In this report, we look at statements made by DMK leaders against the policies initiated by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). These emerge amidst Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s recent assertion that teachings of Prophet Muhammad are included in the state syllabus, contrasting with the party’s historical resistance to NCERT content involving Hindu traditions.
#1 DMK MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian Slams Hindi Titles In NCERT Books
In April 2025, DMK MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian criticized NCERT’s decision to use Hindi titles for English-medium textbooks, labeling it an unconstitutional “cultural imposition” that undermines linguistic diversity. The criticism echoed concerns from other southern leaders about “Hindi imposition” and was part of a broader political pushback against the central government’s education policies, which the DMK argues marginalize regional languages like Tamil.
#2 Party-Wide Opposition To NCERT’s Hindi Move
In April 2025, the DMK officially opposed NCERT’s move to rename English-medium textbooks with Hindi titles, reiterating its long-standing stance against what it perceives as “Hindi imposition.” The party’s position was supported by allies in other southern states, with Kerala’s Education Minister terming the move “illogical.” This coordinated opposition highlighted the ongoing political tension between the central government and southern states over language policy in education.
#3 A Sarvanan Argues ‘Ganita’ Ignores Tamil Tradition
In April 2025, DMK leader A Sarvanan opposed NCERT’s renaming of mathematics textbooks to “Ganit Prakash,” arguing that the Sanskrit-derived term ‘Ganita’ does not represent Tamil linguistic traditions. He noted that ‘Kanakku’ is the common term for mathematics in Tamil. This objection was framed as a defense of Tamil heritage against the dominance of Sanskrit-based terminology in national educational materials, a key point in the Dravidian political narrative.
#4 Stalin Rejects NEP as ‘Nagpur Scheme’
In March 2025, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin declared he would not implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 even if the central government offered ₹10,000 crore, accusing the policy of undermining state education systems. He labeled the NEP a “devastating Nagpur scheme,” linking it to the RSS headquarters and framing it as an ideological imposition that compromises Tamil Nadu’s autonomy and social justice principles.
#5 TKS Elangovan Slams ‘Bharat’ Move in NCERT Books
In October 2023, DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan criticized NCERT’s recommendation to replace ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in textbooks, calling it a “cheap and illogical” political gimmick stemming from the BJP’s fear of the opposition’s INDIA alliance. He argued that such a change requires a constitutional amendment and reflects the ruling party’s political motivations rather than educational merit, vowing continued resistance.
#6 DMK Opposes NCERT Textbook Deletions
In August 2023, the DMK strongly opposed NCERT’s deletions from textbooks under the NEP’s rationalization exercise, criticizing the removal of portions related to Mughal history, Gandhi’s legacy, and communal harmony. This opposition was part of a broader resistance from southern states, which view the NEP as a centralizing force that compromises state autonomy and imposes a majoritarian narrative on the educational curriculum.
#7 Stalin Opposes CUET, Citing NCERT Bias
In April 2022, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urged the Prime Minister to withdraw the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), arguing that its reliance on the NCERT syllabus disadvantages students from state boards like Tamil Nadu’s. He stated that the test favors those from CBSE schools and coaching centers, sidelining the diverse and robust state education systems and creating an unequal playing field for higher education admissions.
#8 Karunanidhi Condemns NCERT Cartoon on Anti-Hindi Agitation
In June 2012, DMK president M. Karunanidhi demanded the removal of an NCERT textbook cartoon that lampooned the 1965 anti-Hindi agitation, calling it hurtful to Tamil sentiments. The party argued that cartoons are transient political commentary and unsuitable for history textbooks, as they could distort historical understanding and insult the legacy of the Dravidian movement’s struggle for linguistic rights.
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