Govt. move to introduce English medium in govt. schools opposed

Telugu Dandu warns of agitation unless the G.O. is withdrawn

Simmering anger: Telugu lovers staging a protest in Visakhapatnam on Monday.

The decision of introducing English as the medium of instruction in all government schools has drawn a flak from a section of Telugu lovers, as several writers, intellectuals, professors and people’s organisations have demanded that the G.O. be withdrawn immediately .

Students, professors of the Telugu Department of Andhra University and members of Telugu Dandu among others staged a protest opposing the government’s decision, at the Telugu Talli statue at Maddilapalem Junction on Monday.

‘Unilateral decision’

“It is a pity that the government, whose bounden duty is to protect and conserve Telugu language, has taken this decision unilaterally. Telugu language and culture are our heritage and it is unforgivable to destroy them in the name of keeping pace with a competitive world,” said Telugu Dandu founder Paravastu Phanisayana Suri.

The protesters said they were not opposed to teaching English in government schools. “We understand that English proficiency improves chances of students in competitive exams. But, the students should not be alienated from their mother tongue and culture,” said D.V. Surya Rao, a professor of AU.

Dig at Yarlagadda

The protesters also found fault with A.P. Official Language Commission Chairman Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad. “Mr. Lakshmi Prasad opposed the decision of the TDP government when it tried to introduce English medium in municipal schools. But now, he is silent after being made the Chairman of the Official Language Commission. It appears he has lost his voice,” said balladeer Vangapandu Prasada Rao. The protesters warned that they would intensify the agitation, unless the G.O. was withdrawn within a week.