CM Stalin Unveils Revamped Memorial for Anti-Hindi Protest Martyrs
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Synopsis
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin inaugurated the renovated memorial for anti-Hindi protest martyrs Natarasan and Thalamuthu at Moolakothalam, declaring January 25 as Tamil Language Martyrs Day. The event commemorates their sacrifices and the larger anti-Hindi movement that shaped Tamil identity.
Key Takeaways
- M. K. Stalin inaugurated the renovated memorial.
- January 25 is now recognized as Tamil Language Martyrs Day.
- Natarasan and Thalamuthu were key figures in the anti-Hindi protests.
- The movement started in 1938 due to compulsory Hindi education.
- The memorial honors the struggle for Tamil identity.
Chennai, Jan 25 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin inaugurated the renovated memorial for Natarasan and Thalamuthu, martyrs of the anti-Hindi protests, at Moolakothalam on Saturday.
In recognition of the movement's importance, Chief Minister Stalin announced the renovation of the memorial and proclaimed January 25 as Tamil Language Martyrs Day.
The Chief Minister paid tribute by placing a wreath at the memorial and showering flowers on their portraits, honoring their sacrifice for the Tamil language.
The introduction of Hindi as a mandatory subject in schools for classes 6, 7, and 8 in Tamil Nadu in 1938 ignited widespread protests.
Students were required to pass Hindi examinations, and failing to do so would result in failure to qualify for promotion. This policy, enforced before India achieved independence, faced intense opposition and sparked a language movement that began on June 3, 1938.
The movement lasted for a year and a half, with significant participation from leaders and students, including Natarasan, a young man from Perambur born in 1919.
He was arrested for his role in the protests and sentenced to six months of rigorous imprisonment.
Unfortunately, Natarasan fell ill during his imprisonment and died in a government hospital. His funeral saw a grand procession with thousands of people, including senior leaders, paying their respects.
Two months later, another martyr, Thalamuthu from Thanjavur, also succumbed during the protests. Arrested for leading anti-Hindi demonstrations, he also received a six-month rigorous imprisonment sentence and a fine.
Thalamuthu passed away on March 11, 1939, solidifying his legacy as a symbol of resistance against linguistic imposition. The original memorial for Natarasan and Thalamuthu was inaugurated at Moolakothalam by social reformer Periyar to honor their sacrifice.
Over the years, the anti-Hindi movement garnered support from prominent leaders and movements, including the Justice Party, the Self-Respect Movement, and the Independent Tamil Movement.
Figures such as A.D. Panneerselvam, Thanthai Periyar, Maraimalai Adigalar, Bharathidasan, Perarignar Anna, and many others played crucial roles in the struggle.
The inauguration of the renovated memorial signifies a renewed effort to honor the duo and the many others who fought for the preservation of Tamil identity and culture.
