There is an old saying that if you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. For me, that language is Gujarati. It isn't just a collection of words or a method of communication; it is a sanctuary where I feel most like myself.
A Connection Rooted in Childhood
My relationship with Gujarati began at home, wrapped in the warmth of family. As a child, it was the first bridge I built to the world. I remember sitting by the window with my grandmother, the air filled with her stories. Through the rhythmic flow of Gujarati, she didn't just tell tales; she passed down Sanskar - the values and ethics that define who I am today. Her speech was clear, melodic, and easy to understand, making the complex lessons of life feel like simple, comforting truths.
When you speak your mother tongue, there is no translation; it is a direct conversion from the heart.
The Comfort of “No Translation”
In my daily life, I speak many languages to navigate the world. However, switching to Gujarati feels like taking off a heavy coat after a long day.
Whether I am chatting with a colleague in a high-stress environment like a hospital or sharing a laugh with a neighbor, Gujarati brings an immediate sense of relaxation. It removes the mental barriers of grammar and syntax, leaving only pure, raw emotion and connection.
A Beacon in Foreign Lands
The true power of one's mother tongue is often felt most strongly when we are far from home. There is a unique, electric excitement that pulses through you when you are in a foreign country and overhear a familiar Gujarati phrase.
Why We Must Respect Our Roots
Respecting our mother language is necessary because it is the foundation of our pride. It connects us to our ancestors, our culture, and our deepest sense of self.
- It provides comfort: In moments of pain or joy, our mother tongue expresses our feelings best.
- It builds community: It instantly connects us to others, regardless of where we are in the world.
- It preserves heritage: It carries the Sanskar of our grandparents into the future.
It is the language that saved me, the language that comforts me, and the language that I will always be proud to speak. At UVAN, we see every day how mother-tongue depth unlocks trust in business, healthcare, and cross-border work - because the right words, in the right language, reach people where policy and pitch decks cannot.
