Citizens Quote by C. N. Annadurai
“We will go to every part of Tamil Nadu and tell the people that Hindi is coming and that it is like a thunder strike on the heads of Tamil and Dravidian people… If Hindi were to become the official language of India, Hindi-speaking people will govern us. We will be treated like third rate citizens”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political rally, Tamil Nadu, 1960s
The speaker warns that imposing Hindi as the official language would dominate Tamil and Dravidian identity, likening it to an aggressive, unwanted force.
In simple terms: Hindi imposition threatens regional identity and equality.
Key Takeaway
Resist linguistic domination.
Themes
language politics
regional identity
colonialism
political activism
Mood
defiant
urgent
protective
Type
political
cautionary
provocative
When to use this quote
- state policy debates
- education curricula
- media messaging
- public protests
Key Concepts
federalism
cultural preservation
majority-minority dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How would bilingualism affect cultural cohesion?
- What safeguards can protect minority languages?
A Different Perspective
The warning may exaggerate impacts, ignoring potential bilingual benefits.
