CM Naidu Urges Telugu Be Taught in Singapore Schools
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on an official visit to Singapore on July 27, has asked Singaporean authorities to introduce Telugu as a second language in local schools. He proposed the addition during a speech to the Telugu diaspora at the One World International School Digital Campus, addressing over 2,000 people of Telugu origin.
Context and Community Strength
Naidu, who is on a five-day trade and investment mission, also inaugurated a CXO Club to mobilize Telugu-origin business leaders in global multinationals. Estimates suggest Singapore is home to around 40,000 Telugu-origin residents. While Singapore already teaches Hindi and Punjabi alongside its official Tamil language, Telugu is not currently offered in schools.
Cultural and Educational Benefits
Naidu emphasized the importance of preserving cultural identity and passing language to future generations abroad. He instructed the Indian High Commissioner to formally raise with Singapore’s education ministry the proposal to include Telugu in school curricula.
Diaspora Engagement and Investment Drive
During the event, Naidu also announced plans to launch a Global Export‑Import Cell aimed at engaging Andhra Pradesh’s diaspora—numbering approximately three million across 128 countries—in entrepreneurship and investment. Telugu NRIs currently remit about ₹30,000 crore annually to their home state, and the CM expressed hope that the new initiatives would increase that flow.
Economic and Diplomatic Significance
The language push forms part of Naidu’s broader effort to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s ties with its global Telugu community and attract investment into the state. Officials believe adding Telugu in schools could enhance cultural bonding and support long-term educational outreach initiatives.
