‘Unity in Diversity is National Language’: Kanimozhi’s Spain Reply to Hindi Row – Video

DMK parliamentarian Kanimozhi delivered a pointed statement during India’s multi-party delegation mission to counter Pakistan-backed terrorism, declaring that the nation’s authentic language is “unity in diversity” when questioned about the current linguistic controversy between her party and the central government.

Speaking during the delegation’s official visit to Spain, Kanimozhi emphasized that this principle of inclusive diversity represents the core message India conveys globally, describing it as the most crucial element in contemporary times.

The remarks come amid escalating tensions between the DMK and the BJP-controlled central administration over language policies. The dispute centers on the National Education Policy (NEP) implemented by the BJP government, which mandates a trilingual framework making Hindi compulsory across all Indian states.

The Tamil Nadu administration, under DMK leadership, has strongly criticized this directive as an assault on federal principles and forced Hindi implementation throughout the country.

Kanimozhi leads a diverse parliamentary group comprising representatives from multiple political parties: Rajeev Rai from Samajwadi Party, Mian Altaf Ahmad from Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Brijesh Chowta from BJP, Prem Chand Gupta from Rashtriya Janata Dal, Ashok Kumar Mittal from Aam Aadmi Party, alongside former diplomatic officials Manjeev S Puri and Jawed Ashraf.

This delegation represents one of seven cross-party teams tasked with visiting 33 international capitals to engage global partners and highlight Pakistan’s terrorist connections worldwide. Kanimozhi’s specific mission encompasses Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, and Russia.

The DMK leader highlighted the distinctive nature of terrorism affecting India compared to other nations, emphasizing state sponsorship as a key differentiator. She noted that the delegations have successfully communicated this crucial distinction to international audiences.

Kanimozhi stated that India’s government and Prime Minister have made clear their unwillingness to differentiate between nations that sponsor terrorism and the terrorist organizations themselves, marking a significant shift in the country’s counterterrorism approach.