Love for mother tongue paves the way for the future: CM Chandrababu

The three-day “3rd World Telugu Mahasabha,” held at the Sri Sathya Sai Spiritual Center in Guntur, concluded on Monday with grandeur. Organized by the Andhra Saraswata Parishad under the banner “Anuraga Sangamam,” the event drew participants from nearly 52 countries. To mark the occasion, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, inaugurated a special commemorative cover issued by the Indian Postal Department.

Addressing the gathering, CM Chandrababu expressed delight at the widespread enthusiasm for the Telugu language among people. He noted that the overwhelming turnout at this event for the mother tongue was heartening, as such crowds are usually seen only at film-related events. The Chief Minister said it was a matter of pride that a platform celebrating Telugu heritage was established in the name of N.T. Rama Rao, who showcased the self-respect of Telugu people to the world.

Tracing the rich literary and cultural legacy, he highlighted how the tradition spans from the poets of the Kavitrayam era to the Ashtadiggajas, and continues today with awardees of the Jnanpith, such as Viswanath and Cinare. From the philosophical verses of Vemana and Sumathi Satakams to the devotional songs of Annamayya, Telugu language and culture have always stood out as unique treasures. He also remembered the contributions of Gidugu Ramamurthi, who brought the language from classical texts to everyday use, and Ramoji Rao, who promoted Telugu through the media.

CM Chandrababu emphasized that Telugu, spoken by over 100 million people worldwide, reflects the strength and richness of the language. Announcing a significant initiative for language preservation, he revealed plans to establish a special Telugu University in Rajahmundry in memory of Potti Sreeramulu, who sacrificed his life for a separate Telugu state. He also pledged to honor Telugu luminaries across the state by installing statues and memorials to celebrate their contributions.

Highlighting the importance of early exposure, the Chief Minister urged parents to nurture a love for Telugu in their children from a young age, stating that those educated in their mother tongue often excel the most. Addressing concerns about technology, he clarified that the rise of computers and mobile phones poses no threat to Telugu; rather, these tools can help preserve and promote the language. He credited past decisions in the IT sector for enabling Telugu youth to achieve global recognition today.

He reiterated that the progress of people in both Telugu states remains his priority and encouraged the Telugu community worldwide to stay united. Ending on a celebratory note, CM Chandrababu announced that the 4th World Telugu Mahasabha will be held next year in Mauritius, inspiring participants to take Telugu language and culture to a global stage, echoing the rallying cry: “Telugu among all Indian languages.”