“Not interested”: Ravichandran Ashwin reveals the reason behind not becoming Team India’s captain
Star cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin recently made waves with his comments on language and his cricketing journey during a private college event. Speaking at a graduation ceremony, Ashwin raised an important issue about the status of Hindi in India. When he asked if anyone preferred to ask questions in Hindi, the room grew quiet, prompting him to clarify, “Hindi is not our national language; it is an official language.”
This remark sparked a broader conversation on language sensitivities, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where there has historically been opposition to Hindi. Ashwin pointed out the varied reactions when he mentioned Hindi, shedding light on the region’s complicated relationship with the language. His comment struck a chord, given the state’s long-standing resistance to Hindi imposition.
On a personal note, Ashwin shared his thoughts on why he never pursued the role of captain, despite speculation that he would take on the responsibility. He revealed, “When people doubt my abilities, it drives me to prove them wrong, but when they assume I can do something, I lose interest.” Reflecting on how his engineering background influenced his mindset, Ashwin added, “Had anyone from my engineering team told me I wasn’t fit for leadership, I would have pushed myself even harder.”
Ashwin also urged students to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning. “If you are a student, you will never stop. But once you stop considering yourself a student, learning halts, and excellence becomes a mere word in your cupboard,” he advised, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth and determination.
The issue of Hindi is particularly sensitive in Tamil Nadu, where the resistance traces back to the 1930s and 1940s. The Dravidian movement fiercely opposed making Hindi mandatory in schools, seeing it as an attempt to diminish Tamil culture and identity. Even today, Tamil Nadu advocates for the preservation of its native language, Tamil, and fights for regional linguistic autonomy within India.
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