Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin Criticizes Hindi and Sanskrit Imposition, Citing Erosion of North Indian Languages

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has once again voiced his strong opposition to the central government’s language policies, alleging that the promotion of Hindi and Sanskrit has led to the erosion of over 25 indigenous North Indian languages. His remarks come amidst an ongoing debate over the National Education Policy (NEP) and its potential impact on regional languages.

The Tamil Nadu government has long opposed the imposition of Hindi and Sanskrit, arguing that linguistic diversity should be preserved rather than undermined. Stalin’s comments have reignited a national conversation about language politics, regional identity, and the need for a balanced language policy in India.

Stalin’s Allegations on Hindi and Sanskrit’s Impact on Regional Languages

1. Loss of Linguistic Identity:
   
   • Stalin claims that Hindi and Sanskrit have gradually marginalized native languages spoken across North India, such as Maithili, Brajbhasha, Bundelkhandi, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, and Magahi.
   • He argues that these languages, once rich and widely spoken, have lost prominence due to government policies favoring Hindi as the dominant language.
2. Cultural and Historical Erosion:
   
   • According to Stalin, language is deeply connected to a region’s culture, traditions, and historical identity.
   • By prioritizing Hindi and Sanskrit, he claims the government has diminished the historical significance of other regional languages, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
3. Example of Tamil Nadu’s Resistance:
   
   • Stalin emphasizes that Tamil Nadu has resisted Hindi imposition through its strong Dravidian movement, which has historically fought for the preservation of Tamil as a primary language.
   • He warns that if other states do not take similar action, their native languages could face extinction.

Criticism of the National Education Policy (NEP)

1. Imposition of Hindi Through the Three-Language Formula:
   
   • The three-language policy under NEP suggests that students learn Hindi, English, and a regional language.
   • Stalin argues that this indirectly promotes Hindi while reducing the importance of regional languages.
   • Many South Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, have rejected this policy, advocating instead for a two-language system.
2. Fear of Sanskritization of Education:
   
   • Stalin claims that Sanskrit is being subtly introduced into mainstream education, replacing local languages.
   • He warns that if this continues, regional languages will be relegated to a secondary status, limiting their scope in higher education and government institutions.
3. Impact on Employment and Opportunities:
   
   • Many students in non-Hindi-speaking states fear that the emphasis on Hindi in government jobs and national-level exams could put them at a disadvantage.
   • Stalin asserts that making Hindi a compulsory language in national exams like UPSC, SSC, and banking exams creates an unfair advantage for Hindi-speaking states.

Political Reactions and National Discourse

1. BJP’s Response to Stalin’s Claims:
   
   • Central government representatives and BJP leaders have dismissed Stalin’s statements as politically motivated rhetoric.
   • They argue that the NEP is designed to promote multilingualism and does not enforce Hindi on any state.
   • BJP spokespersons claim that Hindi and Sanskrit are being offered as options, not imposed.
2. Support from Other Regional Leaders:
   
   • Stalin’s remarks have found support from political leaders in West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka, who have also opposed Hindi imposition.
   • Leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Communist Party of India (CPI), and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have echoed concerns about language hegemony and cultural erosion.
3. Experts and Linguists Weigh In:
   
   • Many linguists and cultural experts believe that Stalin’s concerns have some validity.
   • According to language researchers, several indigenous languages in North India have already lost their original script and literature due to Hindi’s dominance.
   • However, some experts argue that the decline of regional languages is due to modernization rather than government policies alone.

Historical Context of Tamil Nadu’s Opposition to Hindi

Tamil Nadu has had a long history of resisting Hindi imposition.

1. Anti-Hindi Agitation of 1937-1940:
   
   • Tamil Nadu’s opposition to Hindi dates back to British India, when the then-Madras Presidency opposed the introduction of Hindi in schools.
2. Anti-Hindi Protests of 1965:
   
   • One of the biggest protests in Tamil Nadu’s history occurred in 1965 when the central government attempted to make Hindi the sole official language.
   • This led to widespread student-led protests, resulting in the eventual recognition of English as a second official language.
3. Dravidian Movement’s Role:
   
   • Led by leaders like Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and C.N. Annadurai, the Dravidian movement championed linguistic pride and regional identity.
   • Tamil Nadu has since maintained a strong anti-Hindi stance, making it one of the only states to continue with a two-language policy (Tamil and English).

Implications for India’s Language Policy

Stalin’s statements bring forward several key questions about India’s language policies:

1. Should Hindi Be Promoted Nationally?
   
   • Proponents argue that having a common language can foster national unity and better communication across states.
   • Critics, like Stalin, argue that forcing a single language on a multilingual country is undemocratic.
2. Is Sanskrit Revival Necessary?
   
   • Some believe that reviving Sanskrit can help preserve India’s cultural and historical heritage.
   • Others argue that regional languages should be prioritized as they are spoken by millions, unlike Sanskrit, which is limited to religious and academic settings.
3. Will Other States Resist?
   
   • If the central government continues promoting Hindi, more states may follow Tamil Nadu’s example in resisting language imposition.
   • West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka have already voiced concerns over the issue.

Moving Ahead

M.K. Stalin’s remarks have once again placed India’s linguistic diversity at the center of political debate. While the central government maintains that NEP is not designed to impose Hindi, regional leaders like Stalin argue that the policy indirectly threatens the survival of local languages.

As discussions around multilingualism, cultural preservation, and national integration continue, it remains to be seen how India’s language policies will evolve in the coming years.

By – Nikita