Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin has criticized the Centre’s education policy for the imposition of Hindi in schools. In a letter to party cadres on March 5, 2025, he addressed concerns over Hindi being taught in some schools run by DMK functionaries and emphasized that the responsibility lies with the Union government, not the school owners.
Blaming the Centre’s Policy
Stalin stated that certain DMK members operate schools that follow either the State Board or CBSE syllabus after obtaining proper permissions. He argued that if Hindi is included in the curriculum of these CBSE schools, the fault lies with the Centre’s education policy rather than the individuals running the institutions.
His remarks come in response to criticism that Hindi is being taught in schools run by DMK members. He dismissed the notion that DMK functionaries were promoting Hindi education while reiterating that his objective was not to reveal the names of BJP supporters who, according to him, had been “selling education” for generations.
The Controversy Over the Three-Language Policy
Tamil Nadu has long opposed the Centre’s three-language formula, preferring a two-language system of Tamil and English in its State Board schools. Stalin highlighted that thousands of private schools in Tamil Nadu following the State Board do not enforce Hindi learning.
He further countered BJP’s claims that poor students in government schools were being denied opportunities to learn Hindi while wealthier students in private schools had access to the language. “Hindi is not compulsory in these schools, and examinations are not conducted in Hindi. BJP leaders are aware of this but continue to act as if they are concerned about students,” he said.
Comparing Education Standards
Stalin defended Tamil Nadu’s education system, asserting that the quality of education in the state’s government schools surpasses that of schools in Hindi-speaking states. He cited factors such as modern infrastructure, well-equipped classrooms, and student welfare programs like breakfast and mid-day meals as key indicators of Tamil Nadu’s superior education model. “Educationists from other states appreciate Tamil Nadu’s approach, which focuses on skill development without language imposition,” he added.
Questioning the Lack of South Indian Language Promotion in the North
Stalin raised a critical question regarding linguistic equality, noting that while institutions like the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha promote Hindi in south India, no equivalent institutions have been established in the north to teach south Indian languages. “Mahatma Gandhi believed in linguistic unity and envisioned a system where both north and south Indians learn each other’s languages. However, no effort has been made to implement this vision in northern states,” he remarked.
Political Allegations Against BJP
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister accused BJP of attempting to undermine Tamil and other regional languages. He referred to unfulfilled promises, such as the installation of a Thiruvalluvar statue on the banks of the Ganges, as proof of BJP’s disregard for Tamil heritage. He further criticized the reluctance to assign Tamil names to trains operating in the state, asserting that such actions reflect a hidden agenda to suppress regional identities.
Stalin declared that the Dravidian Movement possesses the strength to resist these efforts, emphasizing its commitment to protecting Tamil language and culture against any forced imposition.
Conclusion
The language debate in Tamil Nadu continues to be a point of contention between the state government and the Centre. While BJP leaders argue that Hindi should be accessible to all students, the DMK remains steadfast in opposing any move that may threaten the prominence of Tamil. Stalin’s recent statements reinforce Tamil Nadu’s long-standing position against linguistic imposition and highlight the larger battle over regional autonomy in education.
