DMK MP Kanimozhi, heading an all-party Indian delegation to Europe, made a powerful statement on Monday, declaring that India's true national language is "unity in diversity." Her remarks come amid an ongoing political tussle between the DMK and the central government over the language provisions in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
“The national language of India is unity in diversity. That is the message this delegation brings to the world, and that is the most important thing today,” Kanimozhi told reporters when asked about India's national language, while visiting Spain as part of a diplomatic outreach.
The comment holds particular weight given the DMK’s vocal opposition to the Centre’s push for a three-language policy, which the party sees as an attempt to impose Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states. The DMK has long advocated a two-language system—Tamil and English—emphasizing linguistic federalism and cultural autonomy.
The issue resurfaced after the Union Education Ministry recently reaffirmed Hindi’s role as a “link language,” drawing sharp criticism from Tamil Nadu-based leaders. DMK representatives have accused the Centre of promoting a “Hindi-Hindutva agenda” under the pretext of educational reform.
Kanimozhi leads one of seven Indian multi-party delegations currently visiting 33 world capitals to build international consensus on India’s counterterrorism stance and expose Pakistan's activities. The delegation’s itinerary includes Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, and Russia.
Alongside Kanimozhi, the group includes Rajeev Rai (Samajwadi Party), Mian Altaf Ahmad (Jammu and Kashmir National Conference), Brijesh Chowta (BJP), Prem Chand Gupta (Rashtriya Janata Dal), Ashok Kumar Mittal (Aam Aadmi Party), and former diplomats Manjeev S. Puri and Jawed Ashraf.
As debates over linguistic identity and policy continue to shape India’s internal politics, Kanimozhi’s statement reinforces the broader constitutional vision of pluralism on a global stage.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)