Telugu is a way of life, says Assembly Speaker

Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu on Saturday said Telugu was more than just a language, describing it as the cornerstone of a vibrant culture and a way of life.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the third World Telugu Conference, organised under the aegis of the Andhra Saraswata Parishad at Sri Sathya Sai Spiritual City near Amaravati in Guntur district, the Speaker said Telugu culture was deeply intertwined with the daily lives, customs, festivals and social interactions of its speakers. He said the language served as a medium through which shared values, traditions and a collective identity were expressed and preserved.

Expressing concern over the younger generation gradually losing touch with traditional customs and practices, Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu recalled that in the past, mothers fed their children by pointing at the moon, whereas today children were often fed by showing them mobile phones. He urged parents to take responsibility for helping children imbibe cultural traditions and values.

Recalling the invaluable contribution of late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao to the promotion of the Telugu language, the Speaker said N.T. Rama Rao had brought global recognition to Telugu identity. The political party founded by him enabled many ordinary people to enter public life, he added.

Highlighting the importance of imparting education in the mother tongue at the primary level, Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu urged scholars attending the conference to adopt resolutions on measures required for the development of the Telugu language.

Judges, literary scholars and Telugu language enthusiasts attended the event.