‘Telugu Sainikulu’ (Telugu warriors) is the new, catchy name coined to identify the linguists, Telugu teachers, language zealots, champions of the official language, and mother tongue enthusiasts. They will act as “watchdogs” in society to ensure proper implementation of the language.
Notwithstanding the three orders issued by the State government, Telugu lovers are not convinced that they would mean effective implementation of the language, as similar GOs have been in vogue for the last three years.
“The only thing we, as language lovers, will do is to stand guard in every village, every ward of a city to monitor the implementation of the official language,” says linguist and former parliamentarian Yarlagadda Lakshmiprasad.
Speaking to The Hindu on the sidelines of a brain-storming session under the banner of ‘Telugu Bhasha Parirakshana Samalochana’ here on Sunday, Dr. Lakshmiprasad said the ‘Telugu Sainikulu’ would spread across the 13 districts of the State carrying copies of the GOs and go through all the government orders, invitations, and even foundation plaques to ensure proper implementation of Telugu.
“If any violation is found, they will lodge a complaint in the nearest police station against the government official concerned. A copy of the GO will be enclosed in the complaint to prove that the official violated the order,” he explained.
Demands
Apart from implementation of Telugu in official communications, the linguists are also demanding compulsory teaching of Telugu from Class 1 to Intermediate and continuance of Telugu medium in all schools.
“The powers-that-be remember its significance only on Gidugu Ramamurthy’s birth anniversary (observed as Official Language Day) and not after that,” he said, taking a dig at the government and indicating that the State machinery would have to do more than issuing GOs.
He faulted Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for not seeking details of implementation at the Collectors’ conference. The ‘Telugu Sainikulu’ would visit schools – government and private; to see if Telugu is properly taught or not. TTD Special Officer (all projects) N. Muktheswara Rao, Rashtra Bhashopadhyaya Samstha honorary president Onteru Srinivasulu Reddy, and Telugu Bhashodyama Samithi president G. Sridevi spoke.
