New Delhi: In the heart of India’s linguistic diversity, a battle is brewing between Tamil Nadu and the central government over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. At the center of this storm is the three-language formula, which Tamil Nadu perceives as a veiled attempt to impose Hindi. This perception has ignited a firestorm of protests and heated exchanges, both inside and outside Parliament, highlighting deep-seated tensions over language and federalism.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has been at the forefront of this resistance, accusing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan of arrogance in his approach to the issue. The dispute has led to a war of words between the two leaders, with Stalin labeling Pradhan’s stance as “acting like a king.” This confrontation reflects a broader struggle over linguistic identity and state autonomy.
Stalin has consistently opposed the NEP, citing concerns over Hindi imposition and the disruption of Tamil Nadu’s successful two-language education model, which includes Tamil and English. Despite Pradhan’s assurances that NEP promotes linguistic freedom and does not impose Hindi, Tamil Nadu remains unconvinced. The Centre’s decision to withhold education funds unless the state adopts NEP has further strained relations, with Tamil Nadu viewing this move as coercion.
Historical anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu have fueled the current resistance to NEP. The state’s successful implementation of a two-language policy has led many to question the need for a third language, especially when it is perceived as an attempt to undermine Tamil linguistic heritage. The DMK government argues that this policy has enabled Tamil Nadu’s students to excel globally without the burden of a third language.
The language row has sparked widespread protests and political tensions, with both sides accusing each other of political motives. While the Centre maintains that NEP will benefit students by promoting multilingualism, Tamil Nadu sees it as a threat to its cultural identity. This standoff highlights the ongoing struggle between state autonomy and central policies, with no clear resolution in sight.
