Tamil Nadu’s Fight Against Hindi Imposition Is Ethnic Too, Says Udhayanidhi Stalin at Cultural Event

30
293

Chennai:Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has sharpened the state’s long-standing opposition to the imposition of Hindi, calling it not just a language-based struggle but a cultural and ethnic resistance aimed at protecting Tamil identity.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Kalaignar Kalaiyarangam auditorium at the Government Arts College in Nandanam—built in memory of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at a cost of ₹4.80 crore—Udhayanidhi said, “This is not just a language struggle. It also continues to be an ethnic struggle to protect Tamil culture.”

Referring to the history of anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu, he reminded the audience of Karunanidhi’s powerful speech delivered in the same college in 1986, stressing that the concerns raised then are still relevant. “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 stated.

The Deputy CM highlighted how students played a pivotal role during the 1956 anti-Hindi protests and warned them of current threats in the form of central policies like NEET, the National Education Policy (NEP), and the three-language formula. “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 said.

Udhayanidhi also underlined the government’s stance that Tamil Nadu’s foundation is built on its language and culture. “Tamil is being threatened in various ways… all these policies have one goal—to impose Hindi,” he said, urging students to stay vigilant.

The three-language issue remains a major point of contention between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the Centre. CM MK Stalin has previously called the NEP a “saffronisation policy” and alleged it would “destroy” the state’s unique education framework.

30 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here