Those who speak English will soon feel ashamed: Amit Shah amid language debate

Amid a simmering language row, Union Home Minister Amit Shah opened another front by asserting that those who speak English in the country would soon feel ashamed. Speaking at a book launch event, the Home Minister underscored that native languages were central to India's identity and should take precedence over foreign tongues.

"In this country, those who speak English will soon feel ashamed - the creation of such a society is not far away. I believe that the languages of our country are the jewels of our culture. Without our languages, we cease to be truly Indian," ANI quoted Shah as saying.

He also called for a renewed effort across the country to reclaim India's linguistic heritage.

"To understand our country, our culture, our history, and our religion, no foreign language can suffice. The idea of a complete India cannot be imagined through half-baked foreign languages," he asserted.