Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that languages in India are not in competition but in cooperation, and there should be no attempts to divide the nation in the name of language. Rajnath was speaking at an event organised to commemorate Tamil warrior queen Rani Velu Nachiyar, believed to be among the first women rulers who fought against British rule.
“A Hindi speaker is not an opponent of Tamil; rather, we believe in strengthening all Indian languages together,” he said, adding that the country’s linguistic diversity is a source of strength and unity and not discord.
Rajnath’s remarks come at a time when the Centre and Tamil Nadu are at loggerheads over the implementation of the three-language policy in schools.
Singh said that the BJP remains committed to respecting and safeguarding all Indian languages, including Tamil and Hindi. Pointing out that initiatives like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam celebrate India’s linguistic diversity, he added that promoting one language should not mean undermining another.
Referring to Nachiyar as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and intelligence, Singh said: “True leadership lies not in staying in power but in the will to fight against oppression and injustice.”
Singh also mentioned Rani Lakshmibai, Rani Durgavati and Rani Chennamma, saying they remain an inspiration for future generations. “When women are empowered, the benefits extend beyond individuals to families, society and the entire nation,” he said, adding that when women participated in Satyagraha, and the Quit India and Non-Cooperation movements, these struggles transcended politics and became national movements, reaching every home, street, and village.
“Ensuring women receive their rightful place in society is not just a policy decision. It is the foundation for building a developed and prosperous India,” he said.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd