Andhra Pradesh: The third World Telugu Conference began with great fanfare in Guntur.
Vijayawada: The third edition of the World Telugu Conference – a landmark moment for the global Telugu community – opened in Guntur on Saturday.
The inaugural session unfolded amid a soulful rendition of Annamacharya kirtanas by a thousand voices after Supreme Court judge Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha formally inaugurated the conference in the presence of spiritual leader Viswayogi Viswanji, State Legislative Assembly speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu and Guntur mayor Kovelamudi Ravindra.-
The international meet is being organised under the aegis of Andhra Saraswata Parishad at the Sri Sathya Sai Spiritual Centre on outskirts of Guntur. It will continue till January 5.
The conference assumes special significance with the participation of global dignitaries. Odisha Governor Kambhampati Haribabu and Mauritius President Dharam Gokhool will participate in the proceedings on Sunday, marking the first time a serving Head of State is attending the World Telugu Conference.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu will join the deliberations on Monday.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Narasimha underscored the civilisational strength of Telugu language. “Language is not merely a tool of expression; it has the power to create worlds. Telugu gives us identity, and its use must be ensured in official administration and court proceedings up to the district level,” he underlined.
Speaker Ayyannapatrudu said that there is a need to make Telugu language heard across the country. He suggested that MPs in Parliament should speak in Telugu, as translation equipment is available in both the houses of Parliament for other members to understand.
Ayyannapatrudu maintained that since he has taken over as the speaker of the AP assembly, he has issued clear instructions that everyone should speak in Telugu in the House.
The speaker expressed concerns that Western trends are increasing in today’s society. He criticised people celebrating New Year on December 31 as a means to enjoy themselves. In the process, they are forgetting the uniqueness of our real festivals like Sankranti and Ugadi.
Ayyannapatrudu advised parents not to neglect Telugu language like “Amma,” while learning English for jobs.
The speaker assured that a special resolution will be introduced on behalf of the state government to protect Telugu language.
Spread across five venues, the conference will witness presentation of several awards. A specially curated Handicrafts Arena showcases ancient Telugu literature, old coins and traditional cuisine, reflecting their antiquity and richness.
