Ravi said that he has observed a growing enthusiasm among the people of Tamil Nadu to learn Hindi in recent years
Amid condemnation over the Hindi Month function in Tamil Nadu which has reignited the longstanding Hindi and non-Hindi speaking debate, Governor RN Ravi on Friday said that criticism of Hindi is an “excuse.” He noted that he has seen a growing enthusiasm among the people in the state to learn Hindi in recent years.
“Talk against Hindi is an excuse. You celebrate Kannada Diwas, Malayalam Diwas, Telugu Diwas… I assure you there will be protests here by some people,” Ravi stated.
He further added: “In the last three years, I have visited almost every nook and corner of the state, participated in events, and interacted with students in schools and colleges. I have seen the growing enthusiasm among people of Tamil Nadu to learn Hindi.”
The Governor made these comments while addressing the Hindi Month valedictory function at the Doordarshan office in Chennai, coinciding with its Golden Jubilee celebrations.
This event has sparked a huge controversy, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condemning it, stating that such celebrations in a “multilingual nation” like India belittle other languages.
‘Attempt to belittle other languages’: Stalin
Earlier today, Stalin in a post on X condemned the event and called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that holding Hindi month events in states where Hindi is not the primary language is seen as an attempt to “belittle other languages.”
I strongly condemn the celebration of Hindi Month valedictory function along with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Chennai Doordarshan.Hon’ble @PMOIndia,
The Constitution of India does not grant national language status to any language. In a multilingual nation, celebrating…
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) October 18, 2024
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president further noted that the Constitution of India does not designate any language as the national language
Tamil Nadu CM further suggested that “holding such Hindi-oriented events in non-Hindi speaking states could be avoided, and instead, the celebration of the local language month in the respective states should be encouraged.”
Stalin vs Ravi showdown continues
Meanwhile, Stalin has strongly condemned the removal of “Dravidian” from the Tamil Thai Vaazhthu—the state anthem often played at the start of government programme—asserting that this action violates state law.
The song was performed at the Hindi Month valedictory function today, where Governor RN Ravi was the chief guest.
#BreakingNews: Tamil Nadu CM #MKStalin vs Guv #RNRavi showdown intensifies. Stalin criticizes the incorrect singing of the Tamil Thai song, claiming removing “Dravidian” from greetings violates state law@Nimumurali with detailsA senior DMK leader adds, “This was intentionally… pic.twitter.com/ecc5vvIRiV
— News18 (@CNNnews18) October 18, 2024
In a post on X, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister blamed Ravi, stating: “Removing the word Dravidian and chanting Tamil Thai greetings is against the law of Tamil Nadu! A person who does not act according to the law and acts according to his will is not fit to hold that office.”
“Will the governor who suffers from Dravidian allergy ask them to leave out Dravidian in the national anthem? The Union Government should immediately recall the Governor who is deliberately insulting Tamil Nadu and the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu!,” Stalin added.
Ravi ‘intentionally’ removed Dravidian word
Speaking to CNN-News18, DMK leader TKS Elangovan alleged that the removal of the word “Dravidian” was done intentionally under the instructions of Governor Ravi.
“The governor is insulting the state. He is purposely doing this to demean the people of Tamil Nadu… This goes against the constitutional provisions and the law,” Elangovan stated.
Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan Dismisses Allegation, Issues Statement
On Friday evening, Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan issued a statement dismissing any involvement in the alleged removal of the word “Dravidian,” as claimed by CM Stalin, and clarified that neither the Governor nor his office played any role in the matter, apart from participating in the event.
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…— ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2024
“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,” the statement from Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan read.
