I am a Student in Chennai. I’ve realized that the 'Language War' isn't about language at all...it's about the fear of losing identity on one side, and the obsession with administrative uniformity on the other. I am here to tell both sides: Stop using us,students as your shields.
You are alienating your own brothers and sisters.Believing that the North is always against the South and the Centre has only the sole objective of imposing Hindi on the south is wrong.Believing that Hindi can truly act as a National Language isnt Nationalism...The NEP has various advantages,but there are varuous concerns regarding its implementation.
I address the NEP and those concerned not as a critic, but as a stakeholder. We speak of 'Amrit Kaal' and a 'Viksit Bharat' driven by technology. But how can we build that future when the foundation the "NEP" is being used to create walls between us? I request that those concerned engage in a genuine dialogue with the students of the South. Remove the enmity by providing clarity, not just 'clarifications' or forcing it on our heads.
Point 1: The State Identity.
Tamil is one of the oldest surviving languages in the world. It must never lose its integral place. No policy should ever allow Hindi or any other language to take precedence over the state language in its own land.This applies to other languages too. The concern is real. All languages have their own unique essence and value,why should one let that be undermined?We should be against imposition, not the language itself....We need to build trust and engage in mutual discussion.
Point 2: The Two-Language Bridge.
The Two-Language policy should remain the standard until the infrastructure is actually ready. One cannot force a third language when we don't even have the teachers for it. If a third language is introduced, make it an Online Elective with internal marks only. We don't want it to be a barrier for a student’s board results. We want a bridge, but we are building a wall...
Point 3: Suspension for Trust can prove to be beneficial.
The Education Board could temporarily remove the Three-Language Policy clause. Re-evaluate it. Reform it. The NEP has brilliant benefits like vocational training and flexible subjects why are we letting those die because of this one controversy. Give the people the assurance they need.Trust is meant to be earned.
Point 4: Unity without Burden.
I want to be able to talk to a student in Bihar or Gujarat. I want cultural unity. But unity must be a choice, not a compulsion. We are already drowning in JEE, NEET, and academic pressure. We Don't need to add a linguistic burden to our mental health.It shouldnt be wrong to ask questions.We the students are the direct stakeholders,Yet we are rarely heard...If I want to take Punjabi,How much teachers are there,that i can actually select one of these comfortably?
Point 5: The Student’s Sovereignty.
The number of languages a student writes should be the student's choice. Not a political ideology, not a third party, and certainly not a 'one-size-fits-all' rule. My education is my future.Why do others get a say in It?
If not for these,atleast engage in dialogue rather than just debating who is right.
I am a proud Tamilian. I am a proud Indian. I am a student of Science and AI. I refuse to believe that I have to choose between my heritage and my country...Are we truly ready for reform? Are they ready to listen?
What do you guys think?
Curious on your opinions,
Feel free to discuss.