Vijayawada: Margadarsi Managing Director (MD) Sailaja Kiron on Saturday said that Telugu was the fourth most spoken language in the country, asserting that people must make all the necessary attempts to protect the language.
Addressing the inaugural event of the sixth World Telugu Writers Conference, which began on Saturday (Dec 28, 2024) here in Andhra Pradesh, Kiron spoke about the greatness of Telugu and the importance of conversing in one's mother tongue, while adding that the mindset that 'speaking only in English is great' was wrong.
“Telugu is the fourth most spoken language in the country and the 14th most spoken language in the world. Poets like Kavitrayam made it popular,” she said. "Srikrishna Devaraya praised Telugu as the best language in India. Rabindranath Tagore also appreciated the Telugu language and music,” she said.
Remembering Ramoji Group founder Ramoji Rao, Kiron said he was very fond of the Telugu language and Telugu states. “We used to greet him in the morning and say Subhodayam (Good Morning in Telugu), and everyone would say Subhodayam at home. He used to take special care to make sure the children spoke Telugu in our house.”
“In his memory, let us all say Subhodayam from now on. We take great care of what we think is ours. The Telugu language belongs to all of us. That's why we should all work together to protect and develop our language,” she said.
Inaugural Event
The conference was inaugurated by former Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Kiron as they lit the ceremonial lamp. Before the formal inauguration, tributes were paid to the statue of Telugu Talli, the statue depicted as a goddess symbolizing prosperity, tradition, and the importance of the Telugu language.
MLAs Sujana Chowdhury and Mandali Buddha Prasad, Vishwa Hindi Parishad National President Acharya Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, and Eenadu Andhra Pradesh Editor M Nageswara Rao among others participated in the inaugural event.
The two-day event, hosted at the KBN College premises, has drawn over 1,500 poets, writers, and language enthusiasts from across the globe. The conference is jointly organised by the World Telugu Writers' Association, Krishna District Writers' Association, and KBN College.
'Let's save the Telugu language', says Justice Ramana
Justice Ramana emphasized the beauty and importance of the Telugu language. "Let's save the Telugu language," Justice Ramana said as he addressed the gathering.
He paid tribute to Ramoji Rao, whom he called "the beloved child of the Telugu mother" and a warrior for the preservation of the Telugu language and traditions. "Ramoji Rao fought till his last breath to preserve our culture," Justice Ramana remarked, adding that the entire Telugu world could feel his presence at the event.
"Telugu, spoken by over 100 million people in India, is a language of beauty and eloquence," he said. "It is like music, and even common people speak it with poetic grace. Our mother tongue, Telugu, is wonderful, and we should never allow it to be misused for political or commercial purposes."
Emphasizing the importance of preserving the language and culture, Justice Ramana remarked, "We will only achieve greatness by safeguarding our language and traditions. A nation without its language is like a group of orphans, lost, with no history or identity. Let us ensure that our culture and language endure for generations."
Justice Ramana also honoured the contributions of great poets, writers, and artists like Sri Sri, Arudra, Vishwanatha Satyanarayana, Sinare, Bhanumathi, Suryakantham, Jamuna, Savitri, Gummadi, Jaggaiah, Akkineni, NTR, Raylangi, SVR, Ghantasala, Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna, and SP Balasubrahmanyam. He called on the people to remember and pass on this rich heritage to future generations.
"Language is not just a means of communication; it is a part of our identity. As we pursue development, we must also safeguard our language and cultural heritage," Justice NV Ramana concluded.
Ramoji Rao Stood Behind Telugu Writers: Buddha Prasad
In his address, Mandali Buddha Prasad, MLA and Honorary President of the World Telugu Writers Conference said that writers are dedicated to the progress and development of Telugu states without any political affiliations.
He emphasized that the core objective of these gatherings is to preserve the Telugu language. Buddha Prasad underlined the need to remember Ramoji Rao for his contributions to Telugu. He described Ramoji Rao as a visionary who did not want the language to fade from public life.
"Ramoji Rao was a steadfast supporter of gatherings for world Telugu writers. In 2011, he attended Telugu Sabhas and also initiated the Telugu Velugu magazine to promote the language," Buddha Prasad noted. He also acknowledged the significant role of Justice Ramana.
"Justice NV Ramana was crucial in organizing a judicial conference in Telugu in Hyderabad and ensuring that around 70 judgments were issued in the language," he added.
Buddha Prasad criticized the previous YSRCP government for neglecting Telugu-medium education. He urged that English should not overshadow Telugu, stressing that writers must take responsibility for influencing people's mindsets.
A proud moment: Andhra CM
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, in a post on X, said the organization of the World Telugu Writers Conference was a proud moment for Telugu people. He emphasized that the purpose of these events was to promote and preserve the Telugu language for future generations.
విజయవాడలో ప్రపంచ తెలుగు రచయితల మహాసభలు నిర్వహించుకోవడం తెలుగువారందరికీ గర్వకారణం. మాతృభాషను భవిష్యత్ తరాలకు పదిలంగా అందించడమే లక్ష్యంగా నిర్వహిస్తోన్న ఈ మహాసభలు జరిగే ప్రాంగణానికి, అమరజీవి పొట్టి శ్రీరాములు గారి పేరును పెట్టడం ఆ మహానుభావుడు తెలుగు జాతి కోసం చేసిన అద్వితీయ… pic.twitter.com/RnTz1x0BRu
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) December 28, 2024
Naidu highlighted the significance of naming the venue of the event after the revered Potti Sri Ramulu, remembering his immense sacrifices for the Telugu nation. He also praised the decision to name the main stage after Ramoji Rao, recognizing his substantial contributions to the development of the Telugu language.
More About Conference
The conference will feature three main stages, including the Cherukuri Ramoji Rao main stage at the Potti Sriramulu Sabha premises, where over 25 sessions, poetry recitations, and literary discussions will take place. More than 800 language enthusiasts will actively participate in these stages.
A special photo exhibition showcasing portraits of over 1,000 iconic Telugu poets has been set up, transforming the conference venue into a hub of literary inspiration.
The event aims to highlight the significance of the Telugu language across diverse fields such as politics, law, education, and administration. Specific sessions will address the role of language in media, newspapers, and publishing. Women representatives from various states will engage in discussions about Telugu language research and its impact on literature, education, and science and technology.
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