Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, called on the people of the state to give their children Tamil names to resist efforts to impose Hindi. Speaking at an event on Tuesday, he subtly criticized the BJP-led Central government, accusing them of pushing Hindi through the new education policy.
Opposition to Hindi Imposition
Udhayanidhi stressed the importance of preserving Tamil identity, stating, “Many are attempting to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu.” He urged new parents to choose “beautiful Tamil names” for their children, as a stand against these attempts. He emphasized Tamil Nadu’s strong resistance, saying, “Tamil Nadu will never accept Hindi imposition.”
He also mentioned that there had been previous attempts to change the state’s name and remove words like “Dravidam” from the Tamil Thaai Vaazthu (State song). “Until the last cadre of DMK is alive, until the last Tamilan is alive, none can even touch Tamil, Tamil Nadu, and Dravidam,” he declared.
Comments on Lok Sabha Delimitation
Udhayanidhi’s remarks followed a recent statement by his father, Chief Minister MK Stalin, who reacted to the Centre’s Lok Sabha delimitation exercise. MK Stalin had joked that people might now have to consider raising 16 children to counter the delimitation process. “But whatever be the outcome, provide Tamil names to your children,” MK Stalin added.
Udhayanidhi on Sanatan Dharma Controversy
Udhayanidhi also addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding his previous comments on Sanatan Dharma, which had sparked a nationwide uproar. He clarified that his statements were based on the teachings of leaders like Periyar, Perarignar Anna, and his grandfather, Kalaignar. Despite facing legal cases across India, he stood by his words, stating, “I am Kalaignar’s grandson, and I will not apologize for anything.”
He reiterated his earlier stance, saying Sanatan Dharma should not just be opposed but eradicated, likening it to diseases like malaria or dengue that require elimination.