A New Name For Tamil Nadu? Not Me, Says Governor
RN Ravi, the governor of Tamil Nadu, stated today that claims that he recently suggested changing the name of the state with his remarks on “Tamizhagam” were “erroneous and far-fetched.”
Mr. Ravi provided clarification on the contentious remark that sparked the “Tamil Nadu vs Tamizhagam” discussion, claiming that those who made the implication did so “without comprehending” the rationale behind his remarks.
“An interpretation or inference that it was a suggestion to change the name of Tamil Nadu is erroneous and far-fetched,” said the Governor in a statement.
He used the name “Tamizhagam” when discussing the historical and cultural ties between the Tamil people and Kashi. There was no Tamil Nadu back then, he claimed. Therefore, I used the word Tamizhagam as a more acceptable expression in the historical and cultural context, stated Mr. Ravi.
“Without understanding the basis of my speech, arguments that the Governor is against the word Tamil Nadu have become a topic of discussion. Hence, I am giving this clarification to put an end to it.”
Governor Ravi had declared the following at a gathering on January 4: “Tamil Nadu objects to anything that is applicable to the entire nation. It’s been ingrained. Truth must win out. Thamizhagam is a better term to use. For a very long period, outsiders inflicted great destruction on the rest of the nation.”
The remarks created a significant argument, with Mr. Ravi being accused of supporting the BJP-RSS agenda by the state’s ruling DMK. The hashtag #GetOutRavi has been trending on Twitter as the ruling MLAs in the state assembly yelled “Quit Tamil Nadu” shouts in the assembly against Mr. Ravi. While Thamizhagam refers to the “home of the Tamil people,” Tamil Nadu denotes “the nation of Tamils.” Many would interpret the Tamil word “Nadu,” which means “land,” as referring to an independent state in India. Over the years, efforts have been made, according to Governor Ravi, to promote the idea that Tamil Nadu is not truly a part of India.
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