DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has launched a fresh attack on the Union government after flagging new railway station signboards in Tamil Nadu that allegedly prioritise Hindi.
Highlighting changes at Chennai Park and other stations, she compared the persistent push for Hindi to a spreading virus that must be resisted to protect regional identity.
While the Southern Railway maintains that multilingual signage is a standard amenity under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the DMK argues that placing Hindi in the prominent central position is a deliberate attempt to marginalise the Tamil language.
This development has reignited the long-standing linguistic debate in the state as political friction between the DMK and the Centre continues to grow.
Hindi Imposition Row
The controversy surfaced when images of renovated railway station signboards began circulating on social media, showing a shift in how languages are displayed. Historically, station boards in Tamil Nadu followed a specific hierarchy with Tamil at the top, followed by English and then Hindi.
However, recent updates under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme have seen Hindi moved to a more central and prominent position. This shift follows previous administrative friction over language in areas like Kallakurichi, where similar changes were flagged by local residents and political leaders as a departure from established regional norms.
Allegations of Cultural Imposition
Kanimozhi expressed her concerns on social media, stating that the “bacterium” of Hindi imposition is a persistent issue that requires a firm and collective response. “It began in Kallakurichi and continues to Chennai. They will not stop imposing it. Nor will we cease resisting it,” she stated in her post.
While the Railway Board often attributes these changes to technical guidelines aimed at assisting a diverse, pan-India passenger base, the DMK leadership views it as a cultural affront. Chief Minister MK Stalin has also been vocal, recently asserting that the state remains steadfast in its opposition to any policy that treats regional languages as secondary to Hindi.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that India’s greatest strength lies in its vibrant diversity, and language is a deeply personal pillar of cultural identity. While national development schemes are essential for progress, they should not inadvertently overshadow the linguistic heritage of a region.
Genuine national integration is built on mutual respect and a deep appreciation for our pluralistic society rather than top-down administrative changes that trigger regional anxiety. We advocate for a harmonious approach where all languages are celebrated and given their due dignity.
