AP Telugu and Cultural Academy Charts Roadmap To Protect Language

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Telugu and Cultural Academy is undertaking a series of initiatives to preserve and promote the Telugu language, Academy chairman R.D. Wilson said on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference in Mangalagiri, Wilson said the Academy has proposed setting up a Telugu Virtual Academy on the lines of the Tamil Virtual Academy in Chennai, with an estimated outlay of ₹100 crore. The proposal has been submitted to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Under the plan, retired teachers and language experts will teach Telugu online for an honorarium of ₹500 per hour. Wilson said ₹15 crore is already available for constructing a permanent Academy building and urged the government to allot two acres of land in the capital region.

To strengthen finances, the Academy has sought printing work from universities and filling of vacant posts through the APPSC. Requests have also been made to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for land and staff support in Tirupati.

The Academy will set up book stalls at the Vijayawada Book Festival from January 2 and plans to reprint works of eminent writers and launch a monthly magazine.

Warning against piracy, Wilson said only Academy textbooks must be used in intermediate colleges, with violations inviting strict action. He also sought release of pending funds from the State and Telangana governments.