Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan emphasized the significance of language for Tamilians, urging caution against taking these issues lightly. His statements arise amid escalating tensions between the Centre and the DMK government regarding language policies in Tamil Nadu.
“Tamilians have sacrificed for their language. It’s crucial not to treat this lightly. Tamilians, including children, understand which language they require and have the right to make that choice,” Haasan asserted during his speech at the 8th foundation day of his political party.
A political standoff has erupted between the BJP and DMK over Chief Minister MK Stalin’s resistance to the three-language policy included in the New Education Policy (NEP), which promotes the use of Hindi. Haasan’s party has expressed support for the DMK-led coalition during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
This conflict intensified after Stalin formally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release ₹2,152 crore in funding under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, highlighting concerns over remarks by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan that linked fund release to Tamil Nadu’s compliance with the NEP.
Stalin’s letter to Modi indicated that such situations have generated significant anxiety among students, political factions, and the public, calling for direct intervention from the Prime Minister.
In response, Pradhan urged southern states to prioritize student welfare over political rivalries. He emphasized that the NEP provides a “transformative vision” for India’s education system without imposing any specific language.
The Education Minister criticized the DMK-led government for viewing the NEP through a narrowed perspective, suggesting that many states, regardless of political affiliation, have embraced NEP’s policies effectively. He noted that the NEP 2020 aims to expand educational opportunities.
Stalin countered Pradhan’s remarks by cautioning the Centre against jeopardizing Tamil identity, asserting, “Do not provoke a beehive. Any attack on the identity of Tamils will not be tolerated.” He further accused the Union government of using funds to further religious divisions and imposing Hindi under the guise of educational reform.
Addressing the ongoing language debate, PM Modi remarked that India’s diverse languages have historically coexisted, enriching one another without hostility.
