Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has expressed deep concern over the growing linguistic intolerance in India, especially against Bengali-speaking people. Speaking at an event in Kolkata, Sen mentioned reports of Bengalis being harassed or even pushed towards Bangladesh, and he jokingly said he himself might be sent back to Dhaka because of his roots. He urged for more respect towards Bengali culture and warned against disrespect and professional hurdles faced by Bengalis in different parts of India.
Renowned economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has spoken about what he sees as an increase in linguistic intolerance in India, particularly targeting Bengali-speaking people.
“I Might Be Sent Back to Bangladesh”
Referring to recent media reports that Bengali-speaking individuals in West Bengal were suspected of being from Bangladesh and even sent there, Sen expressed his worries.
“I saw in the newspaper that someone was sent to Bangladesh because he was speaking in Bengali. It made me a bit worried,” said the 91-year-old Nobel laureate at a public discussion in Kolkata.
With humour Amartya Sen added:
“I decided to speak in French, but the only problem is I do not know French.”
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Roots in Dhaka
Sen further joked about his own family connection to Bangladesh.
“There remains a possibility that I might be sent back to Bangladesh because my ancestral home is in Dhaka. And I do not have much objection to that,” he remarked.
Call for Respect Towards Bengali Culture
Answering media queries about the harassment of Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states, Sen stressed India’s cultural diversity.
“Every cultural identity, including Bengali and Punjabi, has reasons to be celebrated,” he said.
Amartya Sen also pointed out that Bengalis often face professional hurdles and instances of disrespect in different places.
“I am not claiming that the Bengali culture and civilisation are the best, but we must highlight the history of the Bengali language, culture and civilisation. There must be respect for Bengali culture. If not, there needs to be protests,” the economist stated.
Source: TBS