Naidu emphasised the importance of learning multiple languages for better career opportunities while maintaining a strong bond with one's mother tongue.
Published Mar 17, 2025 | 7:03 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 17, 2025 | 7:03 PM
N Chandrababu Naidu with Pawan Kalyan. (X)
Synopsis: Chandrababu Naidu’s tone was reconciliatory when he supported the three-language scheme and urged people to learn multiple languages. He said language should not be a cause for division.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu preferred a middle path in the raging language row and advocated learning both Hindi and English besides the mother tongue.
While supporting the three-language formula envisaged in the National Educational Policy (NEP), 2020, Naidu’s mellowed tone in the Assembly on Monday, 17 March, was different from that of his deputy, Jana Sena Party leader Pawan Kalyan, who recently lashed out at the hypocrisy of Tamil Nadu.
Stressing the need to learn one’s mother tongue, Naidu said, “One needs to learn Hindi as it is useful for communication in Delhi. Other languages we learn for livelihood… Hindi is the national language… English is an international language,” he said.
It may be noted that India does not have a national language. Both Hindi and English are official languages.
Naidu’s TDP is part of the BJP-led NDA.
Pointing out that people learn a new language to find a livelihood, Naidu said “Language is only for communication” and recommended studying more languages. He said language should not be a cause for division or hatred.
As many people migrate to countries like Japan and Germany, learning these languages locally would make it easier for them to adapt when they travel abroad.
The chief minister opined that individuals across the world who received education in their mother tongue excelled, as learning in one’s native language was more intuitive and effective.
Naidu emphasised the importance of learning multiple languages for better career opportunities while maintaining a strong bond with one’s mother tongue.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday, 14 March, supported the Centre’s three-language policy and slammed Tamil Nadu for opposing Hindi.
“Why should anyone oppose Hindi? What is wrong with learning it? For that matter, what is wrong with learning as many languages as possible? We should have linguistic diversity,” the Jana Sena chief said while addressing a mammoth rally in Pithapuram, organised as part of his party’s 12th foundation day.
Jana Sena is part of the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh.
“There are people who are criticising Sanskrit. Don’t hate languages. All are Indian languages,” Kalyan said at the constituency he has been representing in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly.
He pointed at Tamil movies being dubbed in Hindi to make money.
Tamil Nadu’s DMK government has been opposing the imposition of Hindi in non-Hindi-speaking states and the Centre’s planned population-based delimitation. The DMK’s opposition has created a ripple effect in the southern states.
