'Centre Should Immediately Recall Governor': Stalin Slams RN Ravi Over Omission Of 'Dravidian' From Tamil Anthem

Tamil Nadu Governor Ravi attended the Hindi Month valedictory function and the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Chennai Doordarshan where the omission of the Dravidian reference sparked outrage.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has called for the immediate recall of Governor RN Ravi, accusing him of deliberately disrespecting Tamil Nadu and its people. The controversy erupted after the phrase "Dravida nal Thirunadu" (You are the elite Dravidian country in the Deccan) was allegedly omitted from the Tamil anthem during an event attended by Governor Ravi on Friday.

Governor Ravi attended the Hindi Month valedictory function and the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Chennai Doordarshan, where the omission of the Dravidian reference sparked outrage. In a post on social media platform X, Stalin strongly condemned the Governor, questioning his actions and accusing him of acting against the law of Tamil Nadu.

"Governor? Are you an Aryan? Removing the word Dravidian from the Tamil Thai anthem is against the law of Tamil Nadu! A person who does not respect the law and acts according to his whims is unfit for the office," Stalin wrote, emphasising that the Governor's actions insulted the unity of the nation and the diverse races living in the country.

The Tamil Nadu CM also questioned whether the Governor, who he claims is averse to the word "Dravidian," would dare suggest leaving out references to Dravidian in the national anthem. He demanded the Union Government recall Governor Ravi immediately, accusing him of intentionally hurting the sentiments of the Tamil people.

This demand follows Stalin’s earlier letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he criticised the combining of the Hindi Month valedictory celebration with Chennai Doordarshan's Golden Jubilee. Stalin has consistently expressed concern over the promotion of Hindi in non-Hindi speaking states, viewing it as an attempt to undermine regional languages.

Governor RN Ravi Has No Role In Omission Of 'Dravida' From Tamil Anthem: TN Raj Bhavan

Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan, meanwhile, clarified that Governor RN Ravi and his office had nothing to do with the omission of "Dravida" from the 'Thamizhthaai Vaazhthu'.

"It is hereby clarified that the Governor participated in the Hindi Month Valedictory function & Commemoration of Doordarshan Chennai Golden Jubilee Celebration held at Chepauk, Chennai organised by Doordarshan, Chennai. At the beginning of the programme, the troupe who recites the Thamizhthaai Vaazhthu has inadvertently missed a line which consists of the word "Dravida". The matter was immediately brought to the notice of organizers and appropriate authorities were asked to look into the matter. The Governor or His Office has no role in this except that he participated in the Programme. The governor has high respect towards Tamil & sentiments of the State and will continue to hold them at the highest level," Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan stated, as reported by news agency ANI.