Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Governor RN Ravi are currently involved in a heated exchange of words following a controversial incident during the Hindi Month Valedictory function at Doordarshan’s office in Chennai. Singers reportedly skipped a line from the rendition of Tamil Nadu’s state anthem, ‘Tamizh Thaai Valthu’, causing uproar.
The omitted line, ‘Thekkanamum Adhilsirandha Dravida Nal Thirunaadum’, which translates to ‘The Greatest Nation Down South in the Dravidian Lands’, led to immediate backlash from Chief Minister M K Stalin. He deemed the exclusion as an insult to Tamil cultural pride and demanded the recall of Governor Ravi by the Centre.
Stalin took to social media to criticize the celebration of Hindi Month in non-Hindi speaking states, insinuating that it undermines other languages. He also accused Governor RN Ravi of having a “Dravidian allergy” and questioned his allegiance to the Dravidian identity.
In response, Governor RN Ravi rebuked Stalin’s comments, calling them cheap and regrettable. He maintained that he always recites the full anthem with reverence, pride, and precision. Ravi highlighted his efforts to promote Tamil language, including establishing a Tamil diploma course in Gauhati University with the support of the Assam government.
The recent dispute over the Tamil Nadu anthem adds to a series of clashes between RN Ravi and MK Stalin. In a previous incident in March 2024, Ravi walked out of the legislative assembly after his speech, citing disrespect towards the national anthem because the Tamil anthem preceded it.
Tamil Nadu has two anthems, with ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ as the official state song since 2021. Government events typically begin with this anthem and conclude with the national anthem. The ongoing tension between the Chief Minister and the Governor sheds light on the complexities of cultural identity and linguistic pride in the region.
