What is a common challenge in promoting Hindi across all Indian states?
Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, is renowned for his transformation from a ruthless conqueror to a benevolent ruler. This transformation of his is an inspiration for modern times as well. The Indian Republic's choice of Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath as its state emblem reflects the resonance of his eRead more
Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, is renowned for his transformation from a ruthless conqueror to a benevolent ruler. This transformation of his is an inspiration for modern times as well. The Indian Republic’s choice of Ashoka’s Lion Capital at Sarnath as its state emblem reflects the resonance of his ethical teachings in contemporary India. The Lion Capital at Sarnath, chosen as India’s national emblem, symbolizes the power of an enlightened emperor dedicated to upholding righteousness. By embracing this symbolism, modern India is committed to equality, socialjustice, and the triumph of truth.
Ethical teachings that find resonance in Ashoka’s Life:
- Self-transformation: One profound truth derived from Ashoka’s story is the remarkable ability to transform oneself and one’s ideals through self-reflection. It teaches individuals as well as organisations to cultivate self-awareness, reflect on their actions and take responsibility for their outcomes.
- Equality and justice: One of Ashoka’s remarkable achievements was the establishment of one of the earliest welfare states in the ancient world. Moreover, Ashoka’s concept of ‘Dhamma encompassed the principles of fairness, dignity and justice reflecting that the foremost aim of the State should be the well-being of its subjects.
- Tolerance and acceptance: Ashoka’s reign stands as a shining example of tolerance towards diverse faiths and dissenting viewpoints. His wisdom echoes the ongoing debates on free speech and tolerance, issues of inclusive growth as well as harmonious coexistence of different faiths.
- Diplomacy and peaceful coexistence: After conquering Kalinga, he established contact and maintained treaties with five contemporary Greek rulers. This early example of international negotiation to foster peaceful relations inspired India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and subsequent policymakers to establish diplomacy-based ties with neighbouring countries.
- Compassion and empathy: Ashoka demonstrated the socio-moral virtues of honesty, truthfulness, compassion, mercifulness, benevolence, nonviolence, and considerate behaviour towards all including animals. Ashoka’s emphasis on animal rights holds relevance even today, emphasizing the importance of humane treatment and wildlife preservation worldwide.
- Humanity and humility: Ashoka showed humanity and humility by serving his people, establishing hospitals for humans and animals, providing medicines, planting trees, constructing wells and resting places, and taking action against public negligence and animal cruelty.
Ashoka’s life and deeds remain pertinent as India progresses toward a courageous, proud, and influential nation guided by the principle of ‘Satyamev Jayate’ (truth always triumphs).
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Language variety is a common obstacle to Hindi promotion in all of India's states. With hundreds of regional dialects and 22 officially recognized languages, India is a country with a diverse range of languages. Many states have their own dominant language because of this linguistic diversity; exampRead more
Language variety is a common obstacle to Hindi promotion in all of India’s states. With hundreds of regional dialects and 22 officially recognized languages, India is a country with a diverse range of languages. Many states have their own dominant language because of this linguistic diversity; examples of these include Tamil in Tamil Nadu, Bengali in West Bengal, and Kannada in Karnataka.
There are times when it seems that supporting Hindi as the national language is marginalizing or undermining these regional tongues and cultures. This resistance is a result of worries about the imposition of Hindi at the expense of regional languages, as well as a wish to maintain linguistic autonomy and legacy. Respecting regional linguistic identities while promoting Hindi and making sure everyone is treated equally
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