At the outset I would like to join the Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji in congratulating Shri Om Birla ji, Speaker Lok Sabha for making all the 22 Constitutional Languages audible and speak-able in Lok Sabha Chamber thereby bridging the language gap in a multi-lingual ‘House’. The 2025 winter session of the Lok Sabha has marked a watershed moment in India’s parliamentary democracy, with regional languages claiming their rightful place in the People’s House. This achievement represents the culmination of years of dedicated effort by Shri Om Birla ji to honor the linguistic diversity enshrined in our Constitution.
Just after the inauguration of the new Parliament in May 2023 by the Hon Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji a journey towards a new milestone began on December 11, 2023 when real-time non-stop interpretation facility in 10 languages of the 22 Eighth Scheduled Languages was launched. Today, all constitutional languages receive equal representation through real-time continuous interpretation service in Lok Sabha Chamber – a transformation that reflects our nation’s commitment to linguistic federalism and inclusive governance.
Since 2023, I have made it my mission to champion the cause of multilingualism in Parliament. From the oath-taking ceremony onwards, I deliberately chose to speak in my mother tongue (Manipuri), ensuring that Manipuri resonated in the hallowed halls of democracy at least once during every session. This was not merely symbolic but that was an assertion that every constitutional language deserves equal recognition in our national discourse.
The initial limitation to just 10 languages left many voices unheard. The speakers of other languages felt excluded. Such Members consistent use of their languages in debates and proceedings was intended to highlight this gap and demonstrate the pressing need for comprehensive language services. The realization of full 22-language interpretation service owes much to the tireless efforts of the Officers of Lok Sabha under able the guidance of Shri Om Birla. His work has been nothing short of a great transformation in parliamentary debate and deliberation in India.
Shri Utpal Kumar Secretary General, Lok Sabha and his team worked with unwavering dedication to establish an interpretation framework that could handle the complexity of 22 Constitutional languages simultaneously. The technical and logistical challenges were immense. Each language required interpreters who could not only translate words but convey parliamentary nuance, cultural context, and political subtlety. The infrastructure needed to support 22 simultaneous channels of interpretation demanded significant investment and coordination.
The provision for speaking and listening in all 22 constitutional languages in Lok Sabha represents more than technical achievement but also strengthens the Indian democracy – representing cultural pluralism and linguistic diversity. It also ensures our democratic principle that governance should be accessible to all citizens in their own languages. When Members rise to speak in Kashmiri, Santhali, Bodo, Dogri, or Manipuri, they speak not just for themselves but for millions who think, dream, and debate in these languages. This inclusivity provides an impetus to our democracy by ensuring that regional perspectives, cultural nuances, and local concerns find authentic expression in national legislation and policy-making.
As we celebrate this achievement in the just concluded winter session, we must remember those who advocated and insisted on linguistic equality. The journey from 10 to 22 languages was not inevitable – it required political will, bureaucratic commitment, and the persistent efforts of Members who refused to let their languages left out.
The implementation of 22 languages simultaneous interpretation service in Lok Sabha, sets a powerful precedent. It challenges state legislatures and other democratic institutions across India to follow the example of Lok Sabha. It reminds us that a true federalism includes linguistic pluralism too.
As a member who had spoken in my mother-tongue (Manipuri) in every session since taking oath, I feel intense satisfaction seeing this vision realized. The voices of all the Constitutional languages now will echo equally in our Parliament – a fitting tribute to the diversity that defines our democracy.
This is not just a precedence for regional languages but certainly a victory for the ‘idea of India’ itself – unity in diversity and myriad inclusivity. Telecasting the proceedings by Sansad TV and other Channels in these languages make our democracy more profound and widespread.
The writer is a former Member of Parliament and a former Union Minister of State External Affairs and Education, Government of India.
