Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 24 : Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan on Saturday strongly backed state autonomy in education and opposed the Centre's language imposition under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Haasan made the remarks while addressing the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) students' wing programme titled "Our Education, Our Right" at the Anna Centenary Library in Kotturpuram, Chennai.
Speaking at the event, Haasan said, "Education must be moved to the State List and made into law. If anyone wants to oppose this, let them oppose for 50 years, but we must make it a law if possible."
On the NEP's three-language formula, he reiterated Tamil Nadu's long-standing stand in favour of the two-language policy. "In Tamil Nadu, it will always be Tamil and English. Students are free to learn more languages if they wish, but nothing should be imposed," he said.
Sharing his personal experience, the actor-turned-politician said, "I know six languages. In school, I studied two, and I learned four more out of interest. My mother tongue will always be Tamil. Today, with technology, translation is possible without learning every language. So don't tell us it is essential."
He also emphasised that children's learning should remain undisturbed. "While marriages were being performed, wisdom was standing outside. Let's ensure that our school-going children progress without confusion, and they've already started making progress," Haasan said.
Expressing solidarity with the ruling DMK, he added, "I have no hesitation in giving a shoulder to the DMK. The fish symbol of the DMK is in our hearts, and the bow symbol is in our hands."
"No one can label me as left or right--my name is Kamal Haasan," he further said.