Third World Telugu Conference begins in Guntur

The Third World Telugu Conference was formally inaugurated on Saturday at the Sri Sathya Sai Spiritual City on the outskirts of Guntur. Organised by the Andhra Saraswata Parishad, the three-day event celebrates the richness of the Telugu language, literature, and culture and brings together Telugu-speaking people from across the world.

The conference began on an auspicious note with the divine Srinivasa Kalyanam of Lord Venkateswara. Several distinguished guests attended the inaugural ceremony, including Supreme Court Judge Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha, High Court Judge Justice Raghuram, spiritual leader Viswayogi Viswanji, former Telugu Association of North America (TANA) president Thotakura Prasad, and other eminent personalities from the fields of literature, law, and culture. Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker C. Ayyanna Patrudu addressed the gathering, highlighting the crucial role of the World Telugu Conference in preserving and promoting Telugu language, traditions, and cultural values. He noted that the event serves as a common platform for Telugu communities worldwide.

The conference, being held from January 3 to 5, features seminars, panel discussions, and cultural programmes focusing on Telugu language development, literature, arts, culture, and the future of Telugu in the modern technological era. Literary sessions, expert talks, dance and music performances are among the key attractions.

On January 4, Mauritius President Dharam Gokhool is scheduled to attend as a chief guest. On Monday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Chief Justice of India N. V. Ramana, and other prominent leaders are expected to participate, adding further significance to the event.

As part of the conference, a total of 80 Purna Kumbha awards, 40 Vishishta awards, and several lifetime achievement awards will be presented. Nearly 1,000 poets will take part in the ‘Sahasra Kavita Neerajanam’ (thousand-poet tribute), while around 25,000 participants are expected to attend the conference over the three days, celebrating the enduring legacy and global presence of the Telugu language and culture.