We want to create scholars, scientists, not translators: T.N. School Education Minister

Tamil Nadu government prioritizes scholars and scientists over translators, criticizes Union government's three-language policy and funding issues.

The Tamil Nadu government wants to mould students to be future scholars and scientists, and not translators, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi said on Saturday, March 8, 2025. He was responding to the comments made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Arakkonam in the State on Friday.

Talking to reporters after distributing awards to teachers at a private college in Tiruchengode, Mr. Anbil Mahesh spoke about the three-language policy and funds not being released by the Union government. In a direct reference to what Mr. Amit Shah had said, he pointed out, “We do not want to create translators but wish to create scholarsand scientists. In Tamil Nadu, people have been studying under the two-language policy for so long. So, what is the need for imposing a third language? If students want, they can learnas many languages as they wish, but it should not be made compulsory. That is the government’s stand, and the government is not against any language. But, to say that Hindi should be accepted to receive funds is like blackmailing.”

Responding to a query on the signature campaign by the BJP for the three-language policy, the Minister said it was similar to how miscreants offered biscuits to unsuspecting passengers on trains, with the intention of cheating them. “If the BJP wants the three-language policy, it [the BJP] should speak to the parents, instead of threatening children,” he said.

At some places, the BJP cadre secured signatures by threatening the children, he alleged. “The children of Tamil Nadu said they do not want the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test. But did the BJP government do away with it?” he said.

On the controversy over students participating in a dance programme with the Pattali Makkal Katchi party flag in Krishnagiri district, Mr. Anbil Mahesh said the headmaster of the school was transferred.