The Tamil Nadu government has voiced strong objections against the Centre’s new policy to make Hindi a compulsory subject for students across India, calling the move an attack on the state’s educational framework and a threat to the future of students. Tamil Nadu’s leaders argue that this policy will only serve to hinder the educational development of students, particularly in the southern state, where English and Tamil are the primary languages of instruction.
Critics of the policy have pointed out that the push to make Hindi compulsory is based on an unrealistic assumption about the linguistic realities of each region. Tamil Nadu, with its rich cultural and linguistic heritage, views the introduction of Hindi in schools as a way of undermining local identity. Education in Tamil Nadu has traditionally been focused on providing students with the skills necessary to excel in regional languages, English, and international subjects, and the introduction of Hindi into the already packed curriculum could dilute students’ academic potential.
State leaders have also expressed concern about the logistical challenges of implementing such a policy in Tamil Nadu. Many students are already struggling to master Tamil and English, and adding a third language, which is largely irrelevant to their daily lives, could overburden them.
In response, the Centre insists that Hindi is vital for national unity and will aid students in better communication across India. However, the opposition in Tamil Nadu remains steadfast, with widespread protests and public demonstrations against the policy.
