Chandrababu Naidu Backs Three-Language Policy, Cites Narasimha Rao’s Multilingual Legacy

Amid the ongoing national debate over language policy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu strongly endorsed the Centre’s three-language formula, urging citizens to embrace multilingualism during a speech at the ‘Life and Legacy of Former PM Shri PV Narasimha Rao’ programme held in New Delhi on July 15 2025.

During the discussion on the Swarnandhra Vision 2047- document outlining 10 principles to elevate Andhra Pradesh, he emphasized the importance of learning Telugu, Hindi, and English, while also encouraging citizens to acquire more languages to improve employment prospects.

Naidu expressed that it is “not good” to use language issues to spread hatred and disrupt peace. "It is not good for the country to play politics on language issues”, Naidu added. 

“For us, Telugu is our mother tongue. Hindi is a national language and English is an international language.”, said Naidu.

Naidu’s remarks follow growing opposition to the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) in states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, where critics argue that promoting Hindi infringes on linguistic diversity. 

Citing the example of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, Naidu highlighted how multilingualism shaped the careers of great Indian leaders. “Now we are all talking, why should you learn Hindi? Not only did he learn Hindi, he learned 17 languages. That is how he became a great man,” he said, calling Rao an inspiration for modern India.

Naidu also stressed the importance of language skills in the global job market. With many Indians migrating to countries such as Japan and Germany, he noted that learning local languages enhances international employment opportunities. “Our people are moving to Japan, Germany, and other countries, and if necessary, the local languages are learned, the employment opportunities will be more,” he said.

The three- language policy debate dates back to 1960s, centre has defended the policy by stating that it is a step towards multilingualism and linguistic diversity. The NEP (National Educational Policy) 2020 further clarified that, "the three languages learned by children will be the choices of states, regions, and of course the students themselves, so long as at least two of the three languages are native to India.” [Rh/Eth/VS]