Unity is woven into India’s diversity, says PM Modi, cites greetings in different languages | India News

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Sunday reiterated that unity was woven into India’s diversity, citing greetings sent to him in different languages for New Year and upcoming festivals in several parts of the country. His comment comes at a time when non-BJP-governed states, especially Tamil Nadu, have tried to corner Centre over the three-language policy contained in New Education Policy.
“…the messages have been sent in different languages. But do you know the reason? New Year is starting today and over the next few days in different states of our country. And all these messages are greetings for the New Year and various festivals. That is why people have sent me greetings in different languages,” the PM said in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, after reading letters sent to him in different languages.
“That means this whole month is of festivals, of festivities. I extend my greetings to people of the country on these festivals. These festivals of ours may be in different regions, but they show how unity is woven into the diversity of India. We have to keep reinforcing this spirit of unity, on our way ahead,” he said. His words seemed aimed at bridging divides, presenting festivals as a unifying thread amid the diversity of traditions and languages.
The debate over the three-language policy in Tamil Nadu, as part of NEP, has been a contentious issue between DMK and BJP. DMK, led by CM M K Stalin, has accused BJP-led Centre of attempting to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu under the guise of the three-language formula, claiming it threatens Tamil culture, identity and state autonomy. In response, top BJP members have mounted a robust counter-narrative, arguing that the policy was misunderstood, misrepresented, and politicised by DMK for electoral gains.
Home minister Amit Shah last week accused TN govt of using the language issue to hide its corrupt activities, scams and scandals, stating that BJP govt at Centre is not opposed to any south Indian language.