'What Is India's National Language?' Kanimozhi Was Asked In Spain, This Is What She Replied

She was interacting with members of the Indian diaspora in Madrid when an attendee sought clarity on the national language of India. Without missing a beat, the Tamil Nadu parliamentarian responded.

Kanimozhi Karunanidhi is part of an all-party delegation travelling abroad for India's global outreach programme.

Source : X

DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, who is part of an all-party delegation travelling abroad for India's global outreach programme following Operation Sindoor, was asked about India's national language.

She was interacting with members of the Indian diaspora in Madrid when an attendee sought clarity on the national language of India. Without missing a beat, the Tamil Nadu parliamentarian responded, "The national language of India is unity and diversity. That is the message this delegation brings to the world, and that is the most important thing today."

Kanimozhi's response, though succinct, carried layered significance, especially in light of recent political tensions. The DMK leader’s emphasis on unity amidst linguistic diversity is seen as a direct counter to perceived attempts to impose a singular language identity on the country.

A Lingering Political Backdrop

The comment also comes at a time when language policy has become a contentious issue between the Tamil Nadu government and the central leadership. The debate around the three-language formula proposed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has reignited old concerns about Hindi imposition in non-Hindi-speaking states.

Tamil Nadu, led by the DMK government, has been vocal in its opposition to the policy, advocating instead for a two-language formula that respects regional languages and identities.

With Operation Sindoor serving as a backdrop for India's engagement with the global community, Kanimozhi's remark may also be viewed as an attempt to reframe the national narrative in a way that aligns with constitutional values and regional sentiments.