Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Apr 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a public address in Rameswaram following the inauguration of the New Pamban Railway Bridge, subtly critiqued Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin regarding the use of the Tamil language in official correspondence.
Amidst ongoing discussions about the three-language policy, Modi expressed surprise at the absence of Tamil signatures in letters he receives from Tamil Nadu leaders. "Occasionally, I am taken aback when I receive letters from certain Tamil Nadu leaders – none of them bear signatures in Tamil. If we genuinely cherish Tamil, then I would encourage everyone to at least sign their names in Tamil," he stated, highlighting the significance of promoting and embracing one's mother tongue.
The Prime Minister also underscored the Central government's commitment to globally promoting Tamil language and culture, saying, "We are consistently working to ensure that Tamil language and Tamil heritage reach every corner of the world."
These remarks come against a backdrop of sustained verbal exchanges between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the Central government, with the state accusing the BJP administration of attempting to impose Hindi and undermine Tamil linguistic and cultural identity.
Earlier in the day, Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Railway Bridge in Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, marking a significant advancement in Indian infrastructure. He remotely activated the bridge's vertical lift span to allow a Coast Guard vessel to pass, demonstrating a notable feat of indigenous engineering. The New Pamban Bridge holds the distinction of being India's first vertical lift railway sea bridge, symbolizing progress in modern railway infrastructure.
Additionally, Modi flagged off a new train service between Rameswaram and Tambaram in Chennai, aiming to enhance regional connectivity for both commuters and pilgrims.
While Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was unable to attend due to prior commitments in the Nilgiris, the event was graced by several prominent figures.
The gathering included Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Tamil Nadu Minister Thangam Thennarasu, BJP leaders K. Annamalai, Sudhakar Reddy, H. Raja, and Nainar Nagenthiran, along with Ramanathapuram District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon.