In India, language controversies have become a significant political issue, particularly regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's advocacy for the nationwide adoption of Hindi. This initiative is seen as part of his broader agenda to unify the country under Hindu nationalism.
Recent protests have erupted over a policy in Maharashtra, a western Indian state run by Modi's party, which mandated the teaching of Hindi in elementary schools. This decision faced backlash from opposition parties and local residents who viewed it as an affront to Marathi, the region's native language.
In Tamil Nadu, a state historically resistant to Hindi imposition, the chief minister has publicly opposed a central education policy that promotes Hindi. The state government filed a lawsuit against the central government after it threatened to withhold education funding unless the policy was implemented.
Activists argue that prioritizing one language undermines national unity in a linguistically diverse country. While central government officials publicly celebrate India's linguistic variety, Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party has made spreading Hindi central to its vision of a Hindu-first nation.
Hindi and English serve as India's official languages, with Hindi being the mother tongue of the largest demographic. The Modi administration has increasingly referred to India as Bharat, a term rooted in Sanskrit, the ancient language that contributes to Hindi.
Since overhauling the national education policy in 2020, the government has promoted Hindi in public programs. However, Tamil Nadu has resisted, claiming that its current education system, which emphasizes Tamil and English, is sufficient.
Concerns in Tamil Nadu and other southern states focus on the potential erosion of their cultural heritage, which is heavily influenced by Dravidian languages. Local pride in Tamil is strong, and any attempt to impose Hindi is met with significant resistance.
The controversy in Maharashtra began when the chief minister mandated Hindi in elementary schools. The backlash included public outcry against individuals who appeared to support the policy, leading to vandalism and apologies from those who misstepped in their comments.
Political rivalries have united in the face of this controversy, with notable politicians setting aside differences to oppose the Hindi mandate. The reunification of two estranged political factions occurred against the backdrop of upcoming municipal elections and recent electoral setbacks.
In a show of solidarity, the Tamil Nadu leader congratulated the Maharashtra politicians on their mobilization against Hindi imposition, emphasizing that the resistance has transcended state boundaries.