Not Against Hindi, But Dravidian Movement Opposes Its Imposition: Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Stalin

Chennai: Deploring that many north Indian states lacked a film industry of ir own to protect ir identity and cultural ethos, as south does, Tamil Nu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday said if states failed to protect ir own languages, n Hindi will take over and erode ir identities.

This was reason why Dravidian movement is against Hindi imposition, but it did not have any animosity towards that language, he said.

Speaking on literary and linguistic ethos in Dravidian politics, he said Dravidian political movement in Tamil Nu, known for its strong linguistic and cultural pride, has held long literature and language as its foundation pillars.

"This fusion of literary, linguistic, and political ethos created a powerful identity that profoundly shaped Tamil Nu's social and political landscape," he said, speaking at Art and Literature festival of Manorama Daily group at Kozhikode today.

He said both Tamil Nu and Kerala were two most progressive states in India and both have successfully kept fascist and communal forces at bay.

Dravidian leers invoked Tamil literature to propagate nationalism and scientific temper and leers like C N Annurai and M Karunanidhi popularised Tamil literature among people. self-respect movement, fore-runner of Dravidian movement, rose to resist what it saw a cultural and linguistic domination, he said.

Dravidian movement placed Tamil as a core of its identity and Tamil wasn't seen merely as a medium of communication but as a voice of community seeking recognition, dignity, and independence from Hindi imposition, he ded.

" push to make Hindi as an official language during 1930s and later in 1960s stimulated Dravidian movement which perceived it as an excessive threat to Tamil culture and linguistic identity," Udhayanidhi said at event.

Dravidian movement recognised potential of literature to serve both as a cultural force and as a vehicle of social change. Rationalist leer Periyar's writings, manifestos and editorials condemned caste-based oppression, male-dominant practices and rigid social structure.

"Our leers harnessed literature to connect with masses... speeches of Annurai and Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) infused literary references and me political philosophy of Dravidian movement easily understandable by masses," Udhayanidhi said.

"Our leers' work echoed Dravidian movement's core values of equality, rationalism and anti-religious beliefs," deputy chief minister said. This was reflected in Tamil Nu's language policy (of Tamil and English) and in preserving unique Tamil identity.

"Even today, pride in Tamil language and literature fuels policies and discussions about state autonomy and cultural excellence," he said.

Earlier, Tamil Nu's stand on linguistic insubordination h been seen as divisive by nationalists. y thought that opposition to Hindi imposition would eventually le to nation's disunity. However, after many deces, history has proved orwise that "so called nationalists who still want to impose Hindi on all non-Hindi speaking states are indeed divisive and a threat to national unity," he said.

As Dravidian leers expanded ir reach, Tamil cinema became an influential platform to amplify Dravidian ideology. Before 1950s, Tamil cinemas were heavily Sanskritised, and released with anti-scientific mes. vent of Dravidian movement altered situation and after 1950s, cinemas emerged as dominant medium for political messages with movies delivering socially conscious narratives and dialogues dressing masses.

"Before entering politics, I h a small stint in Tamil film industry, which is doing business in billions. Similarly, we have a thriving film industry in Kerala. I like most of Malayalam films me in recent times. Likewise, Telugu and Kanna are also performing well," he said.

He sought to know if any or languages in any north Indian state have grown like vibrant film industry in south India. " answer is a very big no," he said and ded that all languages in north India have given way to Hindi.

As a result, y have only Hindi films and or north Indian languages received far less attention compared to Hindi films.

"Sly, many or states in north India do not even have ir own film industry. If we fail to protect our own language, n Hindi will take over our culture and erode our identities. That's why Dravidian movement is against Hindi imposition but does not have any animosity on that language," he said.

Political parties in Tamil Nu except BJP should emphasise two-language formula introduced by DMK to survive in Tamil Nu political landscape, he said and recalled that Governor R N Ravi refused to re words Tamil Nu in state assembly but inste said Tamilagam.

"Both of us face a threat from BJP which is trying to impose one nation, one election, one culture, and religion concept. Let us stand toger and protect our language, culture and literature from fascist BJP," he appealed. 

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