Telugu language celebrated as a symbol of spiritual heritage: Mauritius President

Telugu is not just a language, but a living civilization rich in deep spiritual heritage, said Dharam Gokhool, President of Mauritius, while addressing the 3rd World Telugu Conference in Guntur. Speaking as the chief guest, he praised the conference for bringing Telugu people from across the globe together and called the event a historic milestone.

Highlighting the global influence of Telugu, Gokhool said, “Telugu carries a great spiritual tradition within it. Holding this conference at the start of the New Year 2026 is significant - it symbolizes a journey of self-reflection and the revival of our language.” He also emphasized Mauritius’ commitment to celebrating Ugadi as a national festival, noting that such initiatives reflect a collective responsibility to preserve cultural heritage while embracing new beginnings.

Gokhool expressed pride that Telugu has grown beyond regional boundaries to be spoken in more than 50 countries worldwide. The participation of delegates from 50 nations at the conference, he said, is a testament to the unity of Telugu people. He also highlighted the role of the Telugu community in building Mauritius’ multicultural society and pointed out that India-Mauritius relations are not only diplomatic but also deeply rooted in shared language and culture.

He praised the contributions of the Telugu community to Mauritius’ development and announced that Telugu is taught at all levels in the country’s official education system, from primary to higher education. Reflecting on high-level visits in 2025, he noted that exchanges between the two countries have strengthened ties, with India’s linguistic diversity serving as an inspiration for Mauritius’ multicultural fabric.

Gokhool arrived in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday as part of a six-day India tour and will participate in various programs until January 8. The events are attended by state ministers, language scholars, and delegates from several countries.