Time to revive glory of ‘Amma Bhasha’

Language a vehicle of expression all important for communication is the thread that binds together all relationships. It sustains our culture and history and provides the tapestry for all forms of art.
Since the first words uttered are in our mother tongue, it is clearly a reference or learning point for all other languages. Since our mother is our first teacher, our culture worships Matha (mother) Pitha (father) and Acharya or Guru in that order, upholding reverence to one’s mother tongue as a tribute to the mother.

Although the use of the English language as a medium of instruction shaped our destiny and determined the course of employment and interaction with other nations, conversing in one’s mother tongue remains dear and surfaces whenever important emotions have to be expressed. As we celebrate a day designated as International mother language day, we must realise how social dialogue has gravitated, leaving many of us ignorant of the greatness and beauty of our mother tongue. The Telugu states blessed with the gift of a language that is sweet on the ears, lyrical in quality and one that the musical trinity of Thyagaraja, MuthuswamyDikshitar and Shyama Sastry, chosen for their invaluable treasure of songs, need to rededicate themselves to reviving its past glory and reclaiming its eminent position among the languages of the country.

Eminent writer and former Director of Jawahar Bal Bhavan Sharada Ashokavardhansees the disinterest of the present generation in learning this language because of the emphasis on jobs where it is felt that learning Telugu is a waste of time as it does not fetch them lucrative jobs. “Teaching the language to children through beautiful children’s literature available in the language from a tender age can make a tremendous difference. It can lay the foundation for better learning. Unfortunately, we have a situation today where children are neither proficient in English or Telugu” she laments.

Kala Bhasker, a Telugu teacher in a prominent school, says parents themselves lack proper knowledge in Telugu and are unable to guide children. Our history, dance forms, art culture and music are all defined by the language used. It is imperative, therefore, to ensure its continuance and progress through frequent usage and government correspondence many feel. Taking pride in the language and speaking it would be an important commitment to celebrate the day set aside for vernacular languages. One’s mother tongue after all is the language of the heart.