted at a National Commission for Women (NCW) workshop in Faridabad after eight women legislators from Kerala walked out of the programme due to the extensive use of Hindi and the reported lack of translation facilities.
The workshop, entitled gender-responsive governance for women legislators, was held on September 7 and 8 at the Taj Surajkund Resort in Faridabad, Haryana. At least 100 women legislators from different states participated in the programme according to the NCW's “She is a Changemaker” initiative.
Kerala MLAs Raise Objections
The Kerala delegation expressed disappointment at the fact that a few sessions were conducted in Hindi without sufficient arrangements for participants who did not understand the language.
The legislators argued that a national-level workshop with representatives from various parts of India must be an inclusive environment in which people can understand and participate in the events.
According to reports, Kerala representatives were also unhappy with the nature of some of the sessions, which they felt did not provide the depth of legislative discussion expected from a programme aimed at elected women representatives.
Kerala Chief Minister Condemns the Incident
Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan strongly criticised what he described as the treatment of the state’s women legislators.
Satheesan said that forcing Hindi at a national conclave and intimidating representatives from non-Hindi-speaking states undermines India’s constitutional values. He stressed that India is a union of diverse linguistic traditions rather than a country that should be treated as linguistically uniform.
The Chief Minister’s comments have added a political dimension to an incident that has once again brought India’s long-running language debate into the national spotlight.
Wider Debate Over Hindi and India's Linguistic Diversity
The walkout has revived the debate on the role of Hindi in national government programmes and institutions.
India has many languages and a very diverse linguistic landscape. The critics of this perceived imposition of Hindi language say national programmes should ensure that all non-Hindi-speaking people are able to participate in equal measure.
Supporters of Hindi's wide use in central programmes, for example, point to its widespread usage across the country. But the Kerala legislators’ protest has been more about accessibility and translation at a national forum.
Political Reactions Follow
The controversy has attracted political leaders outside Kerala. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor supported the protesting legislators, saying Indian languages should be respected and national programmes should be accessible to all irrespective of their linguistic background.
Kerala Minister for Women and Child Development Bindu Krishna also criticised the episode and questioned the nature of the workshop, according to reports.
Why the Incident Matters
Language is still a very sensitive issue in India, especially in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka where concerns about the dominance of Hindi have periodically triggered political opposition.
For the Kerala delegation, the walkout was seen as a protest against what they perceived as linguistic exclusion rather than against the purpose of the women’s workshop.
The incident in this regard has given rise to fresh calls for linguistic inclusivity at national conferences, workshops and government projects.
