Chennai: The ongoing debate over language policies has intensified tensions between Tamil Nadu and the Centre, with Chief Minister MK Stalin leading the charge against the three-language policy. This policy, part of the National Education Policy (NEP), has been criticized for promoting Hindi and Sanskrit at the expense of local languages. Stalin’s strong stance has drawn criticism from the BJP, with State BJP chief K Annamalai labeling him a hypocrite. This controversy highlights a deepening divide between Tamil Nadu and the Centre over language and cultural identity.
In a recent post, Stalin emphasized that demanding linguistic equality is not chauvinism but a fight against cultural imposition. He argued that any imposition breeds enmity, threatening national unity. The DMK government has historically favored a two-language formula, which it believes has allowed Tamils to achieve great heights without needing a third language. This approach contrasts sharply with the BJP’s support for the three-language policy as a capacity-building measure.
The BJP in Tamil Nadu has launched a signature campaign in support of the policy, arguing that it will help people communicate better when traveling to other parts of the country. However, the DMK counters that children can learn as many languages as they wish without imposition. Critically, the Centre’s policy has been criticized for not providing adequate support for teaching Tamil in other states, despite claims of promoting regional languages. This lack of support is evident in the absence of Tamil teachers in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas.
The historical roots of Tamil Nadu’s opposition to Hindi imposition date back to the language wars of the past, where Hindi was seen as a threat to Tamil identity. The current standoff reflects these historical tensions, with both sides dug in over issues of linguistic and cultural identity.
