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Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh has extended unequivocal support to the National Education Policy (NEP), particularly endorsing its three-language formula. Speaking at the India Today South Conclave 2025 in Coimbatore, Lokesh dismissed apprehensions that the NEP sought to impose Hindi and described it instead as an opportunity for Indian students to expand their horizons by learning multiple languages.

“Learning three languages is not about compulsion; it’s about opportunity. I am a product of the three-language system myself, and now my son too is learning three. In today’s world, children are even learning four to five languages. Those who pick up German, Japanese, or other foreign languages are securing better career prospects abroad. We should give children the freedom to choose, not politicize the issue,” Lokesh remarked.

The minister recalled his recent meeting with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi, where they discussed the importance of promoting mother tongues while also enabling students to benefit from learning national and international languages. “As an Indian, I deeply value my mother tongue. At the same time, I recognize the advantages of learning Hindi. Language should be seen as a bridge, not a barrier,” Lokesh observed.

Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s approach, he said the government had already instructed schools in border regions to offer instruction in Odia, Tamil, and Kannada depending on student demand. “Our aim is inclusivity. Students in different regions must have the option to learn in languages relevant to their communities,” he explained.

When asked whether northern students should also learn southern languages, Lokesh firmly responded, “Why not? There is nothing wrong with it. Learning each other’s languages only enriches the country.”

Lokesh also linked the NEP to the state’s broader political stance, underlining that Andhra Pradesh’s ruling coalition, now part of the NDA, is fully committed to supporting reforms that strengthen India’s future. “We have complete faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Whether it is the Vice Presidential election or education reforms, our agenda is clear, India First,” he said.

On speculation about Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s national ambitions, Lokesh reiterated that Naidu’s focus remains solely on Andhra Pradesh. “His eyes are only on the state. His dream is to make Andhra Pradesh the number one state in India. That is our sole goal,” he asserted, dismissing rumors about Naidu’s role in national politics.