New language movement by Telugu Dandu

A fresh public movement has emerged in Andhra Pradesh with the aim of safeguarding the Telugu language, amid accusations that the state’s coalition government has failed to keep its pre-election promises on linguistic and cultural preservation.

The initiative, titled “Telugu Dandu” (Telugu Force), was formally announced in Visakhapatnam on Thursday by its founder, Paravastu Suri, following his tribute at the Telugu Talli statue in Maddilapalem.

Speaking at the launch, Suri said the movement is determined to hold the government accountable and will begin its agitation in Amaravati. The initial protests, he stated, would be staged on the Assembly premises and carried out in a Gandhian, non-violent manner. “Our goal is to change the mindset of the leaders who have neglected the mother tongue,” he remarked, warning that future generations risk losing their cultural roots if Telugu continues to be sidelined.

The movement has laid out a charter of demands, which includes:

• Declaring Telugu as the primary medium of instruction in elementary schools.

• Making Telugu a compulsory first language up to Class 10 and as a second language thereafter.

• Establishing a statutory body dedicated to the development of Telugu.

• Providing permanent employment and due recognition for Telugu teachers.

• Mandating the children of government employees to study in government schools.

• Ensuring the use of Telugu in all administrative affairs.

While expressing regret that such a struggle has become necessary, Suri vowed to continue the agitation until the government “genuinely places Telugu at the forefront of its agenda.” The launch event drew significant participation from students and faculty of the Telugu Department of Andhra University, alongside noted literary figures and artists who voiced solidarity with the cause.