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

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.

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.”