Andhra Pradesh Institutions Annual Telugu Mahotsavam to Preserve Linguistic Heritage

State Mandate for Cultural Continuity

During the closing ceremony of the two-day Telugu Mahotsavam held at the historic Undavalli Caves in Guntur, Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh announced that the festival will now serve as an annual fixture. The Minister instructed officials to rotate the event across various regions of Andhra Pradesh. Organized by the Andhra Pradesh State Creative and Cultural Society, the program highlighted the coalition government's strategy to protect the state's literary legacy under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan.

Policy Shifts and Educational Focus

Minister Durgesh emphasized that while English is a global requirement, the mother tongue remains the primary engine for creative and critical development. The administration has made Telugu a compulsory subject at the primary school level to support this objective. To further solidify the language's standing, the government plans to:

• Draft comprehensive documentation detailing the evolution of Telugu as a classical language.
• Provide state support for the preservation of ancient manuscripts and literature.
• Revive traditional performance arts including Tholu Bommalata (leather puppetry), Harikatha, Burrakatha, and Padya Natakam.
• Relaunch the Nandi Natakotsavams on a significant scale.

Recognition of Literary Contributions

The valedictory event featured the felicitation of established poets and digital influencers who promote the language online. Minister Durgesh highlighted existing state honors such as the Ugadi Kala Ratna, Kandukuri, Gurram Jashuva, and Boyi Bheemanna awards. Upcoming milestones include the August 4 centenary of Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao in Vijayawada and the August 29 Telugu Language Day, which coincides with the birth anniversary of Gidugu Ramamurthy Pantulu.

Festival Highlights and Community Engagement

The closing day showcased a blend of classical performance and interactive art. Minister Durgesh engaged in calligraphy demonstrations, writing the word Vishwaksenudu, and observed traditional pottery. Notable moments included the release of Kavitha Kusumalu by Simhadri Vani and the unveiling of a new artwork by Regulla Mallikarjuna Rao. Public figures such as Avanigadda MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad and Official Language Commission chairman Trivikram Rao called for greater public dedication to linguistic preservation. The festival concluded with a performance by singer Shobha Raju, who interpreted the compositions of Annamacharya.

Source: The Hindu — Home