MK Stalin protests 'Hindi Month' calls it belittling of other languages

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday protested the Centre’s initiative to organize ‘Hindi Month’ across the country and wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that celebrating Hindi Month in non-Hindi speaking states “is an attempt to belittle other languages.” He added that such events can be avoided in non-Hindi states.

“I strongly condemn the celebration of the Hindi Month valedictory function along with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Chennai Doordarshan,” Stalin said, taking to X. The event in Chennai is scheduled for October 18, with the Governor presiding over it.

“The Constitution of India does not grant national language status to any language. In a multilingual nation, celebrating Hindi Month in non-Hindi speaking states is seen as an attempt to belittle other languages,” CM Stalin expressed. He added that if the Union government still desires to hold such events, then the celebration of local language months in respective states should be done with equal warmth. “I suggest that holding such Hindi-oriented events in non-Hindi speaking states could be avoided, and instead, the celebration of the local language month in the respective states should be encouraged.”


In his letter to PM Modi, Stalin also proposed that the government should hold special events to celebrate the “richness of all the classical languages it has recognized in the respective states,” which he believes would enhance the cordial relationship among all states and citizens.

The Tamil Nadu CM’s letter soon sparked a debate online, with some netizens praising his stance, while others criticized him for not addressing more pressing issues like the recent heavy rains and corruption in the state.

“Language is a key part of who we are. We celebrate Tamil culture and won’t accept Hindi imposition. Let’s unite to protect our language! #StopHindiImposition,” Ramkumar K wrote on X. Meanwhile, another user, Tinku Venkatesh, said, “When any misgovernance or corruption expose happens, it’s always about Hindi imposition. I don’t think people are fools anymore.”