Indian ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin while interacting with a Chennai Super Kings’ Content Head, Radhakrishnan regarding his recently released book, “I Have the Streets: A Kutty Cricket Story” slammed DMK’s anti-Hindi campaign slogan, ‘Hindi Theriyadu Poda’ (Translation – I Don’t Know Hindi, Get Lost!)”, and advocated for learning the Hindi language.
During the interaction, Ashwin shared anecdotal stories to emphasise the need to learn other languages if one wants to make a career beyond their native state. He also noted that learning the language could go a long way to earning acceptance from others and contributing to conversations.
Ashwin also shared his thoughts on the challenges of not being able to converse in Hindi. He also argued that there can be two mindsets. A non-Hindi speaker could take pride in saying, ‘Hindi Theriyadu Poda,’ or he could learn basic conversation in Hindi or communicate properly to Hindi speakers that he faces language barrier issues and seek assistance.
Not knowing Hindi can be proudly expressed as ‘Hindi Theriyadu Poda‘. Alternatively, it can be viewed as ‘If we don’t learn it, it could be difficult‘, a mindset that can lead to significant personal growth,” Ashwin said.
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Ashwin also emphasised the importance of learning conversational Hindi for anyone who aspires to build a career beyond Tamil Nadu. He also urged native Hindi speakers to empathise with those learning the language and to foster inclusivity beyond linguistic barriers. Meanwhile, several X users have lauded Ashwin for his remarks for learning Hindi.
He added that he wrote the book to drill down the point that learning the language would go a long way to earn acceptance from others and also be a part/contribute to conversations.
It is to be noted that regional Dravidian parties including the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, DMK have been anti-Hindi propaganda since its inception. It has been fanning anti-Hindi sentiments in the state with campaigns like ‘Hindi Theriyadu Poda’ (I Don’t Know Hindi, Get Lost!)”.
Dravidian leaders have been notorious for making derogatory remarks about the Hindi speaking belt, referring to them as “vadakkans“ (the term being used as a slur for North Indians), “panipuri sellers”, Toilet cleaners, etc.
Notably, last year in December, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran said “Hindi speakers clean toilets.” Former DMK MP Senthilkumar, inside the parliament, referred to Hindi heartland states as “gaumutra” states.
Ravichandran Ashwin, regarded as India’s premier off spinner with an impressive 500+ Test wickets. In his book, “I Have the Streets: A Kutty Cricket Story,” published by Penguin Random House India, he offers a nostalgic look at his early days before becoming a professional cricketer, focusing on the simple pleasures of playing street cricket in Chennai. Ashwin collaborated with Siddharth Monga, a cricket writer from ESPN Cricinfo, who transcribed Ashwin’s voice notes. The book highlights Ashwin’s journey from playing gully cricket to striving for excellence in the sport.
