Recently, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin attended the 23rd Graduation Day at Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai. During the event, Ashwin made a comment about the Hindi language, which sparked a controversy. A clip from R Ashwin’s speech at the event has gone viral on social media, causing outrage among netizens.
In the clip, Ashwin asked the students which language they would like him to address them in. He first asked, “How many English students are here?” This question was met with cheers from the students. He then asked, “How many Tamil students are here?” and the entire college erupted with cheers. Finally, he asked, “Any Hindi students here?” which was met with silence, almost like a pin-drop moment.
Following this, Ashwin made a remark in Tamil about the Hindi language, which, when translated, means: “Hindi is not the national language; it’s just the official language.” However, the comment did not go well with netizens.
#Watch | தமிழுக்கு அதிர்ந்த அரங்கம்.. இந்திக்கு SILENT.. "இந்தி தேசிய மொழி இல்ல".. பதிவு செய்த அஸ்வின்!
சென்னையில் உள்ள தனியார் பொறியியல் கல்லூரியில் நடைபெற்ற பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் மாஸ் காட்டிய கிரிக்கெட் வீரர் அஸ்வின்#SunNews | #Chennai | #Ashwin | @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/TeWPzWAExQ
— Sun News (@sunnewstamil) January 9, 2025
Sun News’ X handle posted the video, and the comment section quickly turned into a debate over Ashwin’s remark. One user, Saraswathi Subramanian, possibly a resident of Tamil Nadu judging by the name, expressed disappointment, writing: “Why should Ashwin talk like this? I don’t like this. Let him remain as a cricketer. I am his fan. The more languages you learn, the better it is. There are translations available for any language immediately on our phones. What’s the problem? Leave the language issue to people.”
Another user, named Social Warrior, wrote: “Don’t play cricket because it’s Hindi majority players. Kindly stop playing IPL for teams that have owners whose preferred mode of communication is Hindi. Kindly enjoy the CEO posts of tech companies and only hire your own.”
Ashwin’s comment has once again reignited the debate over whether Hindi should be recognized as national language. Politicians from South Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, have often opposed any move to impose the Hindi language on their states.
ALSO READ: After Yuzvendra Chahal, Manish Pandey’s divorce on the cards
Ashwin recently announced his retirement from international cricket following the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While he won’t be seen in the Indian jersey anymore, Ashwin will continue showcasing his skills in T20 leagues. The 38-year-old off-spinner is set to represent Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 and has expressed his desire for a long association with the franchise. Additionally, he will also participate in the Tamil Nadu Premier League.
