At a time when tensions between the BJP-led central government and the Tamil Nadu administration continue to escalate over the three-language formula, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has taken a more measured stance on the contentious issue. The Sangh has emphasized the importance of using one’s mother tongue, the regional language of the area where an individual resides, and a career-oriented language, which could be English or any other language necessary for professional growth.
While the RSS has avoided direct involvement in the political dispute, it did subtly criticize the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) during the inaugural press conference of the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) in Bengaluru. The RSS expressed concerns about certain forces that it believes are attempting to create a divide between northern and southern India, using issues such as delimitation and language policies as tools to challenge national unity.
Responding to questions about the delimitation process, senior RSS leader C R Mukunda stated that the matter falls under the purview of the government. He referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurance that southern states would not be negatively impacted in terms of their Lok Sabha representation. “If a southern state currently holds a specific number of parliamentary seats within the total of 543, that proportion will be maintained,” Mukunda clarified.
He further highlighted the existence of politically motivated debates over issues like the demand to have the rupee symbol in local languages. Mukunda suggested that such matters should be addressed by social leaders and organizations rather than fueling unnecessary discord. “It is not beneficial for the nation to engage in internal disputes. Such matters should be resolved amicably and in a spirit of cooperation,” he asserted.
While reaffirming the importance of linguistic diversity, the RSS stopped short of taking a definitive position on whether the National Education Policy (NEP) should adopt a two-language or three-language system. The central government has advocated for the three-language formula without enforcing Hindi, whereas the DMK has remained firm in its opposition, arguing that the policy is a veiled attempt at imposing Hindi on Tamil Nadu.
Mukunda reiterated the Sangh’s core belief in the significance of the mother tongue in everyday communication. “The RSS has not passed any specific resolution endorsing either the two-language or three-language formula. However, we have consistently emphasized the importance of the mother tongue,” he noted.
Expounding on the necessity of multilingualism, Mukunda suggested that individuals should learn three languages: their mother tongue, the regional or market language of the area where they reside, and a career-oriented language. “For instance, if someone lives in Tamil Nadu, they should learn Tamil. If they reside in Delhi, they should be able to converse in Hindi to interact with the local community. In addition, for career purposes, one may need to acquire proficiency in English or another relevant language,” he explained.
The RSS has long supported the promotion of indigenous languages. In 2018, the ABPS passed a resolution underscoring the need to safeguard and promote “Bharatiya” languages. The resolution stated that primary education across the country should be imparted in the student’s mother tongue or another Indian language. It urged parents to recognize the value of such an approach and called upon the government to implement policies to facilitate this educational shift.
Mukunda also recalled RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s repeated advocacy for using the mother tongue at home while simultaneously learning regional languages for broader social interaction. He emphasized the importance of acquiring a career-oriented language, whether it be English, Hindi, or Kannada, depending on professional requirements.
In an effort to foster national unity and bridge linguistic divides, Mukunda highlighted that Bhagwat has encouraged swayamsevaks (RSS volunteers) from Hindi-speaking states to learn at least one South Indian or Northeastern language. “Our Sarsanghchalak ji has often advised that learning an additional language, such as Tamil or Assamese, benefits both personal development and national harmony,” he said.
The RSS’s stance on language appears to be a strategic attempt to de-escalate tensions amid growing controversy. The DMK has accused the central government of attempting to impose Hindi under the guise of the three-language policy, while the BJP has countered these claims by insisting that the policy does not mandate Hindi and that Tamil Nadu is free to implement a combination of Tamil, English, and another South Indian language if it prefers.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP ally N Chandrababu Naidu has supported the three-language formula, arguing that proficiency in Telugu, English, and Hindi is essential for communication and career opportunities.
The RSS’s current approach comes in the wake of a controversy involving senior Sangh leader Suresh “Bhaiyyaji” Joshi, who faced criticism for his remarks about the necessity of learning Marathi in Mumbai. Joshi had stated that Mumbai does not have a single dominant language, as different areas of the city are linguistically diverse—pointing out that Ghatkopar, for instance, predominantly speaks Gujarati. Following backlash, he later clarified his stance, affirming that Marathi is the primary language of Mumbai and that residents should make an effort to learn and understand it.
In light of these developments, the RSS has adopted a nuanced position on language, one that emphasizes linguistic diversity and practical learning rather than political enforcement of any particular language. By advocating multilingualism tailored to local and professional needs, the Sangh seeks to balance national unity with regional linguistic identities while steering clear of the political friction surrounding language policies in India.
