Chennai, India – In a passionate plea reflecting the cultural sentiments of Tamil Nadu, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has urged parents to name their children using Tamil names, emphasizing the importance of preserving the Tamil language amid fears of Hindi imposition. His remarks come as a direct critique of the BJP-led central government, which he accuses of attempting to enforce Hindi through the new education policy. Speaking to newlyweds, Udhayanidhi Stalin highlighted the growing concern over the perceived encroachment of Hindi into the cultural landscape of Tamil Nadu.
"New parents should look for good new Tamil names," he stated, reinforcing his belief that the integrity of the Tamil language must be protected against external pressures. He pointed out that attempts have been made to dilute Tamil identity, including omissions from the Tamil state song, Thai Vaazthu, as well as campaigns to alter the state's name. Stalin’s comments resonate with his father's earlier statements regarding population growth in Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin had jokingly questioned why couples should not consider having 16 children, in response to concerns about dwindling youth populations in southern states.
This light-hearted approach to a serious demographic issue sparked discussions across the country. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks underline a broader movement in Tamil Nadu to safeguard linguistic and cultural heritage. "As long as the last heir of the DMK is alive, Tamil language will survive. No one will be able to shock Tamil, Tamil Nadu, and Dravidian," he proclaimed defiantly.
His comments signal a commitment to resisting any form of cultural imposition and reiterate the state's resolve to maintain its distinct identity. The Deputy Chief Minister's call for Tamil names serves as both a celebration of local culture and a warning to the central government, asserting that Tamil Nadu will not yield to pressures that threaten its linguistic sovereignty. As discussions about language and identity continue to unfold, Tamil Nadu remains steadfast in its dedication to preserving its rich heritage against any perceived encroachment.