During a public interaction with the Indian diaspora in Madrid, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi was asked a seemingly simple yet politically charged question: “What is India’s national language?”
She didn’t hesitate. “The national language of India is unity and diversity,” she said. “That is the message this delegation brings to the world, and that is the most important thing today.”
Her remark drew attention instantly. Short, sharp, and deeply political—it stood apart not just for what it said but for what it challenged.
Unity over uniformity
Kanimozhi’s reply was not an isolated soundbite. It carried layered meaning. At home, her party, the DMK, has taken an uncompromising stance against the three-language formula proposed in the Centre’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Tamil Nadu has long opposed what it views as attempts to enforce Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states.
The DMK has instead supported a two-language policy that prioritises regional languages and English. As part of that resistance, Kanimozhi has accused the Centre of “withholding funds to Tamil Nadu” and “ruining the future of children.” Protests against the BJP-led government have played out both in Parliament and across Tamil Nadu.
Seen in this context, her choice of words in Spain wasn’t just diplomatic—it was deliberate. In saying unity is the national language, she was asserting a constitutional principle over central mandates.
A global forum, a local fight
Kanimozhi is leading an all-party parliamentary delegation on a five-nation tour, a diplomatic outreach in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. Spain marks the final leg of the visit before the team returns to India. Other members of the delegation include Samajwadi Party’s Rajeev Kumar Rai, BJP MP Brijesh Chowta, AAP’s Ashok Mittal, RJD’s Prem Chand Gupta, and former diplomat Manjeev Singh Puri.
Addressing the Indian community in Madrid, Kanimozhi used the opportunity to reflect on more than language politics. She brought up national security too.
“India is safe, Kashmir is safe”
When asked about terrorism and conflict, her response was clear and emphatic. “So much has to be done in our country and we want to do that. Unfortunately, we are being diverted. We have to deal with terrorism, war which is absolutely unnecessary.”
Then she added, “As Indians, we have to make the message clear that India is safe. They may try whatever they want, they cannot derail us. We will ensure that Kashmir remains a safe place.”
In saying this, she echoed both a warning and a reassurance. That India, despite external or internal disruptions, remains resilient.
While the delegation’s tour was officially about India’s global outreach, Kanimozhi’s remarks turned the spotlight back on domestic issues. Her firm stance on language diversity and national security projected both political resolve and ideological consistency. It signalled that India’s image abroad, as far as some leaders are concerned, must reflect its internal pluralism.
As the delegation wraps up and heads home, the echoes of her statement are likely to follow them. At a time when the debate over language, education, and identity continues to stir strong views across India, her words—delivered far from the Lok Sabha—are bound to resonate back home.
She didn’t hesitate. “The national language of India is unity and diversity,” she said. “That is the message this delegation brings to the world, and that is the most important thing today.”
Her remark drew attention instantly. Short, sharp, and deeply political—it stood apart not just for what it said but for what it challenged.
#WATCH | Madrid, Spain: While addressing the Indian diaspora, DMK MP Kanimozhi said, "The national language of India is unity and diversity. That is the message this delegation brings to the world, and that is the most important thing today..." pic.twitter.com/cVBrA99WK3
— ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2025
Unity over uniformity
Kanimozhi’s reply was not an isolated soundbite. It carried layered meaning. At home, her party, the DMK, has taken an uncompromising stance against the three-language formula proposed in the Centre’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Tamil Nadu has long opposed what it views as attempts to enforce Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states.
The DMK has instead supported a two-language policy that prioritises regional languages and English. As part of that resistance, Kanimozhi has accused the Centre of “withholding funds to Tamil Nadu” and “ruining the future of children.” Protests against the BJP-led government have played out both in Parliament and across Tamil Nadu.
Seen in this context, her choice of words in Spain wasn’t just diplomatic—it was deliberate. In saying unity is the national language, she was asserting a constitutional principle over central mandates.
A global forum, a local fight
Kanimozhi is leading an all-party parliamentary delegation on a five-nation tour, a diplomatic outreach in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. Spain marks the final leg of the visit before the team returns to India. Other members of the delegation include Samajwadi Party’s Rajeev Kumar Rai, BJP MP Brijesh Chowta, AAP’s Ashok Mittal, RJD’s Prem Chand Gupta, and former diplomat Manjeev Singh Puri.
Addressing the Indian community in Madrid, Kanimozhi used the opportunity to reflect on more than language politics. She brought up national security too.
“India is safe, Kashmir is safe”
When asked about terrorism and conflict, her response was clear and emphatic. “So much has to be done in our country and we want to do that. Unfortunately, we are being diverted. We have to deal with terrorism, war which is absolutely unnecessary.”
Then she added, “As Indians, we have to make the message clear that India is safe. They may try whatever they want, they cannot derail us. We will ensure that Kashmir remains a safe place.”
In saying this, she echoed both a warning and a reassurance. That India, despite external or internal disruptions, remains resilient.
While the delegation’s tour was officially about India’s global outreach, Kanimozhi’s remarks turned the spotlight back on domestic issues. Her firm stance on language diversity and national security projected both political resolve and ideological consistency. It signalled that India’s image abroad, as far as some leaders are concerned, must reflect its internal pluralism.
As the delegation wraps up and heads home, the echoes of her statement are likely to follow them. At a time when the debate over language, education, and identity continues to stir strong views across India, her words—delivered far from the Lok Sabha—are bound to resonate back home.
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