In a heartfelt plea from Hyderabad, Legislative Council Chairman Gutta Sukender Reddy highlighted a concerning modern trend: the growing disconnect between children and their native languages and cultural heritage. He passionately advocated for the early integration of mother tongue values and cultural understanding into students’ education.
Reddy’s remarks came during an event organized by the Telangana Sahitya Parishat, which celebrated the launch of “Telangana Bhasha – Samagra Parishilana” (Telangana Language – A Comprehensive Overview). This significant book, authored by Professor Ganta Jalandhar Reddy, founder-president of the Telangana Language and Culture Council, offers an in-depth exploration of the region’s linguistic landscape. State Planning Board Vice Chairman G. Chinna Reddy officially unveiled the publication, which was dedicated to Mr. Sukender Reddy.
Emphasizing the crucial role of educational institutions, Mr. Sukender Reddy asserted that the preservation of language and culture hinges on the efforts made within school campuses and by dedicated teachers. He warned that without these foundational elements, the vital connections between teachers and students, and even between parents and children, risk becoming superficial. He stressed that safeguarding and promoting Telugu is an urgent priority, one that can be most effectively achieved through strong government schooling initiatives.
Adding historical context, Mr. Chinna Reddy elaborated on Telugu’s deep roots in the Telangana region, positing its origins there rather than in Andhra Pradesh. He traced its evolution from the ancient Satavahana period right up to the era of the last Nizam. Furthermore, he noted how the unique dialect of Telangana, especially within Hyderabad – affectionately termed “Mini India” – was significantly shaped by the rich influence of Urdu.