शीलन
By रामननोटर लोहिया
Summary
The text discusses the necessity of using a language in diverse contexts for it to become rich and developed. It draws an analogy with a child learning to swim: just as a child cannot learn to swim without splashing, ducking, and rising in the water, a language cannot become rich without being used. The author argues that language must be used everywhere—in science laboratories, courts, studies, and other places. It acknowledges that initial usage may feel awkward, clumsy, and prone to errors. However, the author contends that these errors in Hindi are less harmful than the existing errors in English. The text further asserts that the work of nurturing and improving a language is done more by lawyers, judges, journalists, teachers, writers, speakers, and scientists through their active use of the language than by linguists or dictionary compilers. It is through the usage of these professionals that a language improves, not by being artificially corrected. The text is attributed to Rammanohar Lohia.
Conclusion
The document underscores that a language cannot flourish without active, widespread use across all domains—from courtrooms and laboratories to classrooms and daily discourse. Even if initial usage feels awkward or contains errors, these mistakes are far less harmful than the paralysis of non-use. The text argues that language refinement is not primarily the work of grammarians or dictionary committees; rather, it is driven by practitioners—judges, scientists, teachers, writers, and speakers—who shape and enrich the language through their real-world application. The implication is clear: linguistic vitality depends on fearless, practical engagement rather than prescriptive correction. The outcome envisioned is a living, evolving language that grows organically through the collective, imperfect, and persistent efforts of its users, ultimately becoming more robust and expressive than one confined to academic or formal standards.