Pune, June 20 -- Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar articulated a nuanced stance on India's language debate, asserting that while aversion to Hindi is unwarranted, compulsory imposition remains unacceptable.
Speaking at a Pune press conference today, the veteran politician emphasised that learning decisions should rest with students, guided by their parents.
"Hindi hatred has no place in our nation, yet forced education policies are equally inappropriate," Pawar stated. He noted that 55-60% of Indians speak Hindi, making blanket rejection counterproductive to national harmony.
"Students must voluntarily choose Hindi learning opportunities, opposition to such choice is unjustified."
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