Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has emphasised the importance of studying in one’s mother tongue, asserting that true knowledge comes from such education. Speaking at the ‘Telugu Bhasha Dinotsavam’ celebrations held at Tummalapally Kalakshetra in Vijayawada on Thursday, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of preserving and promoting the Telugu language.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister warned that neglecting one’s native language could lead to the erosion of cultural identity. He praised Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy for his dedication to the Telugu language, underscoring that primary education should be conducted in the mother tongue to facilitate effective learning.
Naidu reassured that the state government is committed to protecting Kuchipudi, a cherished Telugu heritage.
The Chief Minister refuted claims made by the previous YSRCP government that survival depended solely on proficiency in English, arguing that language is merely a tool for communication. He asserted that the current administration is devoted to preserving the Telugu language, noting that while English may be taught for employment, Telugu is integral to life.
Naidu noted that Telugu is spoken by 100 million people, making it the fourth most widely spoken language in India, after Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi. He pointed out that while Indians are spread across the globe, approximately 30 per cent are Telugu speakers. He recalled that Andhra Pradesh gained recognition as a Telugu-speaking state after NTR founded the Telugu Desam Party.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister expressed his ambition for Andhra Pradesh to become the leading state in India by 2047, pledging the government’s dedication to achieving this goal. He anticipated a future where people would proudly identify as Telugu. Naidu also mentioned that the government will review GO No 77 and sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to facilitate international performances by local artists.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh were also present..
Awards to distinguished personalities
Achanta Balaji Naidu –
Drama, NTR District
Patibandla Ananda Rao –
Social Drama, Prakasam
Vanaparthy Durga Rao –
Tholubommalata, Narasaraopet
Malladi Suri Babu –
Vocal Carnatic, NTR District
Sarada Ramakrishna –
Andhra Natyam, NTR District
S. Vijaya Kumar –
Painter, Guntur
Dr. Kandimalla Sambasiva Rao – Writer, Palnadu
Borra Govardhan –
Writer, Guntur
Palamaneru Balaji –
Writer, Chittoor
P. Satyanarayana Reddy –
Writer, Konaseema
G. Lakshmi Narasayya –
Writer, Krishna District
Challapalli Swaroopa Rani –
Writer, Bapatla
Dr. KVND Varaprasad –
Literary Scholar and
Critic, East Godavari
Acharya Mule Vijaya Lakshmi –
Retired HOD, Padmavathi
Mahila University
Sambhasiva Rao –
Kondapalli Toys, Kondapalli
Ashok Kumar –
Ashok Book Centre/Alakananda Prachurnalu, NTR District
Modumudi Sudhakar –
Top Grade Musician, NTR District
