Language Row: Kamal Haasan Issues Warning

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Kamal Haasan warned Tamilians on the language issue.
• Dispute continues between Centre and Tamil Nadu over NEP’s three-language policy.
• MK Stalin demanded the central government release funds.
• Dharmendra Pradhan urged Tamil Nadu to rise above political differences.
• Stalin warned the Centre against challenging Tamil identity.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Friday underscored the importance of language among Tamilians, while warning against taking such matters lightly. His remarks came amid an ongoing language row between the Centre and MK Stalin’s DMK government in Tamil Nadu over the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP).

“Tamilians have lost their lives for a language. Don’t play with those things. Tamilians, even children, know what language they need,” Haasan said, highlighting the deep emotional connection to language. This issue is more than just education; it’s about cultural identity.

The political flashpoint stems from Stalin’s opposition to implementing the three-language policy in Tamil Nadu under the NEP, which includes Hindi. This policy, aiming to promote multilingualism, is seen by some in Tamil Nadu as an imposition of Hindi, leading to resistance.

The tussle started after Stalin wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the immediate release of Rs 2,152-crore funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). He expressed concern over Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s remarks, suggesting the funds would not be released if Tamil Nadu does not implement the NEP. This financial pressure has further intensified the dispute.

Pradhan hit back at Stalin, urging the southern states to “rise above political differences” for students’ benefit. He emphasized that the NEP is a “transformative vision” aiming to elevate India’s education system to global standards but clarified that the policy does not impose any particular language. His response tried to reassure that NEP aims to offer wider horizon, not narrow them.

In response, Stalin warned the Centre against “challenging the identity of Tamils,” signaling the depth of feeling around the language issue. He further critiqued the intention of the NEP, alleging that the Union minister claims that mother tongues will be enriched and that “We know how to enrich our mother tongue, Dharmendra Pradhan.”

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Kamal Haasan warns of repercussions over language dispute.
• Centre-state dispute persists over NEP’s three-language formula.
• Stalin seeks funds from the central government.
• Pradhan appealed for political unity on education matters.
• Stalin defended Tamil identity against perceived threats.

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