The suicide of former Arunachal Pradesh CM Kalikho Pul sent shock waves throughout the country. As shocking as his death, it was, however, his suicide note that raised several, pertinent questions.
Throughout his CM tenure however, Pul largely communicated through the press and the public, in a form of Hindi that was simple, clear and easy to understand—breaking conventions and preconceptions associated with people in the north-east.
The note, too, was a strange one, as the 60-page long letter was written in Shudhh Hindi, a language not associated, by large parts of our country, with Arunachal Pradesh.
The 60-page document served as a damning indictment of the central government, who demanded a bribe of Rs 32 crore to approve the decision of his appointment as CM.
What is as remarkable of the notes’ content is the level of Hindi used by Pul, which is not a departure from his political nous in the slightest.
During his press conferences, Pul would often respond to questions asked in English, in Hindi. Wherever necessary, Pul would use English phrases, which do not have a like-for-like English translation, to make his point more clear.
Pul’s Prowess in Hindi is Well Documented
Orphaned at the age of six, Pul’s political ascendancy is nothing short of remarkable. He had left school at the age of 10 and started working as a carpenter. However, he resumed his education at an Adult Education Centre, alongside his works, going on further to graduate in economics alongside studying law.
Pul’s public speeches are an exemplification of his education as his verbal Hindi is both well informed in it’s diction and easy to understand.
Addressing the public at Gandhi Chowk Rostram, Pasighat. Pul talked to the Arunachal Pradesh public about his political decisions, complex dealings with bureaucracy in a manner that cut through verbal red tape, presenting a clear picture.
Arunachal Pradesh and the Hindi Language
Pul’s prowess in Hindi shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as the state of Arunachal Pradesh has increasingly used the language to re-integrate itself with a large majority of the nation.
The rise of Hindi as a second language was precipitated by a combination of historical factors and the government policies. During the Indo-China war in 1962, many soldiers from the Gangetic plain were enlisted in the battle in Arunachal Pradesh.
Since then, Hindi became a uniting factor for many tribes who spoke an assortment of different languages. Hindi-speaking teachers from other parts of the country are largely involved in the state’s primary education.
The government even acknowledges this development, citing how the language is making ‘strong and constant inroads’.
“A lot of Marwari’s and Bihari’s come here for business,” Professor Tade Sangdo, assistant professor of History at the Arunachal Pradesh Rajiv Gandhi University told Scroll.in. “That’s a big advantage for the people of Arunachal. And our people can easily speak with people outside.”
His suicide note, titles Mere Vichar or ‘My thoughts’ exemplifies not only Pul’s ability but the educational development of a state that is making a concerted effort to reintegrate with a large majority of the country, on linguistic lines.
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