'If Telugu is like mother, Hindi is aunt': Pawan Kalyan backs Hindi; calls it language of unity, not threat

NEW DELHI: Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister and Jana Sena party chief Pawan Kalyan on Friday said Hindi should be seen as a language that unites the country and opens new opportunities, rather than as a threat to regional cultures or languages.Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Department of Official Language’s “Dakshin Samvad” in Hyderabad, Kalyan drew a familial analogy to drive home his point. “If Telugu is like our mother, then Hindi is like our aunt,” he said.“If we can learn foreign languages, why hesitate with Hindi? Hindi is easily understood across the country. I personally use Hindi on social media. On this Golden Jubilee of the Department, let us resolve to love Hindi, adopt it, and promote it,” Kalyan added.Quoting former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the actor-turned-politician said, “Language should connect hearts. Let us view Hindi from this perspective.”Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh also spoke at the event and noted, “Inspiration to promote Hindi came from those whose mother tongue was not Hindi. Today, the Hon'ble Prime Minister and Home Minister are furthering that tradition.”Professor Manikyamba said, “Over my 55-year tenure, I have witnessed the flourishing of the Official Language. The Veena of the Official Language resonates with the collective tones of all languages.”Professor Anant Krishnan, representing Tamil Nadu, said, “I am here representing Tamil Nadu and proudly say that a favourable environment for Hindi is taking shape there.”Several Hindi publications from various institutions were released on the occasion, including contributions from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), ONGC (MRPL), Central University of Tamil Nadu, Indian Institute of Millets Research, Union Bank of India, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Indian Bank, and the Central Hindi Institute, Hyderabad.