Part XVII - Languages • Article

Article 351 Simplified: Directive for development of the Hindi language

Article 351 gives the Central Government the task of promoting and spreading the Hindi language. The goal is for Hindi to act as a bridge language that can help people from all parts of India communicate, while also absorbing words and styles from all other Indian languages to reflect India's 'Composite Culture'.

Official Text

It shall be the duty of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language, to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India and to secure its enrichment by assimilating without interfering with its genius, the forms, style and expressions used in Hindustani and in the other languages of India specified in the Eighth Schedule, and by drawing, wherever necessary or desirable, for its vocabulary, primarily on Sanskrit and secondarily on other languages. EMERGENCY PROVISIONS

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

This rule says the central government must work to share and grow the Hindi language, making it a bridge language that brings together all the different cultures of India by using words from other Indian languages too.

Student Mode

Formulates a directive for the development of the Hindi language. Places a duty on the Union to promote the spread and development of Hindi so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all elements of India's composite culture. Instructs the Union to enrich Hindi by assimilating the forms, style, and expressions of Hindustani and other languages in the Eighth Schedule, drawing vocabulary primarily on Sanskrit and secondarily on other languages.

Example

Like a multicultural school that selects a few common languages for official notices and teaching so that students from different states can all understand each other, the country has official language rules.

Key Takeaway

The government should develop Hindi as a common language for all Indians.

FAQs

Does Article 351 mean Hindi is superior to other languages?

No. It is a developmental directive for the Union. In promoting Hindi, the Union must draw from the Eighth Schedule languages and respect India's composite culture without interfering with the 'genius' of other languages.

What is the significance of the Eighth Schedule in Article 351?

The Union must assimilate words and expressions from Hindustani and the 22 languages specified in the Eighth Schedule, ensuring that developed Hindi is inclusive of India's linguistic diversity.

Quiz

Under Article 351, which language is primarily designated as the source for Hindi's vocabulary enrichment?

Answer: Sanskrit

Article 351 states that Hindi should be developed to serve as a medium of expression for the:

Answer: Composite culture of India