Karunanidhi warns against linguistic chauvinism

SPEAKS HIS MIND: Actors Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan presenting the Best Dialogue Writer Award for the movie “Uliyin Osai” to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. The Chief Minister spoke at the event, warning against linguistic chauvinism. Photo: PTI

Cautioning against linguistic chauvinism, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi says one language cannot dominate over another.

“Linguistic differences should not come in the way of harmony and brotherhood,” the DMK chief said here yesterday after distributing State Government Film Awards for 2007 and 2008.

Stating that language was merely a tool for mutual understanding and communication, he said some attach even divinity to it. “One language cannot dominate over another,” he said.

“Tamil is not opposed to any language and so should no language be opposed to Tamil,” Mr. Karunanidhi, known for his proficiency in the language, said.

Earlier, the CM gave and received awards and termed such functions involving film fraternity as “medicine” to his ill-health.

Tamil cinema icons Rajnikant and Kamal Hassan received the Best Actor Award for 2007 and 2008 for ‘Sivaji-The Boss’ and ‘Dasavatharam, respectively. The super stars along with some other award-winners presented the Best Dialogue Writer award to Karunanidhi for ‘Uliyin Osai.’

Saying that his passion for arts had been there in him since childhood, the octogenarian said this was the driving force behind writing scripts for films to this day.