“A language is more than a medium of communication—it is the identity, culture, and memory of a society.”
As English continues to dominate classrooms and careers, an important question arises: Are we unintentionally distancing the next generation from their mother tongue?
In this thought-provoking episode of The Undiscussed Podcast, Dr. Arpan Jain discusses the growing hesitation among students to learn and speak Hindi. The conversation explores how changing educational priorities, social perceptions, and parental expectations are influencing the role of India’s native languages in schools and everyday life.
One of the key concerns raised is the belief that English alone represents success, while Hindi is often seen as less valuable. This mindset has led many students to fear speaking Hindi in educational institutions, with some schools even discouraging its use. The discussion asks whether language should be treated as a barrier to opportunity or as a bridge connecting young people to their culture and identity.
The episode also examines how digital content has shaped the public image of Hindi. While the language has immense literary and cultural richness, much of its online representation is limited to sensational or informal content, overshadowing its intellectual and creative potential.
Beyond language, the conversation touches on larger civic issues, including the increasing vulgarity in public spaces, preserving the cultural identity of Indore, and the importance of citizens coming together to shape the city’s future. The message is clear: a city’s progress is measured not only by its infrastructure but also by the values and culture its people choose to preserve.
The biggest lesson from this discussion is that learning English is an advantage, but forgetting our mother tongue is a loss. A truly educated society values multilingualism, respects its cultural roots, and ensures that development never comes at the cost of identity.
Listen To The Full Episode
Watch the complete conversation of The Undiscussed Podcast featuring Dr. Arpan Jain and explore deeper discussions on Hindi, education, cultural identity, parenting, public values, and why preserving our mother tongue is essential for future generations.
Because every story has an Undiscussed side.