Naidu Advocates Multilingualism Amid Language Controversy

On March 17, 2025, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu took center stage as he spoke passionately about the significance of multilingual education during his presentation on the Swarnandhra Vision-2047 program. Addressing the Legislative Assembly, Naidu urged the public to embrace the knowledge gained through their mother tongue, yet remain open to learning additional languages, emphasizing the role of languages as tools for communication rather than sources of division.

His remarks come amid growing tension over the National Education Policy’s three-language formula, particularly fueled by concerns voiced from Tamil Nadu, where opposition figures argue it promotes Hindi at the expense of regional languages. At the heart of Naidu's message was his assertion: "Language is only for communication. Knowledge will not come with language. Only people who study in their mother tongue are excelling across the world. It is easy to learn through the mother tongue," highlighting the need for Telugu, the state’s primary language, alongside Hindi and English.

Naidu’s statements reflect both support for the Central government’s language initiatives and recognition of the deep-rooted cultural significance of Tamil, particularly pertinent to the conflicting perspectives between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu's leadership. He remarked, "It is not good for the country to play politics on language issues or spread hatred against one language," emphasizing the necessity of engaging with multiple languages for opportunities—not just locally but globally.

The Chief Minister also pointed out the economic advantages of speaking various languages, particularly Hindi and English, as means for enhancing job prospects for students from Andhra Pradesh. Notably, Naidu stated, "If you learn Hindi, you will be able to interact more effectively in Delhi and other places. Hindi serves as our national language, and English as the international language. Learning them provides competitive edges." His comments reflect the importance of linguistic skills for career advancement, especially as many Telugu speakers pursue opportunities abroad.

Coinciding with his address, Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and notable figure from the Janasena Party, also weighed in on the heated language debate. He criticized the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leaders for their selective objections to Hindi, particularly noting their silence on Hindi dubbed films, which he claimed served their financial interests. Kalyan declared, "This is not correct. No language can be imposed on anybody and it is not correct to oppose a language blindly. I have never opposed Hindi as a language. I only opposed making it compulsory," illustrating his stance against perceptions of Hindi imposition.

The political climate surrounding language issues has become increasingly charged, especially with public discourse swirling around the National Education Policy 2020. Critics, such as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, have asserted the policy’s intentions shadow darker motivations of promoting Hindi dominance. The controversy recently sparked heated discussions within Parliament, forcing members to confront the perceived threat to regional identities, particularly within Tamil Nadu. Naidu strongly resisted such notions, emphasizing unity over discord, citing, "False narratives about its imposition were being peddled to mislead the people."

Aside from political conflicts, Naidu highlighted the relevance of multilingualism beyond the classroom. He underscored the potential for language skills to open doors internationally as Andhra Pradesh workers venture to markets such as Japan and Germany. He noted, "Our people are moving to Japan, Germany, and other countries, and if necessary, the local languages are learnt, the employment opportunities will be more." This reality supports Naidu's vision of making Andhra Pradesh thrive economically and socially through education and communication.

Naidu's commitment to promoting multilingualism extends beyond rhetoric; his Swarnandhra Vision-2047 initiative aims to position Andhra Pradesh as one of India’s leading states. This ambitious platform aligns closely with national goals encapsulated within the larger framework of Viksit Bharat-2047, targeting development across multiple sectors. By advocating for the nurturing of linguistic skills among youth, Naidu believes they can navigate both local and international landscapes effectively.

Nonetheless, the road forward is fraught with challenges as regional languages stand firm against what many fear to be encroachment by national linguistic policies. The clash between promoting Hindi and protecting regional identities remains at the forefront of Tamil Nadu politics, with Naidu’s comments acting as both support and critique of the contentious three-language policy.

For Andhra Pradesh’s youth, Naidu's advocacy delivers clear messaging: learning one’s mother tongue is imperative, but simultaneously, engaging with other languages is equally valuable. "If you look for work anywhere, whether it is within the state, throughout the country, or worldwide, the skills you possess matter," Naidu concluded, reinforcing his views of language as key drivers of opportunity and progress.