No attempt should be made to divide nation in the name of language: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses the gathering during the launch of e – Coffee table book ‘Veerangana’ – a Tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar – honouring the women freedom fighters of India – organised by Bharatiya Janata Party Mahila Morcha, at Kedarnath Sahni Auditorium in New Delhi on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted on Friday that Hindi and all Indian languages strengthened each other and that there should be no attempts to divide the nation in the name of language.

He was addressing the audience at a grand theatrical tribute to the legendary Tamil queen Rani Velu Nachiyar, organised by the BJP’s women wing, which was headed by BJP MLA from Tamil Nadu, Vanathi Srinivasan.

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Mr. Singh’s reference to linguistic unity appears to be aimed at the recent controversy between the Tamil Nadu government and the Education Ministry at the Centre over the three-language formula in the New Education Policy, which the DMK government in the State feels is a way of imposing Hindi on non-Hindi speaking States.

He expressed concern over Tamil Nadu government prioritising opposition to Hindi over providing education in Tamil for crucial fields like medicine and engineering, emphasising that the BJP works with a “positive agenda” for the benefit of all.

“Hindi and all Indian languages strengthen each other. There should be no attempts to divide the nation in the name of language. A Hindi speaker is not an opponent of Tamil; rather, we believe in strengthening all Indian languages together,” he added. He further emphasised that India’s linguistic diversity is a source of strength and unity, not discord. He added that BJP “remains committed to respecting and safeguarding all Indian languages, including Tamil and Hindi”.

Highlighting initiatives of the Modi government, like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which celebrate India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, he said promoting one language should never mean undermining another.

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He paid rich tributes to what he termed “the fearless spirit of India’s women warriors”, including Rani Velu Nachiyar, the first Indian queen to wage an armed struggle against British colonial rule. He lauded her as a symbol of courage, intelligence and patriotism. Describing her leadership, he said she was not just a brave and popular ruler but demonstrated “true leadership”.

“True leadership lies not in staying in power but in the will to fight against oppression and injustice.” He also acknowledged the significant contributions of other brave queens like Rani Lakshmibai, Rani Durgavati and Rani Chennamma, who played pivotal roles in India’s history.