Former CJI N.V. Ramana calls for concerted effort to preserve Telugu language

Former CJI N.V. Ramana calls for concerted effort to preserve Telugu language. He exhorts youngsters to remove the misconception that studying in Telugu will not fetch them jobs, and urges the State government to set up Potti Sriramulu Viswavidyalayam in Andhra Pradesh.

Telugu language has a rich heritage, shaped by famed writers, poets and poetesses, artistes, actresses across centuries, and there should be no shame in learning, conversing and thinking in Telugu, says former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana.

Justice (Retd.) Ramana was speaking after lighting a lamp to inaugurate the two-day 6th World Telugu Writers’ Mahasabhalu at KBN College in Vijayawada on December 28, 2024 (Saturday).

He was joined by Margadarsi Chit Fund Ltd. Managing Director Shailaja Kiron, Mahasabhalu president and Avanigadda MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad, Vijayawada West MLA Yalamanchili Satyanarayana (Sujana) Chowdary, and K. Gopinath, an MP from Tamil Nadu.

The former CJI pointed out how people in South Korea, Japan and other countries had learnt, did research work and studies in their languages, and achieved great heights.

“There are many countries that give more importance to their native language, and not English. Here, studying in one’s native language has provided one with employment, made the country proud and also propelled it to global prominence,” Justice (Retd.) Ramana said, entreating the youngsters to remove the misconception that studying in Telugu would not fetch them jobs.

“Telugu language is called the ‘Italian of the East’. It is the collective responsibility of the Telugu society, the government and the media to preserve the language,” he added, urging the TDP-led NDA government to set up a Potti Sriramulu Viswavidyalayam in Andhra Pradesh.

His proposal was seconded by Mr. Gopinath, who had received accolades for taking oath in his mother tongue, Telugu, in the Lok Sabha in June. Mr. Gopinath expressed displeasure at the educational institutions in Andhra Pradesh giving more importance to English. He urged the State government to take measures to preserve Telugu.