National Language of India - Hindi?

Last week me and vins had a discussion on the languages in India. We were discussing about dravidian parties linguistic policies and we both felt that dravidian parties had done great in preserving the regional languages from hindi to a greater extent. While discussing, I mentioned that Hindi as the national language and it should be learnt in addition to Regional languanges. He opposed me saying hindi alone is not a national language and said there were 18 national languages. Since I have been under the impression that Hindi is the national language of India, I told him that he should learn civics again and all. I told that there are 18 constitutional language and official languages English and Hindi. But he was very strong in his stand saying 18 national languages and that made to me to google on this.

I found that we both were wrong! India does not have a national language. There is no article referring the National language in the Indian Constitution. English and Hindi are the official languages and the regional languages can be used if the official communication is within the regions. I spent 22 years thinking Hindi as the National Language of India!! very bad :(. An interesting definition on National Language - A Language that symbolizes the people of the nation, culture and history. In India every language defines the life of the people, history and culture and hence all languages in India are the National Languages of India.

I felt ashamed for not knowing this for years and hope you too feel the same reading this :). My tenth standard Civics master must be responsible for not letting me know this :)You too started blaming your school teachers..huh?