Chennai, Feb 28: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has once again criticized the Centre’s National Education Policy (NEP), asserting that forcing any language as a third language in schools is unnecessary in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He emphasized that true progress lies in innovation, not linguistic imposition.
Taking to social media platform X, Stalin reiterated his opposition to Hindi imposition, referencing statements made by BJP leaders advocating for the language. He remarked, "BJP leaders insist, 'You must know Hindi to buy tea, pani puri, or use toilets in North India.'” However, he argued that advanced translation technology now eliminates language barriers, making additional language requirements redundant.
He stressed that students should focus on mastering their mother tongue and English while gaining expertise in science and technology. "If needed, they can learn any language later. True progress lies in innovation, not linguistic imposition. #LongLiveTamil #StopHindiImposition," the DMK chief wrote.
Tamil Nadu’s Resistance to Hindi and Sanskrit
In a letter addressed to DMK members, Stalin reaffirmed that Tamil Nadu would not permit the dominance of Hindi and Sanskrit over Tamil. He recalled that the DMK had always led the struggle to protect Tamil identity, citing the successful anti-Hindi agitation of 1939, which led to the withdrawal of Hindi imposition by the then Governor of the Madras Province."Although we have won the first language battle, the war is still ongoing. This is not just an issue of language imposition but an attempt to erode Tamil culture and impose Sanskritisation on our land," he wrote.
BJP's Counterattack
Responding to Stalin's remarks, Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai accused him of using the Hindi imposition narrative to divert attention from governance failures."Stalin has not realized that his attempts to shift focus from misgovernance to a non-existent Hindi imposition have failed to resonate with Tamil Nadu, except among a few select groups," Annamalai said.
Sharing an old video of Tamil Nadu Minister Duraimurugan stating that proficiency in Hindi and English is necessary for Parliament discussions, Annamalai questioned Stalin’s stance. "It is your own party’s general secretary pushing for Hindi," he remarked.
Defending the NEP’s three-language policy, Annamalai pointed out the inconsistency in Tamil Nadu’s approach. "Why have two different rules? Private school students are given the opportunity to learn a third language, but why is this denied to government school students?" he asked.
The debate over language policy continues to be a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu, with DMK and BJP leaders locking horns over the NEP's implications on education and cultural identity.
