Date:20/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/20/stories/2004092001661005.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Classical Tamil

Sir, — It is good that Tamil has been declared a classical language. At this great moment for all Tamil-speaking people, one should also be wary of the possible repercussions this could have in multi-lingual India.

One way of avoiding tension is to declare all the 18 official languages spoken in India, including English, Arabic and Urdu, as classical languages.

V.E. Venkataramani,
Chennai

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Sir, — It is true that it is an impetus to the Tamil-speaking people but it should not lead to aversion among people speaking other languages. Any language that fits the bill should be recognised as classical forthwith.

R. Prathaban,
Pondicherry