Kanimozhi Hits Back At Amit Shah Over Language Row, Says 'Let North Indians Learn Tamil'

The ongoing language debate in India has seen recent comments from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who stated that Hindi is not an adversary to any language. DMK MP Kanimozhi responded by asserting that Tamil is also not an enemy and encouraged North Indians to learn Tamil. She emphasised the importance of learning South Indian languages for true national integration.

Kanimozhi expressed, "If Hindi is not the enemy of any language, then Tamil is also not the enemy of any language. Let them learn Tamil. Let the people of North India learn at least one South Indian language. That is true national integration." She further added, "We are not anyone's enemy. We are friends to all. Learn our language too." Her remarks did not directly mention Amit Shah.

Language Policy Concerns

The DMK government in Tamil Nadu, led by MK Stalin, has been in a heated dispute with the central government over what it perceives as attempts to impose Hindi through the National Education Policy (NEP). This policy requires schools to teach three languages, which Tamil Nadu sees as a covert way to introduce Hindi.

Tamil Nadu has accused the Centre of withholding educational funds due to its refusal to implement this policy. The state argues that this move undermines regional languages and cultures by prioritising Hindi over others.

Shah's Perspective on Language Unity

Amit Shah recently commented that languages had historically been used to divide India but assured that such efforts have never succeeded. He stated that the Modi government aims to make Indian languages a unifying force across the nation.

Shah reiterated his stance that Hindi should be seen as a friend rather than an opponent of other Indian languages. He stressed there should be no opposition towards any Indian language within the country.

Future of Language Use

In his earlier remarks, Shah predicted a societal shift where those who speak English might soon feel embarrassed. He suggested that such changes in societal attitudes towards language use are forthcoming.

The ongoing discourse highlights differing perspectives on linguistic diversity and integration in India. While some advocate for embracing multiple languages, others express concerns about potential imposition and loss of cultural identity.