Kolkata, 1 August (H.S.) -Amid ongoing political controversy over the alleged harassment of Bengali migrant workers in various states and the treatment of Hindi-speaking citizens in West Bengal, Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen has reaffirmed that every Indian citizen has the constitutional right to move freely across the country and speak in any language.

Speaking to reporters at his ancestral residence in Santiniketan, Sen emphasized, “Whether someone is Bengali, Punjabi, or Marwari—it doesn’t matter. Every citizen has the freedom to go wherever they wish and speak in any language they choose. This is their constitutional right.”

Sen further clarified that the Indian Constitution does not recognize any concept of regional rights and that the right to reside and live happily across the country is guaranteed to all citizens equally. “We must respect every individual. Every citizen has the right to live with dignity and joy,” he added.

Expressing concern over reports of mistreatment, Sen said that if Bengalis are being harassed or discriminated against anywhere in the country, it must be firmly opposed. “This is not just an issue for Bengal but a concern for the entire nation,” he remarked.

Addressing the broader cultural and linguistic discourse, Sen underscored the historical richness of the Bengali language, tracing its origins back to the Charyapada. He highlighted the significance of literary figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, noting that their contributions embody values that must be understood and embraced.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh