Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday underscored the transformative role of Indian languages in nation-building, stating that efforts once made to divide India through linguistic differences will now be reversed to unite the country through the power of its native tongues.

Speaking at an event in the capital, Shah remarked: “In the last few decades, language was used as a means to divide India. They could not break it, but efforts were made. We will ensure that our languages become a powerful medium to unite India.”

Laying out the Centre’s vision, he said the Official Language Department will lead efforts to promote, develop, and integrate Indian languages into governance and public life. Emphasizing a long-term roadmap, Shah linked this initiative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s larger vision for a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047, the centenary year of India’s independence.

“I believe that the foundation that is being laid under the leadership of Modi ji will create a great India in 2047. And on the way to creating a great India, we will develop our Indian languages, make them rich, increase their utility,” he asserted.

The Home Minister urged that Indian languages must be widely used not just in central government operations but in state administrations as well.

“Indian languages should be used as much as possible in government work, not only in the central government but also in the state government. For this, we will also contact the states, try to convince and persuade them,” he added.