Nalaishetra Literary and Cultural Festival 2024

The Nalaishetra Literary and Cultural Festival 2024 witnessed the honorable presence of the Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, who was invited as a guest. He graciously accepted the invitation and contributed his insights. At the event, the Hon’ble Minister delivered a keynote on the topic “Literature in Dravidian Politics and Sociology.”

Tracing India’s socio-cultural heritage since 1890, this occasion emphasized the significant role Tamil and Malayalam cultures have played in shaping the nation’s spirit. Thiru Udhayanidhi expressed his pride in being part of this festival, highlighting the unique bond shared between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Despite being from Tamil Nadu, he felt the richness of Kerala’s culture and soil resonating within him.

In his address, he elaborated on the historical and literary intersections between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, emphasizing that both regions share a long-standing relationship in literature, society, and politics. He acknowledged that Kerala and Tamil Nadu have contributed to one another’s cultural landscapes, with Tamil Nadu’s literary and political movements influencing the Dravidian discourse. He cited figures like TM Nair and other reformers, whose works stand as symbols of Tamil Nadu’s resistance to oppressive structures and advocacy for social justice.

The Minister further explained the importance of the Dravidian movement in championing the rights and identity of Tamil speakers, specifically opposing the imposition of Hindi by the central government. He reflected on Tamil Nadu’s significant movements against Hindi imposition, which continues to resonate as a unifying symbol for regional autonomy. Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian movement has promoted linguistic pride, secularism, and equality, all central themes in the region’s politics and social fabric.

Highlighting the power of cinema in shaping Dravidian ideologies, he noted that Tamil cinema has historically reflected and contributed to Tamil Nadu’s social and political aspirations. He shared his personal connection to cinema, recalling his journey before entering politics and the influence of Tamil cinema as a vehicle for social change. He also praised Malayalam cinema for its exemplary work, acknowledging how both industries have contributed to the socio-political landscape of their respective states.

Udhayanidhi spoke on the ongoing need for Tamil Nadu’s opposition to external pressures on its identity and language, emphasizing that the Dravidian movement has, since the early 20th century, fortified regional pride against external impositions like Hindi. He expressed his unwavering commitment to continuing this legacy of advocacy for Tamil rights and societal dignity, noting that the Dravidian ideology’s influence is deeply rooted in the fight for autonomy and equality.

Reflecting on the Tamil Nadu government’s efforts, Udhayanidhi reiterated their stand on autonomy and regional respect, which has historical significance, including the stance taken against Hindi imposition from as early as the 1930s. He shared that Tamil Nadu has a tradition of observing January 26 as a day of social sacrifice, commemorating those who fought for linguistic and cultural identity. He also recalled the recent challenge faced with Doordarshan’s use of Hindi on Tamil platforms, mentioning the Honorable Chief Minister’s support for linguistic autonomy.

The Minister concluded with a call for solidarity between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, urging that both states continue to work together to protect their unique languages, cultures, and societies against any form of dilution.