Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Kanimozhi and other DMK MPs hold a protest in the Parliament against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over his remark in the Parliament on the three-language issue on Tuesday.
Kanimozhi has reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s long-standing opposition to the three-language policy, arguing that instead of imposing Hindi, migrants from North India should be taught South Indian languages to help them integrate better.
Speaking to the media, Kanimozhi said that many workers from states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar move to the South for employment. She suggested that if they were taught a South Indian language, it would make it easier for them to work and communicate.
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Her remarks come amid an ongoing controversy over the National Education Policy (NEP) and its three-language formula, which mandates Hindi alongside two other languages in schools. Tamil Nadu has historically opposed the imposition of Hindi, preferring a two-language policy that includes Tamil and English.
The dispute escalated after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan allegedly described those protesting against the policy as "uncivilised" and "dishonest". Kanimozhi criticised Pradhan for his remarks, stating that it was an insult to the people of Tamil Nadu and to Parliament itself. She has since filed a notice for breach of privilege against the minister.
Kanimozhi stressed that Tamil Nadu has consistently resisted the three-language policy to protect its linguistic identity. She pointed out that education falls under the concurrent list, meaning states have a say in formulating their policies, and the NEP cannot be forced upon them.
The DMK MP further argued that students should not be burdened with learning a third language if they lack the interest or aptitude. She also highlighted that those who wish to study Hindi already have the option to do so through CBSE schools.
“This is about preserving our autonomy in education,” Kanimozhi said. “We have fought hard to ensure that our children are not forced to learn a language they do not need.”
This is not the first time Kanimozhi has spoken out against Hindi imposition. She previously questioned the necessity of learning Hindi, stating that neither she nor her son, who studied in Tamil Nadu, found it essential.
The debate over language education remains a sensitive issue in Tamil Nadu, where opposition parties have repeatedly resisted attempts to introduce Hindi as a compulsory subject. The latest controversy has further deepened the divide between the DMK-led state government and the BJP-led Centre.
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