Echoes of defiance resounded in Chennai as CM MK Stalin commemorated Language Martyrs’ Day, black-clad at Moolakothalam’s memorial, saluting anti-Hindi crusaders who forged Tamil Nadu’s path.
Wreaths for Thalamuthu and Natarajan, protest fatalities, preceded cries of ‘Salute to the Language Martyrs,’ embodying unyielding linguistic sovereignty.
On X, Stalin proclaimed: ‘Tamil Nadu bars Hindi. Martyrs’ Day glory: Past rejection, present stand, future fortress. Language-loved beyond breath, we crushed impositions unitedly, bravely always.’
He saluted protectors of India’s language mosaic, vowing: ‘Homage to Tamil’s life-givers. End language bloodshed; sustain Tamil fire, eternally thwart Hindi push.’
Marking January 25 yearly, it spotlights 1930s stirs and 1965’s torrent against Hindi’s feared takeover of learning and admin, eroding Tamil autonomy.
1965’s statewide surge immortalized pain and power, reshaping language laws. Government’s English retention pledge soothed, strengthening multilingual India.
Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, ministers PK Sekar Babu, MP Saminathan, Mayor R Priya, officials, leaders, and masses attended, proving language’s living legacy.