Governor Ravi said the region has rich human and resources but it is feeling like a neglected backyard.
Published Feb 28, 2025 | 2:50 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 28, 2025 | 2:50 PM
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi. (Raj Bhavan/ X)
Synopsis: Tamil Nadu Governor Ravi — already at loggerheads with the DMK-led dispensation — joined the language war on Friday, saying the state’s policy deprived youths, especially in the southern region, of opportunities. His comments invited a prompt response from the DMK, with Minister Reghupathy asking the Governor not to teach Tamils language affinity.
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi said the state government’s rigid two-language policy was depriving the youth of opportunities compared to their neighbouring counterparts.
The governor fired the salvo at the DMK government’s opposition to the National Education Policy and the central government’s plan to implement a three-language policy after a tour of the Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts.
“This region (south Tamil Nadu) is rich in human and natural resources, and yet it feels like a neglected backyard. Despite a huge potential for industrialisation, the people here feel neglected of opportunities,” the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan posted on X on Friday, 28 February.
Drawing attention to the “problems of substance/drug abuse”, the governor said there was a huge demand for implementing the NEP 2020.
“The youth of this region feel hugely deprived of opportunities compared to those from neighboring states due to the rigid two language policy of the State Government,” Ravi said.
“They feel that, unfortunately, in the name of opposition to Hindi, they are not allowed to study even any other South Indian languages. This is indeed unfair. Our youth must have a choice to study language,” he opined.
He began the post saying, “It was encouraging to see their (of students and youth) positive energy and enterprise transforming lives for the better despite numerous difficulties and systemic obstacles”.
Interacted with large number of leaders from cross sections of south Tamil Nadu including education, business, health, hospitality, youth startups, women entrepreneurs, MSME sectors. Also students from several institutions. It was encouraging to see their positive energy and… pic.twitter.com/pMBUvXR2I2
— RAJ BHAVAN, TAMIL NADU (@rajbhavan_tn) February 28, 2025
Decrying Ravi’s statement, Tamil Nadu Law Minister S Regupathy advised the governor against imparting “lessons to Tamils on their language affinity”, a report said.
Reghupathy condemned the governor for repeatedly spewing hatred against Tamil, Tamil Nadu, and Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the state anthem.
The minister was referring to Ravi’s walking out of the Assembly’s winter session over the rendering of the Tamil Thai Vazhthu. The incident stirred a controversy, and Ravi later issued a media statement, saying he respected Tamil and Thai Vazhthu.
Incidentally, Ravi’s statement came amid an anti-Hindi agitation in Tamil Nadu and the government’s staunch opposition to NEP and delimitation.
Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states have been opposing what they termed as the Centre’s imposition of Hindi.
Chief Minister MK Stalin had categorically stated that the state would not “oppose (Hindi) if you don’t impose”.
