Amit Shah’s push for Tamil education examined.
In April 2023, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to conduct the CRPF constable selection exams in Tamil and other regional languages. Stalin emphasized that conducting the exams only in Hindi and English would disadvantage non-Hindi-speaking candidates. He argued that regional language inclusion would ensure equal opportunities for aspirants from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The demand reflected broader concerns about language representation in national-level exams. Tamil Nadu has consistently advocated for linguistic inclusivity in recruitment processes, aligning with its long-standing opposition to the imposition of Hindi. The issue sparked political debates on language rights.
Amit Shah’s Call for Tamil Medium Engineering and Medical Education: The Ground Reality
The debate over offering professional courses in regional languages gained fresh momentum after Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated his call for medical and engineering education in Tamil. Speaking at the CISF Day event on March 7, 2025, at the newly renamed Rajaditya Chola Recruits Training Centre in Tamil Nadu’s Ranipet district, Amit Shah emphasized that entrance exams for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were previously not available in regional languages like Tamil, Bengali, or Kannada. However, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive, they are now conducted in all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Amit Shah’s Appeal to M.K. Stalin
During his speech, Amit Shah urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to introduce Tamil as a medium of instruction for engineering and medical courses in the state. He stressed that several other states had already taken the initiative, but Tamil Nadu had not yet followed suit. I hope today he will certainly do something,” Amit Shah remarked.
M.K. Stalin’s Response and Tamil Nadu’s Stand
Tamil Nadu, under M.K. Stalin’s leadership, has maintained a strong stance on the medium of education. While Amit Shah’s appeal aligns with the Centre’s broader push for regional languages in professional education, M.K. Stalin and his party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), have historically prioritized Tamil while simultaneously advocating for English as a medium to ensure global competitiveness for students.
M.K. Stalin has consistently resisted moves that he perceives as attempts to impose Hindi or Sanskrit in Tamil Nadu. While Amit Shah argues that Tamil-medium engineering and medical education would benefit students, M.K. Stalin believes that proficiency in English remains essential for career advancement in these fields.
The Reality of Tamil-Medium Professional Education
Several states, as Amit Shah pointed out, have introduced medical and engineering courses in their regional languages. For instance, Madhya Pradesh launched MBBS courses in Hindi in 2022. However, Tamil Nadu has yet to implement such a model, and M.K. Stalin’s government has not shown any concrete plans to do so.
Experts argue that while learning in the mother tongue has clear advantages, technical education requires a strong foundation in global research, most of which is available in English. M.K. Stalin has highlighted the importance of balancing Tamil pride with practical career opportunities. Amit Shah’s push for Tamil-medium medical and engineering education, while appealing to linguistic sentiments, raises questions about students’ future prospects in a competitive global market.
The Political Dimension
The exchange between Amit Shah and M.K. Stalin is not just about language in education—it also has political undertones. M.K. Stalin and the DMK have been vocal opponents of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), particularly on issues related to language and education policies. Amit Shah’s repeated emphasis on regional languages in professional courses appears to be an attempt to connect with Tamil voters ahead of future elections.
On the other hand, M.K. Stalin has used this issue to reinforce his party’s stand on education and language policies. His government has promoted Tamil in various aspects of governance and education but remains cautious about limiting access to English-language instruction in professional courses.
The Practical Challenges
Implementing medical and engineering courses in Tamil, as Amit Shah suggests, presents several challenges:
- Lack of Standardized Tamil Textbooks – Unlike English, Tamil lacks comprehensive textbooks for advanced engineering and medical studies. Translating existing materials will take time.
- Competitive Exams in English – Most entrance exams and competitive tests for higher education are conducted in English. Students studying in Tamil-medium courses may face difficulties.
- Employability and Research Opportunities – Technical and medical fields require global exposure. English remains the dominant language in international research, making Tamil-medium education a potential disadvantage.
Amit Shah vs. M.K. Stalin: The Larger Debate
This is not the first time Amit Shah and M.K. Stalin have clashed on language issues. M.K. Stalin had earlier criticized Amit Shah’s policies on Hindi promotion, arguing that Tamil Nadu would never accept any imposition of another language. Amit Shah, however, insists that his push for Tamil-medium education is not about imposing Hindi but about giving students more opportunities in their mother tongue.
Despite Amit Shah’s repeated requests, M.K. Stalin remains non-committal. Tamil Nadu continues to support English-medium professional education while promoting Tamil in schools and government institutions.
The Way Forward
While Amit Shah continues to advocate for Tamil-medium medical and engineering education, M.K. Stalin’s government is focused on enhancing existing educational structures rather than overhauling them.
For Tamil Nadu, the priority remains ensuring that students are globally competitive. While Amit Shah’s proposal has merit, it requires careful planning, textbook development, and faculty training. M.K. Stalin and his government are unlikely to make a hasty decision.
As the debate between Amit Shah and M.K. Stalin continues, Tamil Nadu’s education policies will likely remain a key issue in state and national politics. Whether M.K. Stalin heeds Amit Shah’s call or holds firm on his existing stance will determine the future of language policy in Tamil Nadu’s higher education sector.