Nagpur, November 30, 2025 – Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has expressed deep concern over the declining knowledge and use of Indian languages among the population, noting that the situation has reached a point where “some Bharatiya people do not know our own languages.” Speaking at a book release event in Nagpur on Sunday, Bhagwat urged society to reflect on the erosion of India’s rich linguistic heritage and stressed the importance of preserving mother tongues and regional languages.

Linguistic Decline: A Growing Concern

Bhagwat highlighted that Indian languages, once central to everyday life and communication, are increasingly being sidelined. “There was a time when entire communication, sharing, and daily business was conducted in Sanskrit,” he said. Observing the current situation, he remarked, “Now, some American professor teaches us Sanskrit, when in reality we should have been teaching it to the world.”

He pointed out that many children today lack knowledge of even basic words in their own languages and often mix their mother tongue with English while speaking at home. According to Bhagwat, this trend reflects a broader shift away from the natural use of Indian languages in daily life.

“The situation has reached a point where some Bharatiya people do not know our own Indian languages,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of the issue. While noting the widespread adoption of English-medium education, he clarified that the medium itself was not to blame. Rather, he emphasized, the reluctance to speak Indian languages at home and maintain a connection with traditional linguistic roots has contributed significantly to the decline.

“If we speak our language properly in our home, things would be better. But we do not do it,” Bhagwat said. He also observed that even spiritual leaders, or seers, increasingly communicate in English to reach a wider audience, which, while understandable, reflects changing linguistic preferences and a distancing from native languages.

Cultural Depth and Language

Bhagwat stressed that Indian languages are not just modes of communication but repositories of culture, philosophy, and tradition. Referring to the medieval saint Sant Dnyaneshwar, he noted how the saint rendered the knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi to make it accessible and understandable to society at large.

“Now the problem is that there are not enough words in the English language that capture the essence and depth of the thoughts or concepts expressed in our languages,” Bhagwat explained. He illustrated this with the example of Kalpavruksha, the wish-fulfilling tree from Indian mythology, emphasizing that a single word in Indian tradition often requires multiple words in English to convey even a part of its meaning. Such examples, he argued, highlight the necessity of preserving and strengthening Indian languages to retain cultural and philosophical nuances.

Philosophical Unity and Cultural Expression

In addition to linguistic concerns, Bhagwat touched upon the philosophical traditions of India, which emphasize unity despite diversity. He said that Indian philosophy teaches people to transcend individual interests and focus on the welfare of families and communities. “This has been told to people in different words and different formats,” he noted, pointing to the plurality of expression in Indian texts and traditions.

Bhagwat also addressed common debates about religious and philosophical interpretations. Highlighting the holistic approach of the Bhagavad Gita, he said discussions about whether the text emphasizes knowledge (jnana) or action (karma) overlook its integrated message. “Like a bird cannot fly without wings, we need two wings — knowledge and karma — and the bird itself is your faith,” he explained, adding that knowledge without faith is like Ravana, symbolic of imbalance and misuse of intellect.

The Role of Language in Preserving Tradition

Bhagwat repeatedly underscored that language is a vital conduit for cultural continuity. He argued that Indian languages carry concepts, values, and worldviews that cannot be fully translated into foreign languages without losing depth and meaning. For instance, philosophical terms, spiritual ideas, and cultural idioms often resist direct translation, and simplification into English can dilute the original intent and richness.

By emphasizing the role of mother tongues in shaping thought, Bhagwat called upon families and educational institutions to revive the habit of speaking and teaching Indian languages at home and in schools. He suggested that children who grow up bilingual or multilingual, with a strong grounding in their native language, are better equipped to appreciate their cultural heritage while engaging with the modern world.

Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Modernity

While advocating for the preservation of Indian languages, Bhagwat also acknowledged the practical role of English and other foreign languages in today’s interconnected world. He pointed out that communicating with a global audience necessitates some familiarity with international languages, particularly in education, science, and diplomacy. However, he emphasized that this should not come at the cost of losing one’s linguistic roots.

“Even if seers reach out in English, which is understandable, it still indicates changing linguistic preferences,” he said, stressing the need to balance tradition and modernity. By maintaining fluency in Indian languages, individuals can preserve cultural identity while participating effectively in global discourse.

A Call to Introspection

Bhagwat concluded his remarks with a call for introspection. He urged society to reflect on the erosion of linguistic heritage and take conscious steps to revive native languages. This, he argued, is not merely an academic exercise but a moral and cultural responsibility, ensuring that future generations retain a living connection with the philosophical, spiritual, and literary richness of India.

His remarks come at a time when many experts and educators have highlighted the declining proficiency in regional languages among Indian youth, driven by urbanization, globalization, and the dominance of English in formal education. Linguists note that this trend threatens not only cultural knowledge but also local storytelling traditions, oral histories, and indigenous knowledge systems that have been transmitted through language for centuries.

Broader Implications

The RSS chief’s concerns resonate with ongoing debates about cultural preservation, education policy, and national identity. Advocates of multilingual education argue that mother tongue-based instruction strengthens cognitive development, improves learning outcomes, and fosters a deeper appreciation of cultural heritage. Bhagwat’s remarks align with this perspective, highlighting that language is both a tool for communication and a carrier of tradition.

By stressing the importance of Indian languages, Bhagwat also draws attention to the need for societal engagement, encouraging families, schools, and communities to integrate native languages into daily life. From casual conversations at home to literary and philosophical education, revitalizing language use can help bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary life.

Conclusion

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s observations on the decline of Indian languages offer a stark reminder of the fragility of linguistic heritage in a rapidly globalizing world. From the erosion of mother tongues among children to the challenges of conveying philosophical concepts across languages, his comments underscore the need for concerted efforts to preserve, teach, and promote Indian languages.

As Bhagwat noted, language is not merely a medium of communication but a repository of culture, knowledge, and spiritual thought. Preserving it is crucial for maintaining India’s unique intellectual and cultural identity, ensuring that future generations can connect with the wisdom of their ancestors while engaging confidently with the modern, globalized world.