Telugu Bhavan Proposed in Mumbai to Promote Language, Culture

Vijayawada:Maharashtra may soon get a dedicated Telugu Bhavan in Mumbai if a proposed joint efforts by the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments bear fruit.

Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh made the proposal while addressing the Telugu Cultural Celebrations 2026 organised jointly by the Mumbai Andhra Mahasabha and Gymkhana.

The minister, who arrived in Mumbai after a three-day visit to Kerala, attended the cultural event as the chief guest. He was accorded a warm welcome and felicitated by the organisers and members of the association.

Addressing members of various Telugu organisations at the Sri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Auditorium in Sion, Mumbai, Durgesh lauded the efforts of the Telugu associations in preserving and promoting the Telugu language, culture and traditions among future generations even as these Telugus were living away from their native regions.

Recalling the rich legacy of the Telugu-speaking people and the contributions of several eminent personalities from the Telugu landmass, the minister said the commitment of Telugu families in Mumbai to safeguarding their linguistic and cultural identity was inspiring.

He appreciated a Kuchipudi dance performance by young Nadia from Nidadavole and also praised a cultural presentation by Telugu children based on a special Maharashtra song, describing it as an excellent example of cultural harmony and integration.

Kandula Durgesh emphasised that despite the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Telugu-speaking people remained united through their shared language and cultural heritage. He called for dispelling misconceptions about divisions among Telugu communities and strengthening linguistic unity.

Stressing the importance of mother-tongue education, the minister said children should be encouraged to read, write and speak Telugu alongside learning Hindi and English. He noted that the AP government had made Telugu-medium instruction mandatory at the primary level to strengthen language learning among young students.

The minister observed that Telugu is the only language in the world where the traditional poetic drama form, Padya Natakam, continues to thrive and said protecting such unique literary traditions was a collective responsibility.

As tourism and culture minister, Durgesh assured the gathering that he would work towards establishing a Telugu Bhavan under the joint aegis of the Telugu states, providing a dedicated venue for cultural activities and community events. He also promised full support from the AP culture department for development of the Telugu Auditorium in Mumbai and for cultural programmes organised by the Mumbai Andhra Mahasabha.

Kandula Durgesh congratulated the Mahasabha and Gymkhana president Konda Reddy and his team for successfully organising the event.

Telangana media academy chairman K. Srinivas Reddy, singer Ghazal Srinivas, office-bearers of the Mumbai Andhra Mahasabha and Gymkhana, and members of the local Telugu community attended the programme.