Parents and students in Telangana are voicing their concerns over the state government’s decision to introduce Telugu as a compulsory second language in schools from the academic year 2025-26. The move has sparked protests as many argue that this mandate will place an unnecessary academic burden on students, especially those following the CBSE curriculum. Critics of the policy also point out that it disregards the needs of non-native Telugu speakers and families who frequently relocate. The demand for freedom of choice in selecting a second language has gained momentum among parents who are calling for a reconsideration of the decision. The debate over the mandatory inclusion of Telugu in the school curriculum continues to escalate as stakeholders push for a more inclusive approach that takes into account the diverse linguistic backgrounds of students in the region.