Hindi not national language, it is official language: former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin

Former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin seen during the  23rd Graduation Day of Rajalakshmi Engineering College in Chennai. Photo: X/@myrecchennai

Former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has said Hindi was not the country’s national language but only an official language.

He made these comments while attending the convocation of a private college near Chennai on Thursday (January 9, 2025), where he asked the students in what language they would like him to address them.

While a few preferred English and there was overwhelming support when he gave the option of addressing them in Tamil, there seemed to be no takers for Hindi.

“Hindi — no response. I thought I will say it (Hindi) is not our national language, but an official language,” the former India all-rounder said.

Pursue excellence, continue to learn

Ravichandran Ashwin called upon the youth to pursue excellence and continue to learn even after completing their formal education.

Addressing the 23rd Graduation Day of Rajalakshmi Engineering College, where 1,601 candidates received their degrees including PhD, he said school and college years were the best time in everyone’s life. Young women and men should hold on to a larger cause after their higher education.

“Whatever lies ahead of you, be it your career, financial liberation, or anything else, you should hold on to a good cause. Only then you will be strong with a steely resolve with the ability to fight battles that come your way,” he said. He advised the students to ignore those who demotivate them, remain focussed, pursue excellence, and always remember to keep on learning.

Recalling his student days, the off-spinner said that he found it very hard to balance his education as well as his game. “Proper time management helped me… it was not easy, but looking back, I think what I learnt there and the tough times that I endured has made me what I am today,” he said.

Prabu David, Provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, Rochester Institute of Technology, New York, USA, was the chief guest at the event. Chairperson, Rajalakshmi Institutions Thangam Meganathan, and Vice Chairman Abhay Meganathan spoke.