Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has once again stirred a national conversation — this time with his assertion that Sanskrit is a “dead language”, a comment that has triggered fierce debates across political, cultural, and academic circles. While supporters see his statement as a call to re-prioritize resources toward contemporary, widely spoken Indian languages, critics accuse him of undermining a crucial part of India’s cultural and philosophical heritage.
The controversy raises deeper questions: How should India allocate cultural funds? Which languages need immediate support? Is the Sanskrit-vs-modern-languages debate even relevant today? Here’s a comprehensive look at the issue.
The Context Behind Udhayanidhi’s Remark
Addressing a public gathering, Udhayanidhi pointed out that despite significant funding toward Sanskrit-related initiatives, the language is not actively spoken among communities in everyday life. His argument channels the long-standing Dravidian critique that the Centre disproportionately prioritizes Sanskrit at the expense of regional languages like Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam.
He suggested that government resources should align with practical linguistic utility, modern communication, and cultural preservation where communities actively use the language.
Why His Comment Sparked Strong Reactions
1. Cultural Identity
For many, Sanskrit is more than a language — it is a repository of India’s ancient knowledge systems, philosophy, and classical literature. Critics argue that dismissing it as “dead” overlooks its cultural value.
2. Political Undertones
In states like Tamil Nadu, language politics has historically been intertwined with identity and autonomy. The Dravidian movement’s resistance to perceived imposition of Hindi and Sanskrit shapes much of
the response.
3. Academic Significance
Sanskrit scholars highlight that the language forms the root of many Indian philosophical traditions and remains relevant to classical studies, linguistics, archaeology, and comparative literature.
Is Sanskrit a Dead Language? Experts Weigh In
Linguists categorize a language as “dead” when it has no native speakers, and by that technical definition, Sanskrit fits the term today. However, it is not extinct. It continues to be used in:
Hindu rituals and ceremonies
Classical literature studies
Yoga, Ayurveda, and traditional knowledge systems
Select educational institutions
Some spoken Sanskrit communities
This dual reality fuels both sides of the debate.
The Funding Question: Where Should Government Priorities Lie?
Current criticisms revolve around:
Funds for Sanskrit universities vs. limited support for other classical languages
Scholarships for Sanskrit students while modern Indian languages struggle
Cultural events promoting Sanskrit while tribal and endangered languages receive minimal attention
Supporters argue that cultural preservation requires investment regardless of current usage. Opponents say resource allocation must reflect practical, contemporary needs.
Regional Languages vs. Sanskrit: A False Binary?
Experts often note that the debate should not be about choosing one language over another. Instead, India needs:
Protection for endangered tribal languages
Expansion of regional literature programs
Encouragement of multilingual education
Balanced cultural funding across linguistic groups
The conversation triggered by Udhayanidhi has amplified the need for a holistic, inclusive language policy.
How the Debate Impacts Education Policy
The New Education Policy (NEP) encourages multilingual learning and offers Sanskrit as an option in schools. Critics in Tamil Nadu argue the NEP subtly favors Sanskrit and Hindi, while proponents say it expands linguistic choice.
Udhayanidhi’s remark has revived state-level concerns about language autonomy.
FAQ
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1. What did Udhayanidhi Stalin say about Sanskrit?
He referred to Sanskrit as a “dead language,” questioning the government’s decision to allocate significant funds to it.
2. Why did his comment trigger controversy?
Critics argue it undermines India’s cultural heritage, while supporters view it as a push for efficient resource allocation.
3. Is Sanskrit considered a dead language?
Technically, it has no native speakers, but it is actively used in rituals, academia, and cultural traditions.
4. How does the debate affect education?
It reopens concerns over linguistic priorities within the NEP, especially in states like Tamil Nadu.
5. What is the core issue behind the funding debate?
Balancing cultural preservation with practical linguistic needs in a diverse society.
Published on : 24th November
Published by : Selvi
Credit::Arun Janardhanan
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