Chennai, Oct 12:
Former Union Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram has praised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay for his fluent English and pronunciation, expressing happiness after hearing him speak the language at a public event for the first time.
In a social media post on Sunday, Chidambaram said he had listened to Vijay’s English speech and was pleased with his fluency and pronunciation. He linked his appreciation to the State government’s support for the two-language policy, stressing that the policy should translate into practical language proficiency among students rather than remain a principle on paper.
The remarks came after Vijay addressed an official programme attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chennai on Sunday, speaking in both Tamil and English. Chidambaram’s response placed the focus on language learning and the ability of students to communicate effectively in both languages.
Chidambaram said he wanted everyone who supported the two-language policy, particularly young students, to speak and pronounce both Tamil and English fluently.
He emphasised that the policy should not be confined to government statements or educational guidelines but should be implemented effectively throughout Tamil Nadu.
The former Union minister also called for trained Tamil and English teachers to be appointed in all schools. His argument was that a meaningful two-language policy required adequate teaching resources, qualified educators and opportunities for students to develop practical communication skills.
The comments highlight an important aspect of the continuing debate over Tamil Nadu’s language policy. While the State has consistently defended its two-language approach, the quality of language education and students’ proficiency remain important considerations in discussions about educational outcomes.
Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy has long been associated with the State’s opposition to the imposition of Hindi and its emphasis on protecting Tamil. English, meanwhile, is regarded as an important language for higher education, employment and communication beyond the State.