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

Former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin emphasises Hindi not national language, urges youth to pursue excellence at college graduation ceremony.

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.

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.