As a concerned parent and a member of the workforce from outside the state, I see the recent decision to mandate Telugu as a second language in our schools as a hindrance more than an edge for our children - children who encapsulate the variety of our culturally diverse nation. While it is vitally important to uphold the Telugu culture, enforcing this language in schools as a second language may not help in achieving an equal footing for students whose parents are usually employed in IT companies and central government agencies.

Moreover, the emerging employment landscape is increasingly requiring students to migrate to different states for job opportunities, further entrusting the burden of added language to their foundational education seems counterproductive, if the same is not part of curriculum in other states. It is important to remember that it is not a matter of removing Telugu from the curriculum, but rather of providing an option to make the language an elective subject. Telugu can still be a part of the CBSE curriculum as a seventh elective subject for students who do not choose it as a second language.

Imposing such mandates might risk limiting the versatility our children can gain and, ultimately, their adaptation to future demands. We need to give them access to an integrating language that can support their success across the entire country. Change is necessary to ensure our children's future success. Therefore, I appeal to the concerned educational authorities to reconsider the decision to mandate Telugu as a compulsory second language in schools. Please sign this petition to support a balanced education system, giving the choice back to the parents and students, and truly embodying the essence of our diverse India.