During her interaction with the Indian diaspora in Spain, DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi gave a brilliant response to “what is the national language of India?” It was a trick question for the leader, as Hindi imposition is a contentious issue in the South with the Hindi-Kannadiga and the Hindi-Tamil divide. Even several leaders in Maharashtra are averse to Hindi, which is unofficially dubbed the national lingua franca. With 23 official languages in India, Hindi was never declared the national language. Here’s what Kanimozhi said:
The national language of India is unity in diversity.”
After a thunderous round of applause, she continued
That is the message this delegation brings to the world, and that is the most important thing today and let us continue with that.”
Meanwhile, the all-party delegation led by Kanimozhi has returned from the multi-nation tour that was organized to bring the world’s attention to Pakistan’s hospitality to terrosim in the wake of the Pahalgam massacre and Operation Sindoor.
#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
Reactions poured in. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s relative Chandra Kumar Bose endorsed the DMK MP’s remarks, stating “Hope politicians cutting across the political spectrum would agree with her! Jai Hind.” Another user online remarked, “True essence of India beautifully conveyed. Unity in diversity is our real identity.” “she could have given the right answer – ie. india doesn’t have a national language,’ quipped a third user.
@KanimozhiDMK is absolutely right! Hope politicians cutting across the political spectrum would agree with her! Jai Hind
— Chandra Kumar Bose (@Chandrakbose) June 3, 2025
True essence of India beautifully conveyed.
Unity in diversity is our real identity. 🇮🇳
— Ms.पॉजिटिविटी 🇮🇳 (@No__negativtyxd) June 2, 2025
she could have given the right answer – ie. india doesn’t have a national language.
— najeebabdul (@najeebabdul) June 3, 2025
Cover: Patrick Gawande / Mashable India
