Discover the effects of language and culture through this insightful write-up. Delve into the deliberate degradation of language, the hidden motives the need to safeguard our cultural identity. Explore the importance of preserving our traditions, and drawing inspiration from historical figures who championed language preservation. Join the call to protect our language, customs, and heritage, and ensure a proud legacy for future generations.
Thirty years ago, a friend of mine from Bihar, who grew up in Delhi, came to visit me in Mumbai. After leaving the restaurant in the afternoon and while we were returning to the office, my friend, who was engrossed in conversation with me, accidentally bumped into a woman who appeared to be around thirty-five years old. He was embarrassed by this unexpected turn of events, but even in his confused state, he immediately folded his hands and said to the woman, "Kshama kijiye mataji" (Sorry, mother).
Both of us were around 24-25 years old at that time, and it seemed amusing that my friend referred to the woman in her thirties as "mataji" (mother). Upon hearing this, the woman gave him a strange look. I quickly apologized, suppressing the smile that was about to surface, and left with my friend. The reason for my amusement was the peculiar expression on the woman's face upon hearing the word "mataji," as well as my thoughts about the Ramayana and Mahabharata television series that aired on Doordarshan a few years earlier. These serials often led people to use terms like Mataji (mother), Pitashree (father), and Bhratashree (brother) humorously during casual conversations. Witnessing the impact of those shows, I recall how the streets would become completely empty while they were on air.
I had a stronger connection with North India and frequently traveled to Delhi, which exposed me to the local culture. Although Delhi, like Mumbai, is a melting pot of people from all regions of India, there is a distinct difference in Hindi usage. It is common for people in Delhi to add 'Ji' after every word in their speech. Terms like Mataji, Pitaji, and Masterji are understandable, but there are many people, not just a few, who address their boss or other dignitaries as 'Sirji' instead of just 'Sir'. I have many Punjabi friends in Mumbai, and earlier I used to think that Punjabis dominated the culture in Delhi. However, that's not the case. Even after facing many challenges from outsiders, the Indian culture and values have prevailed, especially in their language.
Considering the lady's age, I would have definitely said "sorry sister" to her, as even Mumbai embraces such values and traditions. Throughout India, various ways of showing respect and hospitality exist, reflecting our longstanding culture.
The reason I'm writing about this old memory in such detail is due to Bollywood's latest movie "Adipurush." It has caught my attention because of its visuals, story, and especially its language. The use of phrases like "Bua ka bagicha" (aunt's garden), "kapada tere bap ka" (your father's clothes), and "oil tere bap ka" (your father's oil) in the movie is questionable. They justify this choice by claiming to target the new generation, adapting the language and theme accordingly. Is such language truly necessary for the new generation to understand the Ramayana? Or would traditional languages suffice? However, Bollywood has made a long-standing commitment to teach us such languages for decades together, and that commitment continues even today.
During the lockdown, with everything closed outside, there was little to do but stay at home. It was during this period that the Ramayana and Mahabharata series were re-aired on Doordarshan, and watching them during this time of uncertainty turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It was a great experience, one that I had missed earlier due to not having a TV at home.
With plenty of time available throughout the day, I started watching South Indian movies dubbed in Hindi as well. However, I found the language used in those dubbed movies to be extremely unpleasant and irritating. The same applied to Hindi-adapted cartoons for children. Instead of using simple Hindi, they incorporated the Bambaiyya language, which was filled with hooligan-like words. So even small children are bombarded with this hooligan language from tender age. To avoid such language, I began watching films in their original languages with English subtitles, so as not to be subjected to those Tapori words. Since then, I have hardly watched any Hindi movies in the past three years.
This made me wonder how many people actually speak this Bambayya dialect. It would be an interesting research topic because people like me have no connection to it. Even if there are a few individuals who use such language in a Tapori manner, they likely do so only within their circle of friends. Once they return to their respective homes, they probably communicate using a more standard language. The number of users of this language may be in the thousands or a few hundred thousand. If filmmakers want to cater to this audience, they can go ahead and make movies with storylines that suit their preferences. However, they should not compromise our proud culture in the name of teaching the Ramayana to the next generation. Why should we tolerate it?
The use of ill-mannered language from the mouth of Hanuman, who possessed great power and intelligence but remained humble, is quite surprising. Let us not forget that his Guru is the mighty Surya himself. While it is true that we burn effigies of Ravana on Dussehra, it is equally true that he was a highly knowledgeable Brahmin. He was a supreme devotee of Lord Shiva and even composed music for the Vedas. However, his excessive pride in his knowledge and power, as well as his act of abducting Sita while disguised as a sadhu, led to his downfall. The ruler of the golden Lanka may have exuded arrogance, but he certainly would not have used street hooligan language. And what can I say about Lord Rama, the embodiment of virtue, who always adhered to his limits even in the midst of battle?
Language plays a significant role in denigrating culture. Perhaps that is why Bollywood, over the decades, has manipulated us by creating a non-existent Bambayya dialect based on Hyderabadi Hindi. Both Hyderabadi and Marathi individuals spoke Hindi with some difficulty, but it was not impudent; rather, it reflected their innocence. However, the makers of such cheap movies have deliberately transformed that innocence into something cheesy. The way a person speaks reflects their values and eventually their culture. Therefore, by damaging the language, new values can be imposed as desired, making it easier to submerge the culture.
Attacking a culture begins with denigrating its language. By doing so, one can gradually alienate society from its customs and culture. This poisonous tactic has been slowly imposed upon us over the past several decades. The only difference now is that it is being done openly in the name of cinematic freedom, whereas before it was done covertly.
What do these individuals aim to achieve by alienating people from their religion, language, customs, and culture? There must be some benefit, as no one undertakes such actions without a motive.
And where is the censor board of India in all of this? Did they actually review this movie before granting approval, or did they find nothing wrong with it? Perhaps they found the dialogues cultured and pleasing to their ears, leading them to approve the film without any cuts. Just as we question the filmmakers, we should question the censor board with the same level of intensity.
Nearly 350 years ago, the great visionary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj began using Marathi words in political affairs instead of Farsi words. He understood the importance of language in preserving our traditions and demonstrated it through his actions.
But we must be prepared to learn from history, shouldn't we? If not now, then when?
It is disheartening to witness the deliberate degradation of our language and culture. The filmmakers behind such movies seem to have a hidden agenda, alienating people from their own roots. By distorting language, they aim to disconnect society from its customs, values, and heritage. This slow poisoning has been inflicted upon us over many decades. It is a calculated attempt to erode our cultural identity and replace it with something alien and shallow.
However, it’s important to work with steady mind without losing hope. We must continue to cherish and preserve our rich traditions. Our language is an integral part of our cultural fabric, and safeguarding it is crucial. It is our responsibility to question the motives of those who seek to denigrate our religion, language, customs, and culture.
As for the censor board, it is their duty to uphold the values and integrity of our cinema. They should thoroughly review movies and ensure they align with our cultural ethos. If they fail to do so, they too should be held accountable.
Let us draw inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his commitment to preserving our language and traditions. It is time for us to stand united and protect our culture from forces that seek to undermine it. Only then can we pass on our heritage to the next generation with pride and ensure its continuity for years to come.
Blog by ‘Life Coach and Business Mentor’ Shailesh Tandel
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