None of the letters I receive are signed in Tamil: PM Modi

IANS April 6, 2025 378 views

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a pointed critique of Tamil Nadu's leadership during the Pamban Railway Bridge inauguration. He specifically called out local leaders for not signing official correspondence in Tamil, emphasizing the importance of linguistic pride. The event showcased significant infrastructure development, including India's first vertical lift railway sea bridge. Modi's remarks highlighted ongoing tensions between the central government and Tamil Nadu's state leadership regarding language and cultural representation.

"If we are truly proud of Tamil, then I would request everyone to at least sign their names in Tamil" - PM Narendra Modi
None of the letters I receive are signed in Tamil: PM Modi
Chennai, April 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a pointed dig at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday amid the ongoing debate over the three-language policy.

Key Points

1

Modi inaugurates India's first vertical lift railway sea bridge

2

Challenges Tamil leaders on language representation

3

Promotes Tamil language and cultural heritage

4

Launches new train service between Rameswaram and Tambaram

Addressing a public gathering in Rameswaram after inaugurating the New Pamban Railway Bridge, the Prime Minister remarked that although he regularly receives letters from Tamil Nadu leaders but none of them are signed in Tamil.

“Sometimes, I am surprised when I receive letters from some leaders of Tamil Nadu — none of them are signed in Tamil. If we are truly proud of Tamil, then I would request everyone to at least sign their names in Tamil,” PM Modi said, emphasising the importance of embracing and promoting one’s native language.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the efforts of the Central government in promoting the Tamil language and culture globally.

“We are working continuously to ensure that Tamil language and Tamil heritage reach every corner of the world,” he added.

The remarks come amid a prolonged war of words between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the Centre, with the state accusing the BJP government of attempting to impose Hindi and undermine Tamil language and culture.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Railway Bridge in Rameswaram, located in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district.

The event marked a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development.

The Prime Minister remotely operated the vertical lift span of the bridge to allow a Coast Guard ship to pass beneath — showcasing a significant achievement in indigenous engineering.

The new Pamban Bridge is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, symbolising a leap forward in modern railway infrastructure.

During the event, PM Modi also flagged off a new train service between Rameswaram and Tambaram in Chennai, aimed at improving regional connectivity and easing travel for commuters and pilgrims.

Although Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was absent due to prior engagements in the Nilgiris, the event witnessed the participation of several dignitaries.

Present at the function were Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Tamil Nadu Minister Thangam Thennarasu, BJP leaders K. Annamalai, Sudhakar Reddy, H. Raja, and Nainar Nagenthiran, along with Ramanathapuram District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Interesting observation by PM Modi! If we're proud of our language, we should definitely use it more in official communications. But let's not forget the amazing engineering feat of the Pamban Bridge! 🇮🇳
R
Rajesh M.
While I appreciate the PM's sentiment about Tamil language, this feels like political point-scoring. The bridge inauguration is the real story here - what an engineering marvel!
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Saranya V.
As a Tamilian, I'm happy to see our language getting attention at the national level. But can we also talk about the practical benefits of the new train service? That's what really matters to common people like me!
K
Karthik B.
Respectfully, I think the PM missed an opportunity here. Instead of criticizing, he could have led by example and learned to sign his name in Tamil too. Language promotion should be a two-way street.
A
Ananya P.
The vertical lift bridge operation was so cool to watch! Technology and tradition coming together - that's the India we want to see. The language debate can wait, this is real development! 👏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
PM Modi M.K. Stalin Tamil Nadu Pamban Bridge Language Policy Indian Infrastructure Railway Development
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