Chaotic Language Policy

Muslim Murasu, November 2012

For the past fifty years, Tamilnadu has been facing dilemma in framing a language policy.
Policy of single language, bilingual policy, trilingual policy; politicians have been whimsical, taking for granted the future of students. It is sufficient to gather 120 MLAs, any legislative shift is possible. Those who retained their constituency with hundred votes margin, electoral rigging, money for vote, caste votes, uncompetitive rival, criminal background are trampling welfare of Tamilians. Rajaji introduced Hindi in Tamilnadu schools in 1937. After 75 years, still there is no clarity in language policy. Offspring of rulers should be compulsorily admitted in government schools. Otherwise solution won't emerge.
Different rule for rulers and plebeian is in practice in educational sector. Educated and illiterate have equal franchise. But educational rights are denied. Competitive, Christian, upper-caste, English convents are balkanizing the nation. Children studying in public schools don’t receive social status.
In 1986, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi ruled to open exemplary Navodaya school in each district. Selfish Tamil politicians opposed the move. They spent huge funds to secure a good future for their wards. They push public towards government run schools. It shows their duplicity. Courts have thrust their share by giving judgments every other month. Learning multiple languages is the need of the hour. Education is one thing, language proficiency is another.
English educated are great. Their qualities are good. Pants, shirts and shoes will pave way for handsome salary. They won’t have to go in sun or rain. They don’t have to sweat. They can enjoy luxurious life generation after generation. This notion created by English speaking elites is perilous.
Tamilians are not provided opportunity to learn Arabic, Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, neighboring languages Malayalam, Telugu or Kannada. Let us remember the three lakh crore rupees foreign income gifted by Arab soil. Expertise in Urdu can defuse tension between India and Pakistan. One lakh crore expenditure for army annually can be saved. Tamil politicians use language passion for their own selfish, party agenda. Privatization is government policy. It applies for language too.