Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen has expressed deep concern over the growing linguistic intolerance in India.
Speaking at a discussion in Kolkata on Friday titled “India’s Young Generation: What Kind of Social Opportunities Should They Have?”, he highlighted instances of hostility faced by Bengali-speaking people in different states. The remarks were reported by Indian news agency PTI.
Referring to a recent media report, Sen said that some Bengali-speaking individuals in West Bengal were being pushed towards Bangladesh on suspicion of their origins. With his trademark wit, he added that he too might be sent back to Dhaka, since his ancestral home is located there.
“I read in the newspapers that one person was sent to Bangladesh simply because he spoke in Bengali. That makes me somewhat concerned,” the 91-year-old Nobel laureate remarked. Joking further, he said, “I had thought of speaking in French instead, but the problem is, I don’t know French.”
He added, “I too could be sent back to Bangladesh, as my ancestral house is in Dhaka. And frankly, I wouldn’t mind that too much.”
Born in Santiniketan, West Bengal, Sen also interacted with a group of school and university students during the event.
Responding to media queries about reports of harassment faced by Bengali speakers in states governed by the BJP, Sen said, “Bengali-speaking people are facing professional barriers and indignities.”
Emphasizing India’s cultural diversity, Sen said that every identity, whether Bengali, Punjabi, or others, holds significance and should be celebrated.
“I am not saying Bengali civilization is the greatest,” he noted, “but our language, culture, and history must be respected. If there is no respect, then protest becomes necessary.”
