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Language Diversity of India

How many languages do we have in India? The answer depends on how one counts it. The latest information that we have is from the Census of India held in 2011. This census recorded more than 1300 distinct languages which people mentioned as their mother tongues. These languages were grouped together under some major languages. For example languages like Bhojpuri, Magadhi, Bundelkhandi, Chhattisgarhi, Rajasthani and many others were grouped together under 'Hindi'. Even after this grouping, the Census found 121 major languages. Of these 22 languages are now included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and are therefore called 'Scheduled Languages'. Others are called 'Non-Scheduled Languages'. In terms of languages, India is perhaps the most diverse country in the world.

It is said of “passive resistance” that it is the weapon of the weak, but the power which is the subject of this article can be used only by the strong. This power is not passive resistance; indeed, it calls for intense activity. The movement in South Africa was not passive but active…

'Satyagraha is not physical force. A satyagrahi does not inflict pain on the adversary; he does not seek his destruction … In the use of satyagraha, there is no ill will whatever. 'Satyagraha is pure soul force. Truth is the very substance of the soul. That is why this force is called satyagraha. The soul is informed with knowledge. In it burns the flame of love.… Nonviolence is the supreme dharma …' It is certain that India cannot rival Britain or Europe in force of arms. The British worship the war god and they can all of them become, as they are becoming, bearers of arms. The hundreds of millions in India can never carry arms. They have made the religion of non-violence their own …

In his famous book Hind Swaraj (1909) Mahatma Gandhi declared that British rule was established in India, with the cooperation of Indians, and had survived only because of this cooperation. If Indians refused to cooperate, British rule will collapse within a year.

For comparing countries, their income is considered to be one of the most important attributes. Countries with higher incomes are more developed than others with less income. This is based on the understanding that more income means more of all things that human beings need. Whatever people like, and should have, they will be able to get with greater income. So, greater income itself is considered to be one important goal. Now, what is the income of a country? Intuitively, the income of the country is the income of all the residents of the country. This gives us the total income of the country. However, for comparison between countries, total income is not such a useful measure. Since, countries have different populations, comparing total income will not tell us what an average person is likely to earn. Are people in one country better off than others in a different country? Hence, we compare the average income which is the total income of the country divided by its total population. The average income is also called per capita income. In World Development Reports, brought out by the World Bank, this criterion is used in classifying countries. Countries with per capita income of US \[\ce{$}\]49,300 per annum and above in 2019, are called high-income or rich countries and those with per capita income of US \[\ce{$}\]2500 or less are called low-income countries. The rich countries, excluding countries of the Middle East and certain other small countries are generally called developed countries.

1. Explain the significance of per capita Income.
2. What are the classifications of countries based on per capita income, and which entity is responsible for determining these classifications?"

Mahatma Gandhi's thoughts on Satyagraha 

'It is said of "passive resistance" that it is the weapon of the weak, but the power which is the subject of this article can be used only by the strong. This power is not passive resistance; indeed it calls for intense activity. The movement in South Africa was not passive but active ....'

'Satyagraha is not a physical force. A satyagrahi does not inflict pain on the adversary, he does not seek his destrudion ... In the use of satyagraha, there is no ill-will whatever.'

'Satyagraha is pure soul-force. Truth is the very substance of the soul. That's why this force is called satyagraha. The soul is informed with knowledge. In it burns the flame of love ... Non-violence is the supreme dharma.'

'It is certain that India cannot rival Britain or Europe in force of arms. The British worship the war god and they can all become, bearers of arms. The hundreds of millions in India can never carry arms. They have made the religion of non-violence their own....'