Save our mother tongue

It is time we took steps to hand over our cultural heritage, of which we are proud, to the young generation. The mother tongue is an important aspect of our heritage. Iran was our motherland many centuries ago, but after migrating to India we accepted this country as our home and Gujarati as our mother tongue.

Sadly, our next generation does not know Gujarati and shamelessly confesses ignorance of the language. Our youngsters are inclined to speak English, which leads them to a Western lifestyle in free India.

Zoroastrians, led by revered Dastur Nairiosang Dhaval, had taken a pledge in the court of Jadi Rana of Sanjan that we would adopt Gujarati as our mother tongue along with other customs. We take pride in having kept these promises even after 1,300 years, so why are we breaking the pledge regarding Gujarati?

English is not an international language. The Russian, German, French, Iranian and Arab nations do not use English but stick to their mother tongues. For those who can afford to go to America or England for higher studies or jobs, English is essential. Others have no excuse for giving up Gujarati. When we can study difficult languages like Avesta and Pazand, why can’t we have tuitions in Gujarati which is much easier to learn?

It is the duty of parents and organizers of public functions to seriously enhance the use of Gujarati and encourage youngsters to become proficient in it.

NOSHIR DABOO

Ahmedabad