Telangana Government Mandates Telugu in Schools
The Telangana government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has made Telugu a mandatory subject in all educational institutions, including state-run, CBSE, ICSE, and International Baccalaureate (IB) schools. The directive, issued on February 27, 2025, has been welcomed by various stakeholders, including opposition leaders and cultural activists, who see this as a step toward preserving Telangana’s linguistic and cultural identity.
A Contrast to Tamil Nadu’s ‘Language War’
This decision comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is embroiled in a fierce debate over the National Education Policy (NEP) and the alleged imposition of Hindi. Unlike Tamil Nadu, Telangana has historically been more accommodating of multiple languages, with Hyderabad being a cosmopolitan hub where Telugu, Hindi, Urdu, and English are widely spoken.
The Rationale Behind the Move
According to government officials, the initiative is aimed at fostering a sense of pride and cultural belonging among students. Education Minister P. Sabitha Indra Reddy stated that Telugu is integral to Telangana’s heritage, and ensuring that students learn it will help maintain linguistic continuity across generations.
“The government’s order making Telugu compulsory has more to do with preserving the language rather than pitting it against any other language. Telangana has seen no history of a language war. In fact, many non-Telugu communities live in Hyderabad while speaking their own language. Speaking in Hindi is also very common. Telangana’s history, especially that of Hyderabad, is of a cosmopolitan culture which accommodates all languages,” said historian Professor M Kodandaram, founder of the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS).
Implementation Across Educational Boards
The Telangana government has directed all schools, including those affiliated with national and international boards, to incorporate Telugu into their curriculum. Schools that fail to comply with the directive may face penalties, although the specifics of enforcement are yet to be detailed.
While government-run schools already have Telugu as part of their syllabus, private institutions catering to non-Telugu-speaking communities will now have to ensure the subject is taught effectively. This has raised concerns among some parents and educators who worry about the additional academic burden on students.
Support and Opposition
Political parties, language activists, and cultural organizations have largely welcomed the move. Leaders from different backgrounds argue that learning the regional language will help students integrate better into Telangana’s cultural fabric.
On the other hand, some school associations have expressed concerns over logistical challenges, such as hiring qualified Telugu teachers and integrating the language into already packed curricula. However, the government has assured support in terms of teacher training and curriculum development.
A Step Towards Language Preservation **
Linguistic experts argue that making regional languages compulsory in schools helps in preserving them against the dominance of global languages like English. With many young students gravitating towards English and Hindi for better career prospects, local languages risk losing their prominence in daily life.
“This initiative ensures that the next generation stays connected to their roots. If a language is not spoken, read, or written, it eventually fades away. By making Telugu compulsory, Telangana is ensuring that its linguistic heritage remains alive,” said linguist Dr. N. Venugopal.
Conclusion
Telangana’s decision to mandate Telugu in all schools is a significant step towards preserving its cultural and linguistic identity. Unlike Tamil Nadu’s ongoing resistance against Hindi imposition, Telangana’s move is viewed as an inclusive approach rather than a political confrontation. While implementation challenges remain, the initiative has been largely welcomed as a necessary measure to sustain the Telugu language for future generations.
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