Hyderabad: TPCC president and MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud on Saturday called for equal respect and promotion of Indian languages, describing linguistic diversity as a major national strength.
Addressing a Hindi Diwas programme at the Hyderabad Press Club, Goud said India represented a unique confluence of languages, cultures and traditions. Moreover, he said every language carried its own historical and cultural significance. Therefore, he stressed the need to give equal importance to different languages across the country.
Quoting the popular saying, “Desha bhashalandu Telugu lessa,” the TPCC chief underlined the significance of Telugu while advocating respect for Indian languages.
Respect for Indian languages must accompany Hindi growth
Goud said observing Hindi Diwas on September 14 had remained a long-standing tradition. However, he stressed that the development of Hindi should not come at the expense of regional languages.
Instead, he called for simultaneous efforts to promote and preserve languages spoken across different regions. “In Telangana, equal importance is being given to Urdu along with Telugu,” Goud said.
The TPCC president also assured efforts to further strengthen the Linguistic Department. According to him, such measures would help protect and promote Telangana’s linguistic heritage.
Goud also referred to the long-standing links between Telangana and people from other parts of the country. In particular, he highlighted the social, commercial and cultural ties with people from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
He said those connections had developed over several centuries. Furthermore, Goud maintained that diverse languages and cultures did not create divisions among people.
Instead, he described linguistic and cultural diversity as a reflection of India’s unity in diversity. He reiterated the importance of respect for Indian languages while preserving their distinct identities.
State Government Advisor Hanumantha Rao attended the programme. SAICIRASI Secretary Sachin Sawant and Farmers’ Commission Chairman M. Kodanda Reddy were also present.