New Delhi, June 1: After Kasturirangan Committee sticks to the existing three-language formula (Hindi, English, One regional language) for schools, a section of people started a campaign against the recommendation on micro-blogging site Twitter. The hashtag #StopHindiImposition was trending top throughout Saturday with people voicing their reservation about the imposition of Hindi language in the non-Hindi states.

A committee, headed by Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, a former chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Friday submitted a draft National Education Policy to the Modi government recommending teaching of Hindi, English and one regional language in the non-Hindi states. For Hindi-speaking states, the committee recommended teaching of Hindi, English and one of the modern Indian languages from other parts of the country. HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Submits New Education Policy Draft On First Day, Revival of Academic Sector Expected.

The Draft National Education Policy 2019, says while the "three language formula" followed in a section of schools since 1968 should be continued, "children will now be immersed in three languages early on, starting from the Foundational Stage onwards." Many saw the recommendation as an effort to impose Hindi as a mandatory language in schools till Class 8 across the country, including in non-Hindi speaking states. Don't Impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu: DMK Leader T Siva Warns Modi Government of Protests.

Soon hashtags #StopHindiImposition and #TNAgainstHindiImposition started trending on Twitter against the Modi government's draft education plan. By 5 pm, there were about 1 lakh tweets under the two hashtags. Tamil Nadu-based parties spoke in one voice against the three-language formula for schools in the state. Kanimozhi, sister of DMK chief MK Stalin, said her party would oppose any such move.

Tweets against the imposition of Hindi language with hashtag #StopHindiImposition:

S Ramadoss, founder of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), said Hindi should not be imposed in Tamil Nadu. Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan echoed their views. "No language should be imposed and those who are interested can learn any language of their choice," the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MMM) chief said.

"Tamil Nadu will follow only two-language policy. Only Tamil and English will bravely march in Tamil Nadu," said KA Sengottaiyan, whose AIADMK party is an ally of the BJP which rules at the centre.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 01, 2019 06:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).