Telugu actor-cum politician Pawan Kaylan has jumped into the ongoing language debate in Tamil Nadu. He highlighted Tamil films dubbed into the Hindi language for commercial benefits. Kaylan, who is the Minister of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development of Andhra Pradesh, called out Tamil Nadu politicians for their hypocrisy.
However, DMK spokesperson Dr Syed Hafeezullah brushed off Kalyan’s argument calling it a ‘hollow understanding’ of the state’s stance on linguistic policies. He said Tamil Nadu has never opposed individuals learning Hindi or any other language on the people of the state.
Kaylan, the founder of the Janasena Party, questioned Tamil Nadu politicians’ resistance to the Hindi language, saying Tamil films continue to be dubbed into Hindi to cater to a national audience. “Why do Tamil Nadu politicians oppose Hindi while allowing their movies to be dubbed in Hindi for financial gain,” he said. “They want money from Bollywood but refuse to accept Hindi – what kind of logic is that?”
Tamil Nadu Hasn’t Stopped Hindi
Hafeezullah said Tamil Nadu already has Hindi Prachar Sabhas that voluntarily teach Hindi to those who are interested. He highlighted that people are welcome to learn Hindi if they want to do so. However, the DMK leader said the issue arises when the Central government mandates Hindi learning through policies like NEP or PM SHRI schools.
TKS Elangovan, senior DMK leader, explained that the party has opposed Hindi since 1938. “We had passed legislation in the state assembly that Tamil Nadu will always follow the two-language formula because of the advice and suggestions of the education experts.” He said the bill was passed way back in 1968 when Pawan Kaylan was not even born.
Elangovan pointed out that this isn’t the first time that they have opposed Hindi. DMK holds the view that education in the mother tongue is the best way of training people. Elangovan accused Kaylan of supporting the BJP and wanting to make petty gains out of the government.
