Tamil Nadu’s linguistic landscape is a saga of pride, resistance, and an unwavering commitment to preserving its cultural identity. From the fiery anti-Hindi agitations of 1965 to the silent struggles of endangered languages, Tamil Nadu has continuously shaped its linguistic policies based on history, politics, and deep-rooted cultural sentiments. But why is Hindi not widely taught in the state? And what is the fate of its indigenous languages? Let’s explore.
What Happened in 1965 in Tamil Nadu?
The year 1965 was a turning point in Tamil Nadu’s history. The Anti-Hindi Agitation of 1965 erupted in full force as students, activists, and political leaders took to the streets in protest against the Central government’s move to make Hindi the sole official language of India. The agitation was led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a party that opposed the imposition of Hindi and championed Tamil identity.
The movement saw widespread demonstrations, student-led protests, and even violent clashes that resulted in multiple deaths. The sheer intensity of the protests forced the Indian government to pass the Official Languages Act of 1967, which assured that English would continue as an associate official language alongside Hindi, ensuring that non-Hindi-speaking states like Tamil Nadu would not be forced to adopt Hindi.
Since then, Tamil Nadu has remained steadfast in its opposition to compulsory Hindi education, a stance that continues to influence its policies today.
Which Language is Endangered in Tamil Nadu?
While Tamil thrives as the dominant language of the state, smaller indigenous languages face extinction. One such language is Toda, spoken by the Toda tribal community in the Nilgiris. With fewer than 1,000 speakers, the language is critically endangered.
Similarly, Irula, another indigenous tribal language, is at risk due to modernization and decreasing numbers of native speakers. The spread of mainstream education and the dominance of Tamil have contributed to the gradual erosion of these unique dialects.
Organizations and linguistic researchers are making efforts to document and revive these languages, but without active government intervention, they risk being lost forever.
What is the First Language of Tamil Nadu?
Tamil, one of the world’s oldest surviving languages, is the first and official language of Tamil Nadu. It is a Classical Language of India, a status granted due to its rich literary history spanning over 2,000 years.
Over 90% of Tamil Nadu’s population speaks Tamil, making it the primary medium for education, administration, and cultural expression. The state has taken numerous measures to promote the Tamil language, including its mandatory use in government institutions, schools, and official communication.
Why is Hindi Not Taught in Tamil Nadu?
Unlike most other Indian states where Hindi is taught as a second or third language, Tamil Nadu follows a unique two-language policy—Tamil and English. The reason behind this policy is deeply rooted in history and politics.
- Anti-Hindi Sentiment: The 1965 protests left a lasting impact. The Dravidian parties, which dominate Tamil Nadu politics, have consistently opposed Hindi imposition, considering it a tool of cultural dominance by North India.
- Tamil Cultural Pride: Tamil Nadu takes immense pride in its linguistic heritage and sees no need to prioritize Hindi when English serves as a global language.
- Employment and Practicality: Unlike North Indian states, where Hindi fluency is essential for government jobs, Tamil Nadu’s professional and business ecosystem operates primarily in English and Tamil.
- Resistance to Centralization: Many believe that making Hindi compulsory would be an attempt to centralize power in a linguistically diverse country, undermining India’s federal structure.
Though Hindi is available as an optional language in select schools, it is not a mandatory subject, making Tamil Nadu one of the few states where Hindi has minimal influence.
Conclusion
Tamil Nadu’s stance on language is a unique blend of historical defiance, cultural pride, and pragmatic policy-making. The state has fiercely defended its linguistic identity while also recognizing the importance of English in a globalized world. Meanwhile, smaller indigenous languages struggle to survive amidst Tamil’s overwhelming dominance.
The 1965 anti-Hindi agitation was not just a protest; it was a declaration that Tamil Nadu would not bow to linguistic uniformity. Even today, the echoes of that movement shape the state’s policies, making Tamil Nadu a fascinating example of how language can be a powerful tool of political and cultural assertion.