The BJP has intensified its criticism of DMK leader A Raja for his opposition to ‘Hindi imposition’, his perspectives on nationalism, and his stance on traditional Hindu values. This political skirmish highlights the ongoing linguistic and cultural debates in India and especially in Tamil Nadu, a state known for its unique socio-political landscape.
Raja, who served in health and rural development ministries in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, has been a staunch advocate of the Dravidian ideology. But it’s not his fight alone. This ‘Hindutva versus Dravidian model’ is one of the most significant ideological battles set to unfold in the coming years. Udhayanidhi Stalin’s statement on Sanatana Dharma must be seen in the same context.
The BJP-DMK clash over language and religious-cultural identity underscores the deep-rooted political dynamics in India. Despite aggressively promoting Hindi and northern cultural ideals, the BJP has been unable to make inroads into Tamil Nadu where its influence remains limited and its vote share only marginally increasing. The political discourse in Tamil Nadu—shaped by figures like Thiruvalluvar, Periyar, Annadurai, Karunanidhi, MGR, and supported by parties like the DMK, AIADMK, and MDMK—champions regional pride, social justice, and linguistic identity, resisting any form of cultural or linguistic hegemony.
As such, Tamil Nadu has nothing to learn from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, or Gujarat and their politicians and ideologues. Instead, the rest of the country should learn from Tamil Nadu, the first in India to introduce the mid-day meal scheme, which now includes breakfast as well. The breakfast scheme has been extended to all primary schools in the state. Moreover, the government provides Rs 1,000 every month to every girl child who studies in classes 6 to 12 in government schools, regardless of caste or religion, as long as she continues her education.
Tamil Nadu boasts the highest rate of female employment in the nation, with women playing a significant role as influential consumers as well. The state leads in various industries, including automobiles, textiles, and software, and stands as a testament to the success of inclusive development and progressive governance. Tamil Nadu’s economy grew by 8.19 per cent in 2022-23, far exceeding the national average of 7.24 per cent. As the second-largest economy in India, Tamil Nadu contributed 8.8 per cent to the nation’s GDP.
This economic prosperity is matched by Tamil Nadu’s commitment to sustainable development and social welfare, highlighting the Dravidian model’s success in fostering an environment where economic growth and social justice go hand in hand.
Also Read: BJP isn’t rupturing Brahminical social order. It’s replacing it with Savarkarite Hindutva
The Dravidian model
The political and socio-economic landscape of Tamil Nadu provides a fascinating case study that transcends conventional Hindu-Muslim binary often seen in other parts of India. The state’s journey showcases a unique blend of social and gender justice, industrial growth, human development, and cultural pride. This model is popularly known as the Dravidian Model.
This is completely different from northern India’s socialist Lohiaite politics, which puts more emphasis on caste representation and ignores industry, education, health, and welfare issues. At the same time, Lohiaite politics tries to hobnob with religiosity. Ram Manohar Lohia used to organise Ramayan Melas near Ayodhya. All north Indian social justice leaders frequently visit temples and publicly follow the rituals. This does not happen so much in Tamil Nadu.
Central to Tamil Nadu’s development narrative is the emphasis on social justice and equity—hallmarks of the Dravidian movement. The political discourse, particularly under DMK’s governance, has prioritised redistributive policies, educational reforms, and healthcare improvements, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are broadly shared among its population. This model has significantly reduced poverty levels and improved living standards across the state.
The state’s focus on human development indicators such as education, healthcare, and gender equality has also been commendable. Tamil Nadu boasts one of the highest literacy rates in India, coupled with significant achievements in reducing the infant mortality rate, which dropped to 8.2 per 1,000 live births, and improving maternal health. The sex ratio (996 females per 1,000 males against the national average of 940) and life expectancy at birth (75.29) further reflect the state’s success in promoting gender equity and public health.
Moreover, Tamil Nadu’s approach to industrialisation and urbanisation has been strategic, leading to a diversified economy where the service sector plays a dominant role, complemented by a strong industrial base. The state’s policy environment, conducive to business and investment, has attracted significant foreign direct investment, contributing to its stature as a major economic powerhouse.
Also Read: Modi-Shah’s 2024 goal is to diminish Dravidianism. It is the next frontier
Culture not politics
According to The Economist, the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana are wealthier and more urban than the rest of India. Except for Karnataka, these states have never been under the BJP rule. They account for 20 per cent of the population but disproportionately contribute to the economy, representing 30 per cent of India’s loans and 35 per cent of foreign investment over the last three years. The economic disparity between the south and other regions has grown since 1947, with the south’s GDP share increasing from 24 per cent in 1993 to 31 per cent in recent years. Southern ideologies have benefitted these states.
On the other hand, Hindutva has not significantly improved social development indicators in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, states that have experienced extended periods of BJP governance. Gujarat, in similar political conditions, has fared comparatively better but that can be chalked up to its history and head-start in mercantile culture and business-boosting politics. When it comes down to development, what matters more is culture than politics. In fact, Madhya Pradesh leads the country with an infant mortality rate of 48 per 1,000 live births. Uttar Pradesh’s IMR is 41 and Rajasthan’s 32. Successive BJP governments in these states failed to address such issues. This suggests that the socio-cultural milieu plays a crucial role in the development process.
However, the challenges of balancing growth with sustainability, managing water resources, and ensuring equitable development across all social strata remain in Tamil Nadu. The state’s journey reflects a nuanced understanding that progress is not merely economic but deeply intertwined with social and cultural dimensions. The state’s experience underscores the importance of inclusive policies and governance models that prioritise social equity and justice, lessons that are increasingly relevant in today’s globalised world.
This model, shaped by the unique political and social history of the region, challenges the conventional paradigms of development and underscores the potential of state-led initiatives in transforming societies.
Dilip Mandal is the former managing editor of India Today Hindi Magazine, and has authored books on media and sociology. He tweets @Profdilipmandal. Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)
I usually like articles by Mr. Mandal, but this one doesn’t make sense. Sure, the rest of India may have something to learn from the South, but how does the success of the “Dravidian model” justify Mr. Stalin’s comments? Sure Hinduism, as it is practiced today, has its shortcomings. But a Hindu today, if he/she is interested, is not prevented from accessing any part of his/her religion, e.g., the Vedas, 16 sanskaras, etc. Sure, one may have to go a little out of one’s way and get these through organizations such as the Arya Samaj, ISKCON, All World Gayatri Pariwar, etc., but it is not impossible. If one has good intentions and truly wants Hindu society to succeed, then one should try to play a constructive role in its evolution.