Not Hindi, Centre's real aim is to spread Sanskrit, says Stalin

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Thursday alleged that attempts by BJP-led Centre to impose Hindi were only a facade and that the real intention was to spread Sanskrit.

In his third letter to DMK cadres hitting out at Centre for its alleged plans to impose Hindi, Stalin contended that wherever a three-language formula was adopted, Hindi-Sanskrit had taken precedence. If TN too adopts such a formula, it will end up advancing BJP's Sanskritisation agenda, Stalin alleged.

According to him, over 25 languages like Maithili, Braj, Bundelkhandi, Bhojpuri, Avadhi, Kannauji, Garhwali, Kumaoni spoken in various north Indian states were destroyed by Hindi-Sanskrit. Since Tamil fought against direct invasion, BJP wants to impose Hindi-Sanskrit through NEP, he claimed. "Neither Hindi nor Sanskrit can ever destroy the greatness of Tamil. Fascists have always targeted a people's language and culture to erase their identity," Stalin said. He said the fact that Tamil survived without being corrupted by north Indian languages makes it a thorn in the flesh for those in power, forcing them to change their tack.

Stalin said Sec 4.17 of NEP clearly promoted Sanskrit at all education levels, relegating Tamil and other languages to secondary status. Only in Sec 4.18, Tamil is mentioned. "Even that says languages, including Tamil, shall be taught only in addition to Sanskrit."

"Push for a monolithic Hindi identity is what kills ancient mother tongues. UP and Bihar were never just 'Hindi heartlands'. Their real languages are now relics of the past," Stalin said.

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