DIMAPUR, JUNE 22 (MExN): The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has expressed deep concern over recent remarks by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting that “those who speak English in India will soon be ashamed,” stating that such comments risk undermining the foundational values of dignity, equality, and respect for diversity.
In a statement issued, NJCF said English has long served as the official language of Nagaland, deeply rooted in its educational institutions, legal systems, and churches. “It has enabled communication among our many tribes and dialects and empowered generations of our youth to access opportunities across India and the world,” the forum stated.
While acknowledging the importance of preserving indigenous languages as carriers of identity, history, and spiritual heritage, NJCF said that to suggest shame in the use of English overlooks the role the language has played as a bridge to the global community. “Language, in any form, should never be a source of shame, but a vessel of connection, understanding, and growth,” it added.
The forum stressed that India’s strength lies in its multilingual diversity. “The ability to speak multiple languages—our own dialects, Hindi, English, and others—is a strength, not a weakness,” it stated. Calling on all national leaders to uphold this diversity, the forum urged them to foster unity through mutual respect rather than promote a cultural hierarchy.
Reaffirming its commitment to dignity, justice, and inclusion for all, NJCF said no individual should be made to feel inferior for the language they speak. “Every tongue spoken in this land—be it tribal, regional, or global—deserves respect,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by NJCF president Rev Dr N Paphino and secretary Rev Moses Murry.
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