Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
I support Sangeeta's position that the policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity in India.
The formation of linguistic states has actually made the country more united rather than causing disintegration. When demands for states based on language were raised, some national leaders feared it would lead to the country's breakup. However, experience has shown the opposite result. It has also made administration easier.
Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language. While Hindi was identified as the official language, there are 22 Scheduled Languages recognised by the Constitution. A candidate in examinations for Central Government positions may opt to take the examination in any of these languages. States too have their own official languages.
For example, when the use of English for official purposes was to stop in 1965, many non-Hindi speaking States demanded its continuation. In Tamil Nadu, this movement took a violent form. The Central Government responded by agreeing to continue the use of English along with Hindi for official purposes. This flexibility helped our country avoid the kind of situation that Sri Lanka finds itself in.
The policy has proved that it is perfectly consistent to be Kannadiga and Indian, Bengali and Indian, Tamil and Indian, Gujarati and Indian. If the sentiments of native speakers of Telugu, Marathi, etc. had been disregarded, India might have faced the fate of 'One language: 14 or 15 nations.'
Explanation
This question asks students to choose one of three positions on India's language policy and support it with an argument and example. The textbook context provides the strongest support for Sangeeta's position. Key arguments include: linguistic states strengthened unity rather than dividing the country; the Constitution accommodates linguistic diversity through 22 Scheduled Languages; and the flexible approach (continuing English alongside Hindi) prevented Sri Lanka-type conflict. The Tamil Nadu example illustrates how accommodation prevented violence. The 'One language: 14 or 15 nations' quote powerfully captures what could have happened without accommodation.