The Tamil-Hindi controversy discussed by DMK’s Kanimozhi

DMK Leader Kanimozhi Clarifies Party’s Stance on Three Language Policy

In a recent statement, senior DMK leader Kanimozhi addressed the contentious issue of the three language policy, emphasizing that their objection lies in the “imposition” of Hindi by the Centre rather than the language itself. She clarified that Tamil Nadu is home to a diverse population, with people from various parts of the country speaking different languages, and the key concern is the imposition of a particular language on the state’s residents.

Protecting Tamil Without Compromising Other Languages

Kanimozhi reiterated that protecting Tamil does not equate to undermining other languages or promoting a particular ideology. She emphasized the importance of coexistence and mutual respect for all languages, while strongly opposing any attempts to impose one language over others. Quoting Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, she highlighted the significance of preserving languages as a means of safeguarding cultural heritage and identity.

North-South Cultural Divide and Language Learning

The DMK leader also pointed out the deepening north-south cultural divide due to the lack of reciprocal language learning across different regions in India. She raised concerns about the unequal language education practices, where southern states like Kerala and Karnataka are required to learn Hindi without a corresponding effort from northern states to learn South Indian languages. Kanimozhi emphasized the need for a more inclusive and balanced approach to language education.

Challenges of the Three-Language Principle

While acknowledging the benefits of multilingualism, Kanimozhi questioned the assumptions behind the three-language principle, stating that it is not necessarily superior to a two-language policy. She dispelled the notion that learning multiple languages is exclusive to affluent children, emphasizing the importance of preserving one’s mother tongue as a crucial aspect of personal and cultural identity. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of English as a global communication tool and advocated for the inclusion of other languages like Mandarin and Japanese based on individual interests and needs.

Historical Context and Current Standoff

Tamil Nadu has a longstanding history of resistance against Hindi imposition, with significant anti-Hindi agitations in the past. As the BJP-led government pushes for the three-language education policy in the state, the DMK has expressed readiness for a “language war” to defend Tamil and uphold the state’s linguistic rights. The escalating tensions between the central government and Tamil Nadu over the implementation of the National Education Policy have led to a standoff, with financial implications for the state’s education programs.

Amidst the ongoing debate, Union Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Tamil Nadu included an apology for not being able to speak Tamil, underscoring the rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of the state. The language issue remains a focal point of political discourse, reflecting broader concerns about identity, diversity, and linguistic rights in India.