Why Marking ‘Hindi’ in the 2026 Census is a Vital Act of Cultural Stewardship
As the calendar turns toward August 11, 2026, the Australian Indian diaspora stands at a significant crossroads. Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducts the Census of Population and Housing—a massive undertaking that captures the evolving face of our nation. For our community, which has grown to become the third-largest migrant group in Australia, the 2026 Census is more than just a bureaucratic requirement; it is a moment to claim our space in the national narrative.
Among the various questions on the form, the section regarding “mother tongue” and “languages spoken at home” carries a unique weight. This year, I urge every member of our community to think deeply before answering. I am calling on the Australian Indian diaspora to proudly include Hindi among the languages they know, even if they do not consider themselves perfectly fluent.
The Language of the Soul
To many, the term “fluent” implies the ability to debate philosophy or conduct high-level business in a language. However, the Census is not a proficiency test. It is a snapshot of our cultural reality.
For a vast majority of us, Hindi is the thread that weaves through our daily lives in ways we often overlook. It is the language of our mantras, the rhythm of our prayers, and the soul of our worship. When we sit in a puja, when we chant shlokas, or when we sing bhajans at the Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre, we are participating in a linguistic tradition that is thousands of years old. Hindi is the vessel for our cultural practices, the bridge to our elders, and the primary medium through which we express our spiritual identity.
By marking Hindi on the Census, you are acknowledging that this language is a living, breathing part of your home life.
Beyond Words: Why the Data Matters
There is a practical, hard-nosed reason for this request: Representation equals Resources.
The Australian Government uses Census data to make critical decisions about where to allocate funding and services. When the data shows a significant and growing population of Hindi speakers, it triggers a chain reaction of support:
• Education: Higher numbers justify the inclusion of Hindi in school curriculums and the funding of community language schools.
• Health and Aged Care: It ensures that hospitals and aged care facilities are equipped with Hindi-speaking staff and translated health resources—vital for our seniors who may prefer their mother tongue in times of vulnerability.
• Media and Broadcasting: It informs SBS and other broadcasters about the demand for in-language news and entertainment.
• Local Infrastructure: Councils use this data to stock libraries with Hindi books and fund multicultural festivals that celebrate our heritage.
If we do not “count” ourselves, we risk becoming invisible. As the saying goes, “If we don’t count it… it doesn’t count.” If the data suggests that our language use is declining, the resources dedicated to preserving our culture will inevitably follow suit.
A Collective Voice for the Pacific
We saw the power of our “collective voice” during the Pacific Region Hindi Conference held in Brisbane earlier this year. They recognize that a strong, linguistically confident Indian diaspora makes for a more vibrant Australia.
In 2021, the Census recorded a 55% increase in Hindi speakers in Australia. In 2026, let us show the world that this growth was not a fluke, but a sustained expansion of our heritage.
How to Respond
When your Census instructions arrive via myGov or in paper form this August, look for the question: “Does the person use a language other than English at home?”
If you use Hindi in your prayers, if you speak it with your parents, or if it is the language of your cultural heart—say Yes. In the “Specify” box, write Hindi.
Let us ensure that our children grow up in an Australia that recognizes their heritage. Let us ensure that our seniors are cared for in a language they understand. Most importantly, let us stand together to ensure that the “collective voice” of the Indian diaspora is heard loud and clear by the halls of Parliament.
Our language is our identity. In the 2026 Census, let’s make it count.
