What would a group of people need if they were asked to set up camp in the wild? I presume camping equipment, food, water, medicines, etc.

Suppose someone in the group claims that language skills are the ultimate necessity. How would you react?

Is language truly the most critical factor in survival?

Just as camping requires essential survival items, migration involves necessary adjustments. However, language shouldn’t be treated as the primary survival tool at the cost of someone’s well-being

While survival is the primary concern for migrants, nowadays, the pressure to learn the local language adds an extra burden to their demanding lives.

I acknowledge that language is essential; it holds significant knowledge about everything. It shapes identity, connects people, and preserves cultural wisdom. Yet, forcing migrants to learn it under pressure dilutes its true essence. Instead of treating it as an obligation, we should invite them to engage with its richness through literature, storytelling, and shared experiences.

Every language is not just a tool but a living, evolving heritage. Let’s not force it; let people embrace it if they want.

Penned By
Maruthi Varun