By Bipin Dani
Ravichandran Ashwin, the celebrated Indian cricketer, recently sparked a heated debate with his comments about Hindi not being the national language of India. While Ashwin’s statement is factually accurate, it has drawn varied reactions from the cricketing community. Following Sushil Doshi’s critical response, another renowned Hindi commentator, Ravi Chaturvedi, weighed in, adding further fuel to the fire.
In an exclusive chat, Sushil Doshi expressed his displeasure with the tone of Ashwin’s statement. “Ashwin is right in saying that Hindi is not our national language, but the way he has said this in a taunting tone has not gone well with me,” Doshi remarked. He highlighted the significance of Hindi in India, noting that Mahatma Gandhi had acknowledged the language’s role in uniting the people of India. Doshi also questioned Ashwin’s suitability for captaincy, considering his “narrow-minded” views.
Building on this, Ravi Chaturvedi shared his thoughts. “Use your wiles & guiles on pitch. Don’t tread on treacherous terrain,” he advised, suggesting that Ashwin should be more tactful in his public statements. Chaturvedi emphasized that while Ashwin’s point about Hindi might be valid, the manner in which he communicated it could have been more considerate and respectful.
Doshi further continued, “We respect Ashwin’s achievements on the cricket field, but it’s important for public figures to be mindful of their words, especially when discussing sensitive topics like language and identity. Ashwin’s comments have inadvertently created a divide, which is not what we expect from someone of his stature.”
Doshi also reflected on the broader implications of Ashwin’s remarks. “As cricketers and public figures, we have a responsibility to promote unity and inclusiveness. Ashwin’s comments, unfortunately, do the opposite. We need to focus on what brings us together rather than what sets us apart.”
Doshi’s and Chaturvedi’s responses highlight the importance of diplomacy and sensitivity in public discourse. They call for a more thoughtful approach from Ashwin and other influential figures, emphasizing that words have the power to unite or divide.
As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder that while factual accuracy is important, the manner of communication is equally crucial. Ashwin’s remarks have opened up a conversation about language and identity, one that requires careful handling to ensure it fosters unity rather than discord.
