Why don't Tamils learn Hindi?

Does this title sound familiar for many Tamils? The moment you step out of Tamil Nadu, each and every tamilian encounters this and expected to answer. The place could be work, just a social gathering, train station, bus station and you name it.

When people ask me this question, my first response to them would be "did they know atleast one word in any one of south indian languages?" Their response would be "NO" and to make their point even stronger, they would ask you "Hindi is national language of India, why should I learn a regional language?"

Some of my responses (please feel free to use it) and they would never ask you this question again -

1. First of all, Hindi is not a National language. It is one of the official language. They will be shocked to learn this.

2. India is a Federal Republic which means it is federation of states with each has it own identity.

3. Tamil is very rich language in terms of everything in par, if not exceeds sanskirt (note, I did not say Hindi which does not have any of these qualities). How can I forget my beloved Thiruvalluvar and millions of greatest people contributed to the richness of this language and humanity. Which languages has - "Yaathum Oorae, Yaavarum Kaeler" (all the world's our home and the world's people are all interrelated)

4. Out of all the Indian languages, Tamil is the only language which is an official language in more than 3 three countries. How come they missed out Hindi?!!! as the official language in these countries. May be we should colonise them and make Hindi as a National langugage, sorry official language there too.

5. Language is not only just a language, it brings character, culture, business, economy etc., This language produced some of the brightest musicians in the world (Yes, the first Indian Oscar winner is produced by this language and region) and the best music in the world. Whom are we going to sell if Hindi wants to wipe out everything.

6. Policy of "One language India" is not going to make India Super Power or Eradicate Poverty from India or Improve lives of millions of Indians". Look at Europe. European Union does not have common language. Ask a French why don't they learn English and replace French with English in Franch! Does not it sound stupidity.

I am not against learning Hindi. If one wishes to learn, he should not be banned from learning. But I am against any individual or Govt forcing what they think right should be right to others without knowing other side.

So, When someone asks you "Why don't learn Hindi?", you know what you should answer...

My fellow Hindi speakers, before asking this question again to a non-hindi speaker, think before you ask this question. Don't project yourself as immature and an idiot!