Parents in Hyderabad hold Maha dharna over compulsory Telugu in private schools

Hyderabad: Opposing the Telangana govt's decision to make Telugu a compulsory subject, the students and parents from CBSE, ICSE, and IB schools held a ‘Maha Dharna’ at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park in the city on Saturday.

The parents and their wards were seen holding placards and a banner that read, “Language is a choice, not a compulsion.” The protesters asserted that Hyderabad is a cosmopolitan city and people from diverse linguistic backgrounds have settled in the city and the latest directive overlooks individuals’ choice in education.

Several families from non-Telugu speaking communities and families have raised concerns following the state government’s order on February 25 making Telugu as a compulsory subject for students of classes 1 to 10 in CBSE, ICSE, IB and other boards affiliated schools in the state from the 2025-26 academic year.

As per reports, after the government's directive, several renowned schools in Hyderabad have reportedly dropped options such as Hindi and Urdu, making Telugu the only available second language from next academic year.

Families with Army backgrounds said they relocate frequently and it is unfair to expect their kids to learn a new language and appear for a board exam next year.

Students in higher class are caught in a bind as many of them studied Hindi as a second language from class 1. Rahul Kejriwal, one of the parents leading the campaign said, “Give the freedom to our children to study the language that makes sense for their future. My son wants to learn Telugu, but as a third language, not second. Why not give that option?”

The parents clarified that they were not opposing the Telugu language per se. Requesting the state government to reconsider its decision, the group of parents suggested that Telugu can be introduced in a phased manner for the convenience of the students.