Hyderabad: Telangana Language Day was celebrated in California’s Bay Area with Telugu and other Indian-language communities joining a programme focused on preserving Telangana’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
The Telangana Cultural Association organised the programme in Dublin, California. Renowned commentator Madipalli Dakshinamurthy attended as the chief guest after travelling from Hyderabad. He served as OSD of the Telangana Official Language Commission.
Representatives from Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil and Malayalam associations attended the event. Members of other Indian community organisations also participated.
Dakshinamurthy said Telangana language went beyond being a means of communication. He said it embodied the region’s history, culture, emotions and way of life.
Moreover, he stressed the need to introduce Telangana’s language and traditions to younger generations living abroad. He called for sustained efforts to preserve the heritage for future generations.
Telangana Language Day honours Kaloji Narayana Rao
Speakers at the Telangana Language Day programme paid tributes to Praja Kavi Kaloji Narayana Rao. His birth anniversary on September 9 is observed as Telangana Language Day.
The programme was conceived under the guidance of Vijay Chava. TCA President Mahipal Reddy, Treasurer Sagar Kotha and other members organised the event.
Dakshinamurthy also shared experiences from his long association with All India Radio. He recalled joining AIR Kadapa in 1987 and spoke about his subsequent broadcasting career.
Over the years, he worked in commentary and anchoring for major state, national and international programmes. He also discussed the skills required for effective anchoring.
Dakshinamurthy said good anchoring required timing, sensitivity, creativity and responsibility. In addition, he stressed the importance of having a strong command of the spoken word. He encouraged young people to explore opportunities in the field.
Later, the American Indian Association organised another community gathering. During the programme, the association felicitated Dakshinamurthy and his wife, Radhika.
Telangana Language Day highlights diaspora cultural links
Dakshinamurthy also sought greater representation for Telangana art forms at community festivals across the Bay Area. In particular, he referred to Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations involving representatives of nearly 50 Indian associations.
The Telangana Language Day celebrations also featured the Telugu version of the Prime Minister’s “Mann Ki Baat”. The Telugu presentation, titled “Manasulo Maata”, formed part of Dakshinamurthy’s continuing voice service through All India Radio.
Organisers highlighted the continuing cultural relationship between Telangana and members of its diaspora. They noted that geographical distance had not weakened the community’s connection with its linguistic and cultural roots.
The celebrations brought several Indian-language groups together while placing Telangana language and traditions at the centre of the programme. They also focused attention on passing the region’s linguistic and cultural heritage to younger generations abroad.