Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed that Indian languages have always influenced and enriched each other, dismissing notions of linguistic animosity. His remarks came amid the ongoing clash between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP).
Speaking at the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Delhi, PM Modi emphasized that India's linguistic heritage fosters unity. "Often, when efforts are made to create divisions based on language, our shared linguistic heritage provides a strong counterargument," he said, adding that the government is promoting education in all major languages, including Marathi.
The PM's remarks come as Tamil Nadu’s DMK-led government remains firm on its two-language policy of Tamil and English, rejecting the NEP’s three-language system, which includes Hindi. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged CM MK Stalin to “rise above politics” and consider the interests of young learners.
Pradhan also accused Tamil Nadu’s government of turning progressive reforms into political narratives. However, TN Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated that the state would not accept the three-language formula and was only demanding its rightful share of central funds.
The language policy remains a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu, which has a history of strong opposition to the imposition of Hindi.