Language creates identity; Telugu must be used in official affairs: Justice Sri Narasimha

Vijayawada: Supreme Court judge Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha said on Saturday that language is not merely a tool for communication, but a force that shapes identity and thought. Stressing the need for the wider use of Telugu in official administration, he also stated that court proceedings up to the district level should be conducted in Telugu wherever possible.Justice Narasimha addressed the gathering after inaugurating the 3rd World Telugu Mahasabha (World Telugu Conference) in Guntur, which formally opened in the presence of Vishwayogi Vishwamji, Andhra Pradesh assembly speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu, and Guntur mayor Kovelamudi Ravindra. The inaugural session began with the rendering of Annamayya Kirtans.As part of the conference, a Ramoji Rao handicrafts pavilion was set up near the main stage, displaying ancient Telugu manuscripts, old coins, and traditional Telugu cuisine to highlight the historical roots of the language. In the evening, Odisha governor Kambhampati Haribabu was scheduled to attend the Andhra Sri Purna Kumbh Awards ceremony. AP high court judge Justice CH Manavendranath Roy, former MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad, Vishwa Hindi Parishad member Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, and MP Daggubati Purandeswari will participate in various sessions.Presiding over the conference, Andhra Saraswata Parishad president Ghazal Srinivas said Telugu has a history of nearly 2,000 years, and referred to the contributions of classical poets Nannayya, Tikkana, and Errana in shaping the language. Former CBI joint director Lakshminarayana said the National Education Policy (NEP) emphasises education in the mother tongue at the primary level, and observed that subject knowledge plays a key role in career opportunities. He called on govts and public representatives to focus on strengthening mother-tongue education.Speaker Ayyannapatrudu said the use of Telugu is declining even in rural areas, and stressed the need to discuss concrete measures in the legislature to protect and promote the language.