Chennai: In the heart of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, a linguistic storm is brewing as Chief Minister MK Stalin intensifies his criticism of the central government’s language policies. On Thursday, Stalin took to social media to express his concerns about the impact of Hindi on regional languages, claiming that its forced adoption has led to the decline of 25 native languages in northern India over the past century. This assertion comes amidst a heated debate over the National Education Policy’s three-language formula, which Stalin and his party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), view as an attempt to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu.
Stalin’s remarks highlight the long-standing friction between Tamil Nadu and the central government. He pointed out that Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, often considered Hindi-speaking states, originally had diverse linguistic identities, which have been overshadowed by Hindi. Stalin questioned whether the central government truly respects regional languages by asking if boards in non-Hindi scripts were displayed during the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh.
The DMK leader also criticized the National Education Policy for not offering Tamil as a subject in most schools outside Tamil Nadu. He noted that Sanskrit is prioritized over Tamil in the three-language formula, and that Tamil language teachers are scarce in central government schools. Stalin further alleged that Sanskrit teachers have replaced Urdu teachers in Rajasthan schools.
This controversy follows Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s warning that Tamil Nadu could lose education funds if it does not comply with the new policy. Stalin and his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, have accused the centre of blackmail and warned of another ‘language war’ similar to those in the past. The central government has denied any intention to impose Hindi, stating that the policy allows students to choose their third language freely.
