Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) and its controversial three-language formula, making a compelling case for viewing language as a practical tool for communication rather than a measure of intelligence or social status. Speaking in the state assembly on Friday, Naidu expressed his belief that linguistic diversity should be embraced without compromising one’s cultural roots. He emphasized that while learning new languages can open doors to better opportunities, people must never forget their mother tongue, which holds deep emotional and cultural significance.
“Language is not something to hate,” Naidu stated firmly. “Our mother tongue is Telugu. The national language is Hindi, and the international language is English. We should learn as many languages as possible for our livelihood, but we should never forget our mother tongue.” He further explained that learning Hindi would serve practical purposes, especially when communicating in regions like Delhi and other Hindi-speaking parts of the country. “If we learn a national language like Hindi, even if we go to Delhi, it will be easy to speak fluently,” he pointed out. Naidu cautioned against allowing language to become a political weapon, urging people to focus on the practical advantages of multilingualism rather than getting caught up in divisive debates. “Instead of indulging in unnecessary politics, we must think about how to learn as many languages as needed for effective communication and economic progress,” he urged.
Naidu also drew attention to the global success of individuals who take pride in their native language, arguing that fluency in one’s mother tongue, paired with proficiency in other languages, can lead to extraordinary achievements. “Language is a means of communication. It doesn’t automatically grant knowledge. Those who have learned their mother tongue and speak it proudly are the ones seated in top positions across the world,” he declared, inspiring the assembly to recognize the value of linguistic and cultural identity. He promised that Andhra Pradesh would support students and professionals who wish to learn additional languages such as Japanese or German, recognizing the growing demand for such skills in the global job market. “If necessary, we will provide the opportunity to learn international languages to help improve livelihood prospects and ensure our youth are equipped for success in an increasingly interconnected world,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also entered the conversation during the foundation day celebrations of his party, the Jana Sena Party, on March 14. Kalyan backed the idea of linguistic inclusivity, stressing the importance of appreciating all Indian languages. He questioned the anti-Hindi sentiment in Tamil Nadu, pointing out the widespread popularity of Tamil films dubbed in Hindi. “If Tamil Nadu is against Hindi, why are Tamil films being dubbed in Hindi and enjoyed across the country?” he asked, challenging the logic behind the opposition to Hindi. Kalyan argued that harboring hostility toward any language is counterproductive, urging people to move beyond linguistic prejudices and recognize the potential for greater national unity through multilingualism.
However, Kalyan’s comments drew a sharp response from actor and politician Prakash Raj, who took to social media platform X to clarify a critical distinction. He argued that rejecting Hindi imposition should not be misconstrued as hatred for the language itself. “Saying ‘do not impose your Hindi on us’ is not the same as hating another language. It is about protecting our mother tongue and our cultural identity with pride,” Prakash Raj stated, underscoring the need to respect regional languages and preserve India’s rich cultural diversity. He emphasized that linguistic pride and opposition to forced imposition are not mutually exclusive, advocating for a balanced approach where all languages are respected, but none is forced upon others.
The debate touches on a deeper, long-standing issue in India — the tension between promoting a unifying national language and respecting regional identities. For decades, language has been a sensitive topic in the country, with several states, particularly in the South, resisting the imposition of Hindi to protect their linguistic heritage. The NEP’s three-language formula reignited this debate, prompting leaders like Naidu and Kalyan to advocate for a practical, forward-thinking approach to language learning. They argue that multilingualism is an asset in today’s globalized world, offering economic and social advantages, while critics like Prakash Raj remind people that cultural preservation and linguistic freedom are equally important.
This ongoing conversation reflects the complexity of India’s linguistic landscape — a nation with 22 officially recognized languages and hundreds of regional dialects. It raises important questions about how to balance national unity with cultural diversity and whether language policies should prioritize practicality, identity, or a blend of both. As the debate continues to unfold, leaders from across the political spectrum are likely to weigh in, shaping the future of language education and cultural identity in India.
