Tamil Nadu’s ‘Language War’ Sparks Debate: How Telangana’s Telugu Push in Schools Fared

By News e India:

Introduction:

The language debate in India has once again taken center stage, with Tamil Nadu witnessing a fresh row over linguistic identity. While Tamil Nadu continues its resistance against the imposition of Hindi, neighboring Telangana has taken a different route—actively promoting Telugu in schools. This contrast sheds light on how language policies are shaping education and cultural identity in South India.

The ‘Language War’ in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has a long history of opposing Hindi imposition, a stance that dates back to the anti-Hindi agitations of the 20th century. The recent controversy erupted after certain remarks from political leaders reignited concerns over linguistic hegemony. The state’s government remains firm on its two-language policy—Tamil and English—rejecting any attempts to introduce Hindi as a mandatory subject.

Telangana’s Approach: Strengthening Telugu in Schools

Unlike Tamil Nadu’s resistance to external languages, Telangana has been proactive in preserving its linguistic heritage. The state government recently mandated Telugu as a compulsory subject in schools, aiming to revive interest in the native language. The initiative extends across all educational institutions, including private and CBSE schools, ensuring that students remain connected to their roots.

Challenges and Public Response

While the move has been largely welcomed in Telangana, some stakeholders, especially English-medium schools, have raised concerns about implementation. Parents in urban areas, who prioritize English for global opportunities, feel the policy should offer more flexibility. However, educationists argue that learning Telugu alongside English enhances cognitive abilities and strengthens cultural ties.

Comparative Analysis: Tamil Nadu vs. Telangana

Tamil Nadu’s stance is rooted in resisting linguistic imposition, particularly from the Centre, whereas Telangana’s approach focuses on nurturing its native language without sidelining others. The contrasting strategies reflect the broader regional aspirations and political narratives shaping language policies in India.

Conclusion

As the debate over language policies intensifies, the experiences of Tamil Nadu and Telangana highlight the complexities of linguistic identity in education. While one state fights against external imposition, the other actively promotes its mother tongue—each navigating its unique path in India’s multilingual landscape.

For More Details: https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/tn-language-war-row-telanganas-telugu-push-schools-goes-down-smoothly-9858803/