DMK Leader Kanimozhi in Spain: "India Runs on Unity in Diversity, Not Hindi as a National Language"
Madrid, June 2, 2025 – During a significant diplomatic visit to Spain, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, leading an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, made headlines with her powerful statement on India’s identity. When asked by a reporter about India’s national language, Kanimozhi responded, “The national language of India is Unity in Diversity,” a declaration that resonated deeply with the audience, earning her thunderous applause in Madrid.
Kanimozhi’s statement underscores India’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity, a core value that has historically united the nation despite attempts to impose a singular national language. Her remarks come against the backdrop of India’s complex linguistic history, where the Constitution recognizes 22 scheduled languages but does not designate any single language as the "national language." Hindi and English serve as official languages for Union government communication, a compromise rooted in the Official Languages Act of 1963, which was amended in 1967 to ensure English’s continued use after protests from non-Hindi-speaking states, particularly in the South.
The DMK leader’s comment also reflects her party’s long-standing opposition to the imposition of Hindi, a stance that traces back to the anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu during the 1930s and 1960s.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), founded in 1949, has consistently advocated for the protection of regional languages and resisted policies perceived as favoring Hindi, such as the three-language formula in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Kanimozhi’s father, M. Karunanidhi, a former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, was a key figure in these movements, notably participating in the 1953 Kallakudi protests against the renaming of a town to Dalmiapuram, which symbolized North-South tensions.
During the event, Kanimozhi also addressed India’s stance on the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, stating, “Yes, India has been seeking to renegotiate the Indus Water Treaty. The treaty is currently in abeyance.” She added a firm message: “India cannot be blackmailed. India cannot be silenced.” This follows India’s suspension of the 1960 treaty in April 2025, after an attack in Kashmir that killed 26 civilians, which India attributes to Pakistan—a charge Pakistan denies. The treaty, mediated by the World Bank, has been a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, surviving multiple conflicts until this recent escalation.
Kanimozhi’s delegation, part of India’s outreach program following Operation Sindoor, also met with Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares to discuss India’s efforts in combating terrorism. She emphasized India’s commitment to ensuring safety, particularly in Kashmir, stating, “As Indians, we have to make the message clear that India is safe. They may try whatever they want, they cannot derail us.”
Her remarks in Spain have sparked widespread conversation, trending under the theme “From Madrid to Mumbai, a simple question sparks a global conversation on what truly unites India.” Social media reactions on X have lauded her response as a “masterclass in diplomacy,” with users like
@naannomad
calling it a “tight slap” to divisive narratives, and @AdityaRajKaul
noting the “massive applause” it received. However, some, like @PremanandJohns5
, juxtaposed her international representation with domestic political critiques, highlighting ongoing electoral tensions in India.Kanimozhi’s statement reinforces the idea that India’s strength lies in its diversity, not in the dominance of any single language. As the delegation concludes its five-nation tour in Spain, her words continue to echo, reminding the world of India’s unique unity amidst its multifaceted identity.
