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)
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