Minister Says Naming Official Language Commission After Mandali a Befitting Tribute

Tourism and culture minister Kandula Durgesh on Tuesday said the state government's decision to name the Official Language Commission after former minister Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao and officially celebrate his birth centenary is a fitting tribute to Krishna Rao’s contribution to Telugu language and culture.

Addressing the valedictory function of Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao's birth centenary celebrations at Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram, the minister thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan for honouring the late leader's legacy through the initiative.

The programme had been organised jointly by the State Creative Culture Society of the Language and Culture Department, Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao Official Language Commission, and Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University. Former vice president of India M. Venkaiah Naidu attended the function as chief guest. Others present included State Legislative Assembly speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu, health minister Satya Kumar Yadav, excise minister Kollu Ravindra and several legislators.

They paid floral tributes to Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao's portrait and unveiled his bronze statue in recognition of his contributions to Andhra Pradesh's political, educational, and cultural spheres.

Durgesh described Mandali as a visionary who made significant contributions to Telugu language, education, rural development, and social service. His role in organising the first World Telugu Conference helped bring global recognition to the Telugu language.

The minister commended Venkaiah Naidu for promoting Telugu and appreciated Avanigadda MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad for carrying forward his father's ideals.

The programme featured a play Maha Purushudu Mandali, release of two books on the late leader, and presentation of the Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao Language and Cultural Service Awards.