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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Hindu Voice Team: In a recent turn of events, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and senior leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazagam (DMK) sparked controversy on Friday, 21 November 2025, when he referred to the classical Indian language Sanskrit as a “dead language.”
Speaking at a book‐launch event in Chennai, he criticised the central government’s allocation of funds for language development, saying, “It is condemnable that the Union government has allotted a mere ₹50 crore for Tamil development, while a dead language like Sanskrit is being granted ₹2,400 crore.”
Opposition and Public Reaction
The remarks drew immediate criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other opponents who said that his comment undermined India’s linguistic heritage. Some political observers highlight how the statement may polarise voters around language and culture issues in Tamil Nadu.
Internal Contradiction Noted
Observers also pointed to an interesting contrast: Udhayanidhi Stalin’s public dismissal of Sanskrit stands in stark tension with his family’s personal religious practices. His mother, Durga Stalin, is described as a devout practitioner who regularly chants Sanskrit slokas and mantras in the family home. Critics argue this juxtaposition undermines his public position, with remarks such as: “Rationalism for the world, religion for my house” surfacing on social-media.
Significance
The incident spotlights ongoing debates in Tamil Nadu over language policy, cultural identity and the role of Sanskrit in modern India. Udhayanidhi’s comments may appeal to the DMK’s core base, which emphasises Tamil language pride, yet risk alienating those who view Sanskrit as an integral part of India’s civilisational heritage.
What’s Next
It remains to be seen whether Udhayanidhi Stalin’s statement will lead to fresh agitation from language-rights groups or trigger responses from the state government regarding funding and recognition of different languages in the state. Meanwhile, the BJP may leverage the comments in its campaign messaging ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
Reported by The Commune via “Udhayanidhi Abuses Sanskrit As A Dead Language, His Mom Durga Stalin Chants Sanskrit Slokas & Mantras Daily.”
(The above piece is written based on a report published by The Commune. You can read the original report HERE)
