Changes in Tamil Nadu anthem part of Hindi imposition, claims Udhayanidhi Stalin

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed that several indirect attempts were being made to impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu. According to him, the changes to the state anthem and the New Education Policy were part of this, and vowed to protect Tamil identity against such efforts.

In Short

• Udhayanidhi claims removing words from state anthem part of Hindi imposition
• He says the New Education Policy is another form of Hindi imposition
• Promises DMK will protect Tamil Nadu's linguistic and cultural heritage

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, once again, raised concerns about the alleged attempts to impose Hindi in the state, pointing to recent changes in the Tamil Nadu anthem as evidence of these efforts. Speaking at an event, Udhayanidhi claimed that certain words were deliberately removed from the state anthem during a recent Doordarshan Tamil program, sparking controversy.

“Many are attempting to impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu somehow, but as it is not possible directly, they are removing certain words from the Tamil anthem,” Udhayanidhi alleged, referring to an incident involving Governor RN Ravi. The words “Thekkanamum Adhirsirandha Dravida Nal Thirunaadum” were reportedly skipped during the anthem at the event, leading to widespread criticism.

Udhayanidhi linked the omission to broader efforts to undermine Tamil identity, accusing some of attempting to erase references to “Dravida” from Tamil culture. He recalled a previous instance when there was an attempt to change the state’s name from “Tamil Nadu” to “Thamizhagam”, a move that faced fierce opposition from the public.

“After facing people’s opposition, he (Governor Ravi) apologised, but now there are attempts to remove ‘Dravida’ from the anthem,” the deputy chief minister said.

Udhayanidhi also criticised the New Education Policy, describing it as another form of Hindi imposition. “They are attempting Hindi imposition through the New Education Policy,” he warned, expressing concern about the policy’s potential impact on Tamil Nadu’s education system and linguistic heritage.

Udhayanidhi emphasised that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party would strongly resist any attempts to alter Tamil Nadu’s linguistic and cultural identity. “Until the last DMK cadre and the last Thamizhan stand, no one can touch Tamil, Tamil Nadu, or Dravida. Tamil Nadu will never accept Hindi imposition,” he declared.