Tamil Nadu's Stand Against Hindi Imposition: A Modern Language War

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin opposes the alleged imposition of Hindi and Sanskrit through the National Education Policy (NEP). He vows to protect Tamil language and culture, describing Hindi as a mask for Sanskrit. The state may face another language conflict similar to the 1965 anti-Hindi agitation.

In a pushback against what he perceives as an imposition of language, Chief Minister M K Stalin of Tamil Nadu has drawn a line in the sand against the perceived encroachment of Hindi and Sanskrit. The Chief Minister's statement comes amid allegations by the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) regarding the Centre's three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP).

Stalin's remarks were aimed at rallying party workers, positioning Hindi as the 'mask' for a hidden agenda of Sanskrit dominance. The NEP's provisions have sparked controversy, with accusations that the policy undermines regional languages in favor of Sanskrit. In Tamil Nadu, this rekindles memories of the language agitations of the mid-20th century.

The Chief Minister sharply criticized the appointment of Sanskrit instructors in states like BJP-ruled Rajasthan, arguing it sidelines other languages like Urdu and regional tongues, risking a future dominated by 'Sanskritisation.' As the situation unfolds, Stalin vows to safeguard Tamil from what he sees as cultural encroachment masked as educational policy.

(With inputs from agencies.)