When Language Becomes a Battlefield for Identity

Our investigation reveals that underlying efforts to fragment Bengali linguistic unity emerge from a long-standing Hindutva strategy—where the goal isn’t just political dominance, but also cultural realignment. Historically, Bengal has witnessed struggles between religious and linguistic identity—from the partition based on faith in 1947, to Bangladesh’s liberation driven significantly by linguistic pride in 1971. Recognizing the strength of language as a unifier, Hindutva politics seeks to dilute that pride by redirecting identity toward religious exclusivity.

Recasting Language as “Foreign”

A key facet of this strategy involves reframing Bengali speech—particularly variants associated with Bangladesh—as “foreign.” Common rituals like chanting Joy Bangla, once emblematic of shared liberation heritage, are now branded by some BJP voices as allegiance to another country. This reductive reclassification of a slogan, deeply rooted in shared cultural memory, signals a deeper ideological agenda: diminishing the legitimacy of Bengali linguistic pride.

Shifting Celebrations, Shaping Memory

Crucially, the institutional and symbolic heart of Bangla pride—the observance of International Mother Language Day on February 21—is being conventionally overshadowed by an alternate date. September 20 has been promoted as a new “West Bengal Mother Language Day,” commemorating incidents involving RSS-affiliated student activists. This subtle reorientation sends a message: the traditional significance of Bangla’s linguistic martyrdom is being politically sidelined in favor of narratives aligned with Hindutva identity.

Fragmenting a Shared Linguistic Heritage

Another dimension of this divide lies in linguistic labels. Distinguishing “Bangladeshi language” from “Bengali” may appear nuanced, but it fragments a singular cultural continuum into ‘us’ and ‘them.’ For West Bengal’s Hindus with eastern roots, this introduces a forced dissonance, eroding centuries of shared lexicon, literature, and identity. This linguistic separation undermines the broader global heritage of Bangla and risks shrinking Bengali culture to regional fragments.

Why This Matters Now

Since Prime Minister Modi’s ascent, any assertion of Bengali cultural uniqueness has often met with near-immediate political counteraction. Steering away from a shared sense of linguistic identity and pushing narratives tied to religious primacy allows Hindutva forces to reframe public sentiment. It also softens resistance to Hindi-centric assimilationism and marginalizes regional linguistic pride.

Beyond Bengal: A Reflection of National Patterns

This manipulation of language isn’t unique to Bengal—it mirrors broader patterns across India. Whether it’s Tamil identity in the south or Bengali pride in the East, linguistic communities are finding themselves pressured by a homogenizing narrative that prioritizes religious or national identity over local culture and language.

Why This Story Matters

Through verified regional history and contemporary patterns, our editorial team underscores that attempts to dilute Bangla identity through reclassification, calendar shifts, and symbolic reorientations are more than political maneuvers—they are cultural incursions. This isn’t merely about language; it’s about whether pride in what makes Bengal unique will be preserved or subsumed.