‘Not just language struggle, but ethnic’: Udhayanidhi Stalin opposes ‘Hindi imposition’ | – The Times of India
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has said that the ongoing resistance to Hindi imposition is not just about language, but also about safeguarding Tamil identity and culture.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new Kalaignar Kalaiyarangam auditorium, built at a cost of Rs 4.80 crore at Nandanam Government Arts College, Stalin stressed the historical and cultural importance of the issue.
“This is not just a language struggle. It also continues to be an ethnic struggle to protect Tamil culture,” Stalin posted on X.
He paid tribute to leaders like Father Periyar, Anna, Kalaignar Karunanidhi, and chief minister M.K. Stalin for their continued leadership in the fight against what he referred to as dominance through Hindi.
“We continue to fight against the imposition of Hindi by the dominant forces under the leadership of our leaders, including Father Periyar, Grandmaster Anna, Muthamizhar Kalaignar, and the Honourable chief minister,” he said.
The deputy CM recalled a speech by Karunanidhi at the same college in 1986 opposing Hindi imposition, calling it still relevant today. He also referred to the 1956 anti-Hindi protests, stating that student involvement at the time had played a key role in defending Tamil language and identity.
“Students revolution only safeguarded Tamil Nadu from Hindi imposition. The union government troubles the students, which is seen as a threat to our education, with NEET, NEP, and the three-language policy. You (students) have to understand all tactics behind this,” he added.
Stalin criticised the language policies being promoted by the central government, claiming they are meant to push Hindi under the guise of educational reform.
“Tamil Nadu’s base is Tamil only. Tamil is being threatened in various ways. They brought three language policy, new education policy, NEET and only intention of all is to impose Hindi somehow. Students have to be alert and should understand the truth,” he said.
The ongoing disagreement between the Centre and Tamil Nadu government over the National Education Policy 2020 has sparked fresh debate, especially over the three-language formula. CM M.K. Stalin has earlier called the policy a “saffronise policy” designed to favour Hindi, arguing that it risks damaging the state’s education system.
