English helps earn money; Mother tongue saves tradition and culture: CM Naidu

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has emphasized the crucial role of teachers in shaping the future of students and the state.

Speaking at the state-level Best Teacher awards ceremony on Monday, Naidu said, "Parents educate their children, but teachers spend more time with them. Teachers hold the responsibility of moulding students' futures. English is needed to earn money. Mother tongue should be preserved to save the nation, our culture and traditions. Telugu and English should have equal importance and must move forward.”

Naidu and education minister Nara Lokesh jointly presented the Best Teacher awards to 174 teachers.

They include 75 from schools, 26 from colleges, 16 from polytechnics, 32 university professors, 19 degree college lecturers, and four from engineering and pharmacy colleges.

Highlighting the importance of education, Naidu said, "Maulana Abul Kalam Azad established IITs in 1951. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan served as a teacher in Renigunta. This shows the power and potential of teachers."

“After coming to power this time, I put my first signature on the DSC. We have approved the filling of 16,347 posts to increase the educational standards. Earlier, we provided 33 per cent reservation in jobs for women. Some opposed me on this. I said it doesn't matter if the reservation limits are crossed. We have arranged 5,000 digital classes and virtual classes. We have also brought Talent awards to encourage students in studies,'' the CM stated.

Naidu underscored the government's commitment to improving the quality of education. "We have introduced numerous reforms in the education sector. Every village has a school. There are engineering colleges in every revenue division and medical colleges in every district. We have also introduced digital classrooms and virtual classes."

The chief minister outlined his vision for Andhra Pradesh in 2047. "We are working towards making Andhra Pradesh a knowledge hub by 2047. We are setting up world-class educational institutions like IIT Tirupati, IIM Visakhapatnam and AIIMS Mangalagiri."

Naidu noted, "Teachers were treated disrespectfully in the past. They were even asked to guard liquor shops. But we have changed that. We have given teachers the respect they deserve."

He also touched on the issue of population management. "We need to have a balanced population. The government is taking steps to encourage families to have more children."

The chief minister concluded his speech by urging teachers to play a vital role in shaping the future of the state. "Teachers must become fountains of knowledge. They should inspire students to think innovatively and creatively," he said.