Modi govt committed to promote all regional languages, including Tamil: Amit Shah

Chennai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the BJP-led Government at the Centre headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was strongly committed to promote all the regional languages, including Tamil.

Shah made the statement while addressing the 56th Raising Day event of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Regional Training Centre, which he renamed after Rajaditya Cholan Regional Training Centre (RTC) in memory of the Chola prince, who died in a battle there centuries ago, at Thakkolam in Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu.

Stressing on the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, he highlighted the efforts of the Prime Minister to honour the state's linguistic and cultural legacy.

In an apparent counter to the ruling DMK's repeated charge that the Government headed by Modi had done nothing for promoting Tamil language and development and that enough funds were not allocated, Shah said Tamil Nadu's heritage significantly contributes to the broader Indian cultural fabric and the rich culture of the State has greatly bolstered India's diverse heritage.

“The central government values and promotes every state's language," Shah said, adding "the Prime Minister has prioritised Tamil and its heritage, taking concrete steps to incorporate state languages into educational and professional spheres."

Pointing out that the government has introduced several initiatives like inclusion of regional languages, such as Tamil, in critical examinations for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the Union Home Minister said prior to Modi’s tenure, candidates could not take CAPF exams in their mother tongue, be it Tamil, Bengali or Kannada.

“Now, under the guidance and leadership of Mr Modi, candidates can write the CAPF exams and other exams in their regional languages, ensuring that no candidate is disadvantaged by language barriers,” he asserted.

In this context, Shah urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to introduce medicine and engineering courses in Tamil, a point which he had made it earlier, while attending a function in Chennai.

Offering these programs in the Tamil language will greatly benefit local students and make higher education more accessible, he noted.

“I have been advocating for the introduction of medicine and engineering courses in Tamil for the past two years, but no action has been taken so far,” Shah said.

"I urge the Chief Minister to take necessary steps at least now and introduce medical and engineering courses in Tamil,” he added.

Shah also said similar initiatives have already been implemented nationwide, allowing students to pursue courses in fields like medicine and engineering in their native languages, which helps in bridging educational gaps while ensuring greater inclusivity for students across India.