Arunachal Pradesh CM Advocates Hindi as a Unifying Language

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has voiced strong support for Hindi, describing it as a vital unifying language in a state rich in dialects. He argues that learning Hindi is beneficial, especially given the diverse linguistic landscape of Arunachal. Khandu's remarks come at a time when there is significant backlash against Hindi in various parts of India. Additionally, he commented on the future of the Dalai Lama, asserting that the next leader will come from a democratic nation, not China. His statements reflect the cultural and political dynamics of the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2025, 17:22 IST

Hindi as a Connecting Language in Arunachal Pradesh

In light of the ongoing language debate in India, Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, emphasized that Hindi serves as a unifying language and that there is no issue with learning it.

Khandu highlighted that in Arunachal, where numerous tribes each have their own dialects, Hindi acts as a common language. He stated, "Hindi has been part of the educational curriculum since the inception of formal education in our state, and learning it poses no problem."

He further explained, "If I communicate in my native dialect, individuals from other tribes may not comprehend it. Hence, Hindi is widely spoken. While there may be grammatical errors, villagers across the state can understand and converse in Hindi. We utilize Hindi during election campaigns and in the Assembly as well."

With 26 primary tribes and over 100 sub-tribes, the state is linguistically diverse. However, Khandu noted that Hindi is predominant in daily interactions, from casual conversations in villages to formal discussions in the legislative Assembly.

The Chief Minister also pointed out the strategic significance of the state, where security forces and organizations like the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) operate. Most personnel communicate in Hindi, which has led to its increased usage throughout Arunachal.

Khandu remarked, "The presence of the Border Roads Organisation and other avenues has facilitated our quick adoption of Hindi."

His comments come amid a backlash against the Hindi language in some southern states and Maharashtra.

Khandu on the Next Dalai Lama

In a related note, CM Khandu expressed that the next Dalai Lama will emerge from a free and democratic nation, explicitly stating it will not be China.

He acknowledged that the selection process for the next Dalai Lama will only commence after the current one passes away, expressing hope that the 14th Dalai Lama will live for at least another 40 years.

"His Holiness is in excellent health. During his 90th birthday celebration, he mentioned he aims to live to around 130 years old. We all pray for his longevity, and I am optimistic he will reach that age," Khandu shared in an interview.