Dhanush Encourages Students To Embrace Tamil, Calls Mother Tongue Knowledge Important
Dhanush highlights importance of Tamil language
Actor Dhanush has urged students to give greater importance to learning their mother tongue, particularly reading and writing skills, during a visit to his former school in Chennai. Addressing students and teachers at Thaai Sathya Matriculation School, the actor spoke about the increasing preference for English over regional languages and said that losing touch with one's mother tongue should not be considered a matter of pride. Recalling his own school days, Dhanush said he once struggled with English but was comfortable communicating in Tamil. Speaking in Tamil during the interaction, he shared how language priorities have changed over the years.
He said that while many people today have strong English skills, a significant number struggle to read and write Tamil fluently, which he described as a concerning trend. "When I was studying here, I was bad at English and couldn't speak it well. But I was fluent in Tamil. That has changed now," Dhanush said while interacting with students. He added that when he meets people today, many are unable to read and write Tamil properly despite being proficient in English. According to him, this shift reflects the need for greater focus on preserving language skills. The actor emphasised that learning English is important but should not come at the cost of neglecting one's native language.
He encouraged students to develop proficiency in their mother tongue while also gaining knowledge of other languages. Dhanush said that being unable to speak or understand Tamil should not be viewed as a symbol of status or modernity. Dhanush's comments came during his return to Thaai Sathya Matriculation School, where he interacted with the school community and reflected on his early years. The actor spoke about the role of education in shaping individuals and highlighted the importance of maintaining a connection with cultural and linguistic roots. Language has remained a significant topic of discussion in Tamil Nadu, where Tamil is closely linked with the state's cultural identity.
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Several public figures, writers, and artists have often emphasised the importance of preserving Tamil through education and everyday usage, particularly among younger generations growing up in an increasingly globalised environment. While English continues to play an important role in higher education, employment, and global communication, experts often stress the benefits of being multilingual. Learning one's mother tongue can help strengthen cultural understanding, communication skills, and a sense of identity, while knowledge of English and other languages can provide wider opportunities.
Dhanush's message focused on finding a balance between modern education and cultural preservation. He encouraged students not to ignore Tamil while pursuing knowledge of English or other languages. The actor said that respect for one's mother tongue should remain an important part of personal growth and education. The visit also highlighted Dhanush's continued connection with his educational roots. Through his interaction with students, the actor shared a personal experience about language learning and encouraged younger generations to value Tamil while preparing themselves for opportunities in an increasingly connected world.
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