Amid the ongoing language debate in Tamil Nadu involving the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the BJP-led central government, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday, urging him to implement engineering and medical education in Tamil within the state and expressing his admiration for the Tamil language.
Focusing on the current language controversy, particularly Stalin’s resistance to what he perceives as the imposition of Hindi, Shah highlighted that the Narendra Modi administration had instituted changes allowing aspirants for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to take their exams in their respective regional languages, including Tamil.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, candidates can now write the exam in Tamil as well,” Shah stated while speaking at the 56th Raising Day celebration of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in RTC Thakkolam, located around 70 kilometers from Chennai.
Shah appealed to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to consider initiating engineering and medical education programs in Tamil to benefit local students.
His remarks come during a period of heightened tension regarding language policies in the state, where the DMK has accused the central government of attempting to impose Hindi through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020—an accusation the Centre has refuted. The state government remains committed to its two-language policy, which consists of Tamil and English.
Praising Tamil Nadu, Shah remarked on how the state’s rich culture significantly contributes to India’s cultural fabric. “Whether it be administrative reforms, reaching spiritual heights, or fostering education and national unity, Tamil Nadu has played a pivotal role in reinforcing Indian culture across various domains,” he stated during the event, which featured an impressive march-past, yoga demonstrations, and special commando operations.
He acknowledged that the Tamil language, along with its culture and traditions, represents invaluable components of India’s heritage that the entire nation honors. Shah expressed pride in the naming of the CISF Thakkolam Training Center, Rajadithya Chozhan RTC, in honor of the distinguished Tamil warrior and king of the Chola dynasty, Aditya Chola, who is celebrated for his bravery and sacrifices.
The home minister emphasized the critical role of the CISF in fulfilling Prime Minister Modi’s vision of establishing India as the third-largest economy in the world and a fully developed nation by 2047. “The security provided by CISF personnel is integral to the country’s industrial growth, commerce, and research institutions. Thanks to the unwavering loyalty and dedication of the CISF, the nation can progress securely in these vital areas,” he stated.
As the chief guest at the CISF Raising Day festivities, Shah also unveiled the CISF’s magazine ‘Sentinel’ in the presence of CISF Director General Rajwinder Singh Bhatti, inaugurated a new gym, and laid the foundation for six welfare projects totaling Rs 94.37 crore. Earlier, he honored the memory of CISF personnel who lost their lives while serving the nation.
