Telugu in vogue in Telangana for past 2,000 years: K Chandrasekhar Rao

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday announced in the Legislative Assembly that the World Telugu Conference would be held in Hyderabad for five days from December 15 in a grand manner.

He said the state government had sanctioned Rs 50 crore to take up preparatory works for the event. Eminent Telugu personalities will be invited for the event on behalf of the state government, he stated.

Mr Rao made a statement in the House on the significance of World Telugu Conference and exemplary contribution of Telangana for Telugu language, literature and culture.

He said the main venue for the event will be LB Stadium and side events will be held at Ravindra Bharathi, Indira Priyadarshini Auditorium and Telugu University auditorium.

The government will provide accommodation, food and transport facility to invitees during their stay in the city.

“Historical evidence proves that Telugu language has been in vogue in Telangana for the past 2,000 years. However, darkness engulfed the hoary literary tradition of Telangana in the erstwhile AP state. Only a partial interpretation of the literary history is in circulation,” he said.

“The works of our literary giants gathered dust and remained unknown to the world. The very nativity of the likes of Vemulavada Bhima Kavi and Bammera Pothana were distorted. At one point of time, an extremely skewed argument to paint the picture that Telangana never gave birth to any poet of repute became prevalent,” he said.

“It was at this juncture that the eminent historian and litterateur Suravaram Pratapa Reddy began publishing ‘Golakonda Poets’ consisting 354 poets after going around the nook and corner of Telangana. That remains a turning point of Telangana self respect and literary high point,” Mr Rao said.

Those who want to take part should contact the World Telugu Conference special office at Ravindra Bharathi or register their names on the website designed for the purpose.