'We are globally the richest ...': VP Dhankhar bats for unity amid language row; slams divisive politics

NEW DELHI: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday called for unity amid the ongoing controversy over languages across the country.

Ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Dhankhar said that India is the richest country when it comes to languages.

"We have rich languages—Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Marathi. We have classical languages. We are globally the richest when it comes to languages," Dhankhar said.

"So, how can language be divisive? Language should unite us. Those who seek to divide or engage in divisive tactics on account of language need to get into our culture. Our languages are not limited to our country; they are known globally," he added.

This comes as “language wars” have erupted in different parts of India, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Earlier this month, the Maharashtra government rolled back its decision to introduce Hindi as a third language from Class 1 in government schools.

The three-language policy snowballed into a “Marathi identity” crisis, which has led to political workers threatening those who speak Hindi in the state.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has also accused the Centre of imposing Hindi through the National Education Policy (NEP).