Hindi Is Not Our National Language: R Ashwin Sparks Row (image: x.com/ashwinravi99)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin sparked fresh controversy over language debate as he said Hindi is not ‘national language’ but an ‘official language’. He made the comment at the graduation ceremony of a private engineering college in Tamil Nadu on Thursday (January 9, 2025).
While addressing the students, cricketer asked in what language they would like to ask questions. While some preferred English, there was loud cheer for Tamil. But there seemed to be no takers for Hindi.
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“Hindi — no response. I thought I should say this: it (Hindi) is not our national language; it is an official language,” Ashwin said.
செந்தமிழ் நாடெனும் போதினிலே இன்ப தேன் வந்து பாயுது காதினிலே ❣️
இந்தி தேசியமொழி அல்ல .
கிரிக்கெட் வீரர் அஸ்வின். pic.twitter.com/MQ2monbFpr
— ச. பாலா பாலா (@SBalaBala6) January 9, 2025
The 38-year-old cricketer’s comment generated fresh debate on the topic of ‘Hindi imposition’ by the Centre, which always has been a sensitive topic in Tamil Nadu. The BJP criticised Ashwin for his remark, while DMK supported him.
“How can Hindi be a national language when many states speak different languages,” DMK leader TKS Elangovan said. Meanwhile, BJP leader Uma Anandan questioned, “Is he a national cricketer or a Tamil Nadu cricketer?”
However, Ashwin’s remark has evoked mixed response among netizens.
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In the speech, Ashwin has also talked about the topic of Team India’s captaincy. He said that he never pursued captaincy despite several fans and pundits saying he should have taken the role.
“When someone says I can’t do it, I wake up to accomplish it, but if they say I can, I lose interest,” cricketer said.
Ending his 14-year-old career, Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane held on December 18.
