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LIC website switches to Hindi as default language: A tool of imposition?

The sudden change has upset users, especially in non-Hindi speaking states, sparking concerns about language inclusivity and accessibility on the platform

South First Desk

Published Nov 19, 2024 | 3:56 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 19, 2024 | 4:32 PM

LIC's shift to Hindi on website sparks outrage across non-hindi states

LIC's shift to Hindi on website sparks outrage across non-hindi states

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Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), the country’s largest insurance provider and institutional investor, is facing a wave of criticism after its official website’s homepage switched to Hindi on Tuesday, 19 November. 

The change, which caught many users off guard, has particularly upset citizens in non-Hindi speaking states, raising concerns about language inclusivity and accessibility.

While LIC’s website offers the option to switch back to English, many users found the switch inconvenient since the option was also in Hindi script. The English option was not immediately visible, leading to frustration. The move has sparked an online outcry, with many questioning why Hindi was made the default language in a nation with multiple official languages.

Also Read: Origin of Bengaluru’s place names

Criticism from southern states 

In states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and other non-Hindi regions, the language change has been met with sharp criticism. 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin took to X and said,”The LIC website has become a tool for Hindi imposition, with even the option to select English displayed in Hindi! This is nothing but an insult to India’s linguistic diversity and a betrayal of the majority of its contributors.  

He continues to state that LIC’s success is built on the trust of all Indians, not just one linguistic group. We demand an immediate rollback of this cultural imposition.”

The Congress party’s Kerala unit condemned the change, accusing LIC of making the website less accessible to millions of people. “Even though the option to switch to English is given, it is hidden, and one needs to know how to read in Hindi to find it. What was wrong with the old version where English was the default language? What are citizens from non-Hindi speaking states supposed to do?” the party’s official social media handle questioned.

Criticism also came from other political quarters. CPM Member of Parliament (MP) Su Venkatesan from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, expressed strong disapproval, claiming that the shift was part of a larger effort by the Centre to “impose Hindi” on the country. 

Venkatesan accused the government of compromising the business interests of LIC and its ability to serve customers effectively by alienating non-Hindi speakers.

Leader of opposition and Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Edappadi K Palaniswami said, “The LIC website is currently unusable for people who do not know Hindi. The website’s language change option is also in Hindi, making it impossible to find it.

It is condemnable that the central government is working on the idea of ​​imposing Hindi wherever and in whatever way.

In India, which is diverse in everything from language, culture, organization, and politics, imposing uniformity is an act that affects the balance of the country. It is not acceptable.”

X handle, @SanjaiGandhi said, “Madam @nsitharaman, why LIC website is in Hindi? Why are you insulting non Hindi speaking Indians? @narendramodi

Another handle, @Indian10000000, questioned wether LIC was only for Hindi speakers, and labeled the move “petty, vindictive & exclusionary.”

Handle @Ellarakannada said, “We Kannadigas need all the information in Kannada. When Hindi speakers can get all information about policies in their mother tongue, why can’t Kannadigas get information in Kannada ? Hindi imposition of India is shameful and a blot on democracy.”

(Edited by Ananya Rao)

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