In a stirring commemoration, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin donned black attire Sunday to honor the heroes of anti-Hindi movements at Chennai’s Thalamuthu-Natarajan Memorial on Language Martyrs’ Day.
The event at Moolakothalam saw Stalin offer floral tributes to the duo slain in demonstrations against Hindi enforcement, igniting chants of ‘Salute to the Language Martyrs.’ This act symbolized the state’s fierce defense of its linguistic heritage.
Taking to X, Stalin wrote passionately: ‘No room for Hindi in Tamil Nadu. On this glorious tribute day: Not in the past, not today, never in the future. A state that cherishes its mother tongue above all stood united, battling imposition with bravery every time.’
He emphasized the movements’ role in protecting diverse linguistic identities across India, expressing deep gratitude to martyrs who laid down lives for Tamil. ‘Let no more blood be shed in language fights; let Tamil spirit endure eternally as we resist Hindi forever,’ Stalin urged.
January 25 each year revives memories of the 1930s protests and the pivotal 1965 anti-Hindi agitation, sparked by apprehensions that Hindi dominance would marginalize Tamil in schools and governance, threatening local self-rule.
The 1965 protests mobilized Tamil Nadu’s youth and masses, etching a profound legacy that forced policy shifts. The Centre’s concession to retain English as a co-official language quelled unrest, affirming India’s commitment to pluralism.
Joining Stalin were Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, ministers PK Sekar Babu and MP Saminathan, Mayor R Priya, and a diverse crowd of officials and citizens, reflecting language’s persistent pulse in state politics.