DMK deputy general secretary and Nilgiris MP A Raja has raised concerns over the use of Hindi at Udhagamandalam (Ooty) railway station in Tamil Nadu. In a letter to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday, Raja urged the immediate removal of Hindi posters that had sparked criticism and allegations of linguistic imposition.
Raja also pointed out an error in one of the posters where a quote by the celebrated Tamil poet Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi was wrongly credited to Indian freedom fighter and Congress leader Madan Mohan Malaviya.
The controversial poster carried a message attributed to Malaviya that read, “Let us bring various literary forms and noble thoughts from all over the world.” Raja clarified in a post on X that this line actually belonged to Bharathi and that misattributing it was not only factually incorrect but also disrespectful to Tamil heritage.
Another poster at the station featured a quote by Madabhushi Ananthasayanam Ayyangar that read: “Non-Hindi speaking too realise their dreams with simple spoken Hindi.” These posters, especially in a non-Hindi speaking state like Tamil Nadu, triggered criticism for promoting Hindi over regional languages, Raja said.
The Nilgiris MP alleged that the increasing prominence of Hindi in Tamil Nadu's public spaces, especially railway stations, has led to widespread concern and protests. He stressed that Tamil Nadu has always taken pride in its distinct linguistic and cultural identity and has consistently supported a two-language policy suited to its history and regional needs.
According to Raja, placing Hindi banners in areas where the local population doesn’t speak or use the language appears disconnected from ground realities. He said it was perceived by many as a political act rather than a public service initiative. Sharing the letter on social media, Raja stated, “Tamil Nadu will not accept Hindi imposition,” and asked that the banners be removed to respect the sentiments of Tamil-speaking people.
Responding to the controversy, M Vasudevan, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Salem Division of Southern Railways, confirmed that the two posters in question had been removed, The Hindu reported.
He clarified that the posters had been at the station for over four or five years and there was no intention to create conflict. “We are currently verifying how and when they were put up. Since this has come to our attention and we do not want any controversy, the posters were removed immediately,” he said.
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