Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has weighed in on the ongoing discussions surrounding language, drawing attention to the remarkable linguistic capabilities of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. Naidu, while delivering a lecture on ‘The Life and Legacy of former PM Shri PV Narasimha Rao’ in New Delhi, emphasized Rao's proficiency in 17 languages, including Hindi.

Naidu's remarks come amid a sensitive period, with debates raging about the promotion and imposition of Hindi, particularly in South India. States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala have voiced strong opposition to the three-language formula under the National Education Policy, alleging attempts by the central government to impose Hindi. Even in Maharashtra, a controversy erupted over a government order aimed at introducing Hindi education in primary schools, leading to its withdrawal following political backlash.

By highlighting P.V. Narasimha Rao's command over multiple languages, Naidu subtly addressed the Hindi row. He underscored that Rao's greatness stemmed not only from his knowledge of Hindi but also from his ability to learn and master various other languages. "While today we are all talking about 'Why we should learn Hindi?', the Former PM Narsimha Rao was a scholar of 17 languages, he didn't just learn Hindi but other languages too and that's how he became a great man," Naidu stated.

P.V. Narasimha Rao, who served as the Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996, was indeed a polyglot. Apart from Hindi, he was fluent in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, German, and Persian. He also had a strong command of several Indian languages. His linguistic skills were so profound that he would often speak in the local language of the states he visited during his tenure.

Beyond his linguistic abilities, P.V. Narasimha Rao is remembered as a visionary leader who initiated India's economic liberalization in the face of a severe economic crisis in 1991. Naidu credited Rao for recognizing the crisis as an opportunity and launching historic economic reforms that transformed India's future. He highlighted Rao's role in ending the License Raj, welcoming foreign investment, and setting the stage for India's IT revolution.

Naidu also lauded Rao's political acumen, noting that he navigated a minority government and convinced all stakeholders to support his bold reforms. He emphasized that Rao's reforms enabled India to overcome its balance of payments crisis, open up its economy, and set the stage for future growth.

In light of the ongoing language debate, Naidu's tribute to P.V. Narasimha Rao serves as a reminder of the importance of multilingualism and inclusivity. It also underscores the need to approach language as a unifying force rather than a divisive one.