Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu told the state Assembly on Monday that excelling globally hinges on education in one’s mother tongue, debunking the notion that English alone ensures knowledge.

“Language is only for communication. Knowledge comes through the mother tongue—those who study in it are thriving worldwide,” Naidu asserted, emphasizing its ease of learning.

The remarks follow a recent language controversy sparked by Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan’s comments on Tamil Nadu’s stance against the Centre. Naidu clarified, “Language isn’t for hate. Here, it’s Telugu; Hindi is our national language, and English is international.”

He urged citizens to master multiple languages for livelihood without neglecting their roots, noting Hindi’s utility in Delhi and the benefits of learning Japanese or German for global opportunities.

Naidu’s push aligns with his vision for a multilingual, yet culturally rooted, Andhra Pradesh. “There’s no need for unnecessary politics over languages,” he said, advocating practical education reforms. His stance contrasts with English-centric narratives, reflecting a broader debate on linguistic identity in India’s diverse landscape. The CM’s appeal comes as the state navigates its post-bifurcation identity, balancing regional pride with national and global integration.

On X, supporters lauded Naidu’s focus on mother-tongue education, citing examples of tech innovators succeeding via vernacular learning.

As Andhra aims to bolster its educational framework, Naidu’s words signal a policy shift toward leveraging linguistic diversity for progress, urging lawmakers to prioritize skill over symbolism in the language debate.