What Is Happening in Minicoy?

We, the people of Minicoy Island, are deeply concerned and heartbroken to learn that the Lakshadweep administration is removing Mahal (our mother tongue) and Arabic from the school curriculum in Minicoy. This decision threatens not just two languages, but the very roots of our cultural and religious identity.

Why This Matters to Us

Mahal is more than just a language — it is the voice of our grandparents, our stories, our songs, and our soul. Arabic is a vital part of our spiritual and religious education. For generations, both languages have been taught in Minicoy schools, helping students stay connected to their heritage and faith.

Removing these languages will disconnect future generations from their identity, history, and culture. It is a step toward erasing who we are as a people.

Our Mother Tongue Is Our Right

According to the Indian Constitution (Article 29 & 30), minorities have the right to conserve their language, script, and culture. The removal of Mahal and Arabic violates this right.

Minicoy is unique in its language and traditions, and this uniqueness must be preserved  not wiped out.

What We Are Demanding

We respectfully urge the Lakshadweep administration and the Ministry of Education to:

Immediately stop the removal of Mahal and Arabic from Minicoy schools

Reinstate and protect both languages in the curriculum

Respect the cultural, linguistic, and religious rights of the people of Minicoy

How You Can Help

Sign this petition and show your support

Share this with others who care about language rights and cultural preservation

Speak up on social media using #SaveMahal #ProtectMinicoyCulture

Let’s Protect Our Language for Future Generations

We ask you to stand with us in defending our identity. If we lose our language, we lose our history, our culture, and our future. Let’s unite to keep Mahl and Arabic alive in our schools and in our hearts.