PV Narasimha Rao knew 17 languages: Andhra CM Naidu defends Hindi learning amid language row

Naidu made the comment while speaking at a lecture on “The Life and Legacy of former PM Shri PV Narasimha Rao” in Delhi. (Image: PTI)

Amid renewed debates on Hindi promotion in non-Hindi-speaking states, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has come out in defence of learning the language. Speaking at a lecture in New Delhi on “The Life and Legacy of former PM Shri PV Narasimha Rao,” Naidu invoked Rao’s multilingual prowess to emphasise the value of linguistic diversity and national integration.

“Today, we are questioning why we should learn Hindi. But former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao was a scholar of 17 languages. He didn’t just learn Hindi, he mastered many languages, and that’s what made him a great man,” Naidu said in a video shared on X news agency PTI.

VIDEO | Here's what Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) said addressing a memorial held for former PM PV Narasimha Rao in Delhi.

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"We have gathered here today to reflect on the life of one of the greatest sons of Bharat Mata and Bharat Ratna PV Narasimha Rao. I had a very… pic.twitter.com/3qIdQmxX2i

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 15, 2025

The Chief Minister’s comments come at a time when the issue of Hindi imposition continues to stir controversy in southern states, most recently in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Naidu also paid rich tributes to Rao’s statesmanship, particularly his pivotal role in transforming India’s economy. “Before 1991, we followed a socialist model marked by licence raj, restricted foreign investment, and crippling bureaucracy. Our forex reserves were at rock bottom, we had to pledge our gold,” he recalled.

Highlighting Rao’s leadership, Naidu said, “When he became Prime Minister in June 1991, he viewed the crisis as an opportunity. It was a time for bold reforms, and he delivered. Those reforms changed the future of India. Today, we are beneficiaries of that vision.”

He noted that Rao pushed through liberalisation while leading a minority government, making the achievement all the more extraordinary. “To introduce such historic reforms, political consensus is key. Rao managed to bring stakeholders together despite lacking a full majority,” he added.

Naidu also praised the contributions of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for accelerating infrastructure development and credited current Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring political continuity and enhancing India’s global image.

“Modi ji didn’t just bring political stability, he gave us a renewed sense of pride on the world stage,” Naidu said.

With inputs from PTI