We all know Mahatma Gandhiji’s passion for the mother tongue. He always preferred to speak in his own language and also in another Indian language—most often choosing to speak broken Hindustani (Hindi) rather than perfect English—especially when addressing fellow Indians, even among the diaspora. So, when Gokhale visited South Africa, Gandhi insisted that he speak in Marathi, promising to translate it into Hindustani, despite his own limited knowledge in both languages.
But the argument he put forth was completely different, and it resonates deeply with my own experience. Rather than simply promoting language for nationalistic or cultural pride, Gandhi sensed the emotional connection that people have to their mother tongue. He knew that hearing one’s native language—even if translated imperfectly—has the power to create belonging and closeness. That’s why he told Gokhale about the Marathi-speaking Muslims and Hindus in Johannesburg who longed to hear Gokhale in their own language. Moved by this appeal, Gokhale agreed and continued speaking in Marathi at similar meetings, with Gandhi serving as his unofficial translator.
Back in 1983, when I was in North India, I had a moment that reminded me of this truth. I was returning south by train from Gorakhpur. When I heard two people speaking Tamil in the next section of the same coach, I immediately rushed there just to listen. Because of my attire—my dress and turban—they didn’t recognize me as a Tamilian. I sat for a few minutes, quietly soaking in the sound of my mother tongue after a long gap. I didn’t talk to them or reveal my identity; it was enough just to listen.
Like Mahatmaji, I have always strongly advocated speaking and learning in one’s own mother tongue rather than prioritizing another language. But what surprised me, and also what adds a twist to the story, is that Gokhale—who initially resisted speaking Marathi—eventually agreed. Not only that, but he seemed pleased with the result. Gandhi later reflected that while he didn’t know if Gokhale was truly convinced of the superiority of speaking in an Indian language over perfect English, he was certain that Gokhale did it at least to please him—and perhaps also to please the people.1
Sometimes, speaking in one’s mother tongue is not just about communication—it’s about communion.
Ashram, July 31, 2025
But I do know that if only to please me, he spoke in Marathi in South Africa. After he had made some speeches, I could see that he too was gratified by the results of the experiment. Gokhale by his conduct on many occasions in South Africa showed that there was merit in pleasing one’s followers in cases not involving a question of principle.(p.246)—Satyagraha in South Africa, www.mkgandhi.org, pp. 245-246
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