I am from Tamil Nadu, a Southern state in India known for its rich Dravidian heritage. With deep respect towards my roots and admiration for the diverse linguistic traditions of India, I bring up an issue very personal to me and millions other - the need for Hindi to be a mandatory language in all schools across India.

India is a country woven together with hundreds of languages, yet we often lack a common thread that connects us all. Hindi, being the mother tongue of nearly 41% of the population (according to the 2011 Census of India), has the potential to be that unifying thread. Learning Hindi is more than just a means to communicate; it's a way to bridge cultural and regional divides, to better understand a large subset of our fellow countrymen, their literature, customs, and way of life.

A balanced, enriched, and diverse linguistic education not only encourages unity but also provides a competitive edge in the job market. Around 60 countries have a significant Hindi-speaking diaspora. The ability to communicate in Hindi could open doors to new opportunities around the globe.

This isn't about replacing regional languages or undermining their importance. It's about complementing the beauty of our regional languages with an added benefit that teaches us to appreciate the vastness and variety of our country. The essence of our unity lies in our diversity. Let us cement this essence into the curricula of our schools.

We urge the Minister of Education to enforce Hindi as a mandatory language in all schools of India, in addition to regional languages. Help us in creating a linguistically unified and globally competitive India. Sign the petition today.