Andhra CM Naidu calls for unity among Telugu-speaking people: 'No language greater or lesser than another'

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu (File image)

• Naidu calls for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to unite on water issues
• He announces a Telugu university in Rajahmundry named after Potti Sriramulu
• Naidu stresses respect for all languages and pride in Telugu's classical status

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday underlined the need for unity among Telugu-speaking people and stronger cooperation between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, particularly on issues such as water sharing and river interlinking, while addressing the fourth World Telugu Conference in Guntur.

Speaking at the three-day event celebrating the Telugu language, Naidu said political differences should not translate into animosity between the two states. Stressing that there was “no hostility and only unity” between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, he appealed to Telugu people to stand together on matters of shared interest.

The chief minister drew attention to the large volumes of water from the Godavari and Krishna rivers that flow unused into the sea each year. He said interlinking projects, including Polavaram and the Krishna–Godavari linkage, could play a key role in addressing long-standing water challenges faced by the country.

'No language is greater or lesser than another'

Naidu also devoted a significant part of his address to the theme of linguistic respect. Calling for mutual regard for all languages spoken across India, he said, “People should respect each other’s languages. No language is greater or lesser than another.” He added that technology was not a threat to languages, noting that it instead aided their preservation.

While acknowledging the importance of English, the TDP supremo cautioned against neglecting one’s roots, remarking that forgetting one’s mother tongue amounted to losing one’s identity. He said that students educated in their mother tongue often performed better academically.

Highlighting Telugu’s stature, Naidu said it was a matter of pride that the language was among India’s six classical languages. He noted that nearly 10 crore people speak Telugu and pointed out that delegates from 40 countries had taken part in the conference. He stressed that children should be encouraged from a young age to develop an affection for the language.

During the event, Naidu also announced that a Telugu university would be set up in Rajahmundry and named after Potti Sriramulu, the Gandhian freedom fighter whose 58-day fast in 1952 for a separate Andhra state led to its creation.

The World Telugu Conference began in Guntur on January 3 and concluded on Monday. Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool attended a special session on Sunday as chief guest, while Naidu, Goa Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju and other ministers addressed the closing ceremony.