'Narsimha Rao Learnt 17 Languages': Andhra CM Naidu Backs Hindi Adoption

Last Updated:July 15, 2025, 19:59 IST

Naidu hailed Rao as a “great statesman” whose bold reforms continue to shape the country’s progress even today

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu addresses a gathering at a memorial event for former PM Narasimha Rao in New Delhi. (PTI photo)

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday defended the importance of learning Hindi and praised former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao as a scholar who mastered 17 languages.

Naidu made the comment while speaking at a lecture on “The Life and Legacy of former PM Shri PV Narasimha Rao" in New Delhi.

“While today we are all asking, ‘Why should we learn Hindi?’, former Prime Minister Narasimha 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," the Andhra CM said.

Naidu’s remarks come amid fresh debates over the promotion of Hindi in non-Hindi-speaking states and fears of language imposition.

In his address, Naidu hailed Rao as a “great statesman" whose bold reforms continue to shape the country’s progress even today. He credited Rao with launching India’s economic liberalisation during a time of deep financial crisis.

“Before 1991, India followed the socialist economic model. Economy saw ‘licence raj’, foreign investment was limited… was facing a major economic crisis. exchange reserves hit an all time low. We were forced to pledge our sovereign gold," he said.

“It was time to bring bold reforms, and usher in forward-looking policy. He became (Rao) PM in June 1991, he recognised the crisis was an opportunity, and that India needed bold economic reforms. He launched the historic economic reforms," Naidu said.

“He changed the future of India, we are all here today enjoying the fruits of this reform," he said.

Naidu pointed out that Rao led a minority government, which made pushing such reforms even more remarkable. “He (Rao) was heading a minority government, not a comfortable government. To bring in bold reforms, political consensus is required. He was able to convince all stakeholders," he said.

He also praised former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for building infrastructure during his tenure and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring political stability and driving economic growth.

“Modi ji brought not just political stability, but also a renewed sense of global pride," Naidu stated.

(With inputs from PTI)

News politics 'Narsimha Rao Learnt 17 Languages': Andhra CM Naidu Backs Hindi Adoption