At a time when language politics is stoking tension in parts of India, a simple yet powerful video from Haryana is winning hearts online not for outrage, but for compassion.
The viral video features Manu Sharma, a man from Haryana, and a young worker from Nashik, Maharashtra. It begins with a slightly tense moment as Sharma calls out to a group of men, asking, “Who among you is from Maharashtra?” A hesitant young man steps forward. Sharma then asks him to speak in Haryanvi. The boy, clearly nervous, responds that he doesn’t know the language.
In a climate where such questions often precede confrontation, many viewers braced for the worst. But what happened next defied expectations.
Instead of getting angry or making a political statement, Sharma walks over, hugs the boy, and says warmly, “This is your country; do whatever you want to do.” That one simple, genuine, and inclusive line struck a chord across the internet.
The video has gone viral, praised widely as a much-needed reminder of India’s true spirit. Many are calling it a “healing moment” in the middle of growing linguistic tensions, especially in Maharashtra and Karnataka, where migrant workers have faced hostility for not speaking the local language.
Manu Sharma later posted another video on Instagram, calling for peace and urging people not to fall for politically driven language fights. “Let’s all get together and never fight… and continue to make fun of Pakistan,” he joked, softening a serious message with humor.
This is the good gesture that comes amidst a whole series of troubling incidents involving language. Workers from other states are targeted in Maharashtra for being unable to speak Marathi. In Uttar Pradesh, a staffer at a restaurant was threatened for being unable to understand Bhojpuri, another way language has been used as an excuse.
India has 22 official languages and many more dialects. It is its strength, not weakness. Regional pride is, however, being increasingly politicized for political opportunism, generating fear and polarizing common people who want to make a living.
What sets Sharma’s hug apart is its simplicity. It wasn’t done with banners, speeches, or slogans but rather a simple gesture and invocation of common citizenship.
In a nation where differences tend to separate us, this video reminded everybody of a simple fact: you don’t need to share the same language to be respectful and kind. And all it takes is one hug every now and then to regain faith in the concept of India.
