Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has reiterated his support for the three-language policy outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing the importance of Telugu as the mother tongue. He advocates for learning Hindi and English to enable effective communication and improve employment prospects. During his address at the state assembly on March 17 and 18, 2025, Naidu urged citizens to avoid politicizing language education, stating, "Language is not something to hate. Our mother tongue is Telugu. National language is Hindi. International language is English. We should learn as many languages as possible for our livelihood, but we should never forget our mother tongue," he declared, promoting multilingualism as a method for enhancing career opportunities.
Naidu's stance emerges amid growing tensions with Tamil Nadu's DMK government, which has voiced strong opposition to any perceived imposition of Hindi. The DMK's leader, MK Stalin, has criticized the Centre's handling of the language policy, which he sees as favoring Hindi over regional languages, highlighting the broader cultural and political ramifications of the language debate. Naidu, who leads the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has taken what could be described as a reconciliatory approach within this contentious dialogue, promoting the NEP's flexibility.
He elaborated on the necessity of learning multiple languages, explaining, "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 underscored the advantages of being multilingual, especially as many individuals migrate for work opportunities abroad, noting, "Our people are going to countries like Japan and Germany, and if necessary, they should learn those languages earlier so it becomes easier for them to sustain themselves abroad." Naidu's comments reflect a growing recognition of the need for linguistic adaptability within the workforce.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan echoed Naidu’s sentiments, criticizing Tamil Nadu’s government for its opposition to Hindi. During a public rally on March 14, Kalyan stated, "Why should anyone oppose Hindi? What is wrong with learning it? For all languages are Indian languages." He added, "There are people who are criticizing Sanskrit. Don't hate languages. All are Indian languages," emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity.
This commentary occurs as Tamil Nadu's DMK leadership has firmly maintained its opposition to Hindi imposition, claiming such policies would negate the significance of Tamil. The political climate has intensified as the Centre recently withheld funds from Tamil Nadu under the Samagra Siksha scheme due to its refusal to implement the NEP, contributing to the rising tensions between state and central governments. This situation portrays the challenges inherent to implementing uniform educational guidelines across India’s linguistically diverse regions.
The discourse surrounding language policies is not merely academic; it embodies the cultural identity and heritage of millions. Naidu's approach reflects the need for significant dialogue about suitable educational policies. His warnings against unnecessary politics stress the importance of ensuring cultural preservation without sacrificing the benefits of multilingualism for economic opportunity.
Naidu's remarks suggest both the educational and socio-political frameworks must evolve to accommodate regional identities alongside national cohesion. He insisted, “Engaging in unnecessary politics over this issue is not correct,” calling for constructive dialogue rather than division.
The interplay of language, identity, and education continues to evolve within India's diverse political landscapes. Naidu's balanced viewpoint advocates for inclusivity and cultural respect, promoting harmonious coexistence as the nation navigates these significant discussions. His anticipation for educational reform should be closely monitored, as it may serve as a bellwether for how regional identities and national policies can work together.
Perhaps the question remains: Can India find common ground amid its rich linguistic diversity? With perspectives like Naidu’s leading the conversation, there’s hope for constructive engagement moving forward. Reflecting on the educational policies' effectiveness will be key as states, including Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, tread carefully on this complex and important issue.
Citizens are encouraged to weigh-in on multilingual education as both bridge-building and preserving tradition, enhancing the discussion on how best to serve India's diverse demographic needs.
