"Mastering mother tongue and English can make you a scholar and intellectual", says P Chidambaram
Chennai, May 30
Congress MP P Chidambaram on Saturday emphasised the importance of mastering both one's mother tongue and English, saying that proficiency in the two languages can help students grow into scholars, intellectuals and scientific thinkers.
Addressing the 19th anniversary celebration of the monthly magazine 'Ariviyal Oli' (Science Light) at the Periyar Science and Technology Centre in Chennai's Kotturpuram, Chidambaram said students should embrace both Tamil and English without feeling inferior or conflicted.
"Mother tongue and English, mastering both languages can certainly help you become a scholar and an intellectual," Chidambaram said while addressing students and educators at the event.
The Congress leader, who presented prizes to students for outstanding articles, underlined the importance of English in accessing global knowledge, particularly in science and research.
"You should learn English. A vast number of books are published in English. The overwhelming majority of scientific literature, research papers and academic publications are available in English. Therefore, if you wish to fully absorb and engage with scientific knowledge, English is essential," he said.
Referring to former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Chidambaram said language proficiency comes through dedication and continuous learning.
"It is one thing to say that Dr APJ Abdul Kalam spoke English fluently. But it is important to remember that he worked hard to achieve that fluency. He trained himself through self-learning. He could express himself effectively in both English and Tamil," he said.
At the same time, Chidambaram stressed that students should never underestimate the value of their mother tongue.
"Tamil is equally important, and so is one's mother tongue. It is wrong to think that one cannot become a scientist or a great intellectual through one's mother tongue. Many scholars and great thinkers have attained excellence through their native languages," he said.
Highlighting the role of science in society, Chidambaram said scientific learning should be encouraged alongside literature, language and sports.
"A society that values science does not have to neglect language, literature, or sports. My appeal is that at least some of our young people, perhaps even 10 per cent, should dedicate themselves to the pursuit of science," he said. Multiple parties in Tamil Nadu have backed the 'two-language formula', putting it as an alternative to the National Education Policy's proposed 'three-language formula', which calls for students to be taught three languages, with two native languages. DMK leaders have repeatedly backed the two-language formula in the state, with the newly elected TVK government ministers also saying that they would remain committed to teaching two languages in schools. Minister Rajmohan had said earlier that one's mother-tongue would be the primary method of teaching.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Chidambaram makes a good point, but let's not forget that the real issue is access. Private English medium schools cost a bomb while government Tamil medium schools are falling apart. We need quality mother tongue education AND affordable English education, not just rhetoric.
As someone who grew up in Chennai and then moved abroad for research, I can confirm what Chidambaram is saying. My Tamil helped me think critically, my English helped me publish globally. Both are tools, not enemies. Well said, sir.
I wish he had spoken about the three-language formula more directly. The DMK and TVK are pushing hard for just two languages, but in a country like India, knowing Hindi too can open doors in North India. My cousin from Tamil Nadu struggled in Delhi for years. Multilingualism is strength, not weakness.
I teach in a government school in rural Tamil Nadu and I see the fear in parents' eyes. They want their children to learn English but are terrified of losing their Tamil identity. Chidambaram's approach is balanced - neither language needs to die for the other to thrive. More practical support from the government would help.
I appreciate the sentiment but Chidambaram's Congress government never did much for Tamil medium education when they were in power. Now he gives speeches. Show me the results, not just words. The real scholars from Tamil Nadu - like Ramanujan - succeeded despite the system, not because of it.
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