Tamil Nadu’s Reaction to Language Policy Tensions
In light of the ongoing tensions regarding the Hindi-Tamil language controversy, D. Muthukrishnan, a financial planner from Chennai, highlighted the proactive stance of Tamil Nadu. Muthukrishnan noted on X that “Chennai college students are embracing a third language such as Japanese, German, French, among others. Starting this year, chess and AI will be part of the curriculum in government schools.”
He also emphasised, “Local managerial staff in Taiwanese firms located in Tamil Nadu are taking the initiative to learn Mandarin. Tamil Nadu is open to the idea of learning a third language if it serves a purpose in life.”
Muthukrishnan’s comments arise as the Tamil Nadu government expresses increasing concern over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes a three-language formula.
Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed this initiative, viewing it as an attempt to enforce Hindi through educational means.
The roots of this conflict are deeply historical. The state has adhered to a two-language policy—Tamil and English—since 1968, following years of protests. A 1937 decision to make Hindi mandatory in schools led to widespread demonstrations, and anti-Hindi protests in 1965 escalated into violence, resulting in over 70 fatalities. Eventually, the Centre guaranteed that English would remain an official language alongside Hindi.
As per the NEP, the Union government has suspended ₹2,150 crore in educational funding under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan initiative, exerting pressure on the state to adopt the three-language approach. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that financial release would only occur once Tamil Nadu complies with the policy “in both letter and spirit.”
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu indicated that the state would cover the deficit in funding. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has branded the NEP as a “Hindutva policy,” asserting that it aims to undermine regional languages.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed Parliament, countering the state’s stance by asserting, “You (DMK) lack the resolve to translate medical and engineering courses into Tamil.” He further stated, “Should we form the government, medical and engineering courses will be made available in Tamil.”
Shah maintained, “Hindi does not rival any national language… Hindi complements all Indian languages,” and declared the initiation of official correspondence in regional languages starting December.
Rajya Sabha MP Vaiko responded sharply, declaring, “Hindi lacks grammar, it does not possess literature. It is a harsh language.” He challenged Shah’s confidence and forecasted, “The BJP will never establish a government in Tamil Nadu; it will face extinction.”
