By The Sampadak Express
Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sudha Murthy expressed her strong support for the controversial three-language formula in the Centre’s National Education Policy (NEP) on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of multilingualism. Murthy, known for her literary work and social contributions, highlighted her own linguistic abilities as proof that learning multiple languages can be both enjoyable and beneficial.“
I have always believed that one can learn multiple languages. Personally, I know 7-8 languages, and I thoroughly enjoy learning them. Children can greatly benefit from acquiring multiple languages,” Murthy said, making a case for the multilingual approach that the NEP advocates.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who also defended the NEP’s language policy in Parliament, weighed in on the matter. In a statement during Tuesday’s Parliamentary debate, Pradhan took aim at the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), accusing the party of politicizing the issue to gain political leverage and revive its fortunes. He also shared a conversation he had with Sudha Murthy, reinforcing that no one was being forced to adopt any particular language.
Pradhan said, “I asked Sudha Murthy ji how many languages she knows, and she replied that by birth she is a Kannadiga, by profession she learned English, and through practice, she learned Sanskrit, Hindi, Odia, Telugu, and Marathi. What’s wrong with that? Who is imposing these languages on Sudha Murthy? No one is forcing anyone. We live in a democratic society, and being multilingual is an asset.”
The three-language formula, a key aspect of the National Education Policy, has sparked significant controversy, particularly in Tamil Nadu. The NEP proposes that students in schools across India be taught three languages: the mother tongue, a regional language, and a foreign language such as English or Hindi. However, this suggestion has faced strong opposition from Tamil Nadu, where political leaders argue that the policy may lead to the imposition of Hindi, conflicting with the state’s long-standing two-language policy.
The DMK has been vocal in opposing the NEP, claiming that it could undermine Tamil Nadu’s educational system and lead to a cultural erosion by prioritizing Hindi. The party argues that Tamil Nadu has a well-established two-language policy, which involves teaching in Tamil and English. They contend that the NEP’s three-language formula, with a potential emphasis on Hindi, could marginalize regional languages and traditions.
The Tamil Nadu government’s resistance to the NEP has created a deadlock with the Centre. The Union government has responded by stating that it will only release funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, which amounts to more than ₹2,000 crore, if the state agrees to accept the NEP in its entirety. This has further escalated tensions between the two governments.
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, also opposed to the three-language formula, voiced his concerns over the BJP-led Centre’s stance. In a statement, he criticized the government for being inflexible and pushing a policy that is not suitable for all states, particularly Tamil Nadu. “English connects us to the world of commerce and science, and Tamil preserves our culture and identity. If anyone wants to learn a third language, it should be a personal choice. There is no reason to make it compulsory. Forcing a third language on us is completely unacceptable. The Union government must show flexibility in its policy implementation,” Chidambaram said.
The debate over the NEP’s language policy highlights the ongoing tensions between central and state governments in India, with language often serving as a flashpoint for regional identity and cultural preservation. While the Union government argues that the three-language policy promotes national integration and multilingualism, the opposition in Tamil Nadu remains steadfast in its belief that such a policy undermines the region’s linguistic heritage.
As the deadlock continues, both sides are under pressure to find a resolution that respects the cultural diversity of India while ensuring that the education system can accommodate a globalized world. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications not only for Tamil Nadu but for the entire country as it grapples with how to balance national unity with regional diversity.
