Telugu literature found its first stage in China. The 10th World Telugu Literary Conference, organised by the Vanguri Foundation of America and the Shanghai Telugu Association, was held in Shanghai on October 24 and 25. The Telugu Book of International Records certified it as the first Telugu literary conference held in China.
Highlights
- Delegates joined in person and online from India, the US, Malaysia, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Oman, the UAE and elsewhere.
- More than 30 talks on language, literature, culture and diaspora Telugu writing.
- Ten new books were launched. Organisers said Bharatiya Hrudayam Pravasa Jeevitham by Shanghai resident Surendra Nukala is the first Telugu book published in China.
- Malaysian Telugu enthusiast Dr Maddela Achyuta Kumar Rao received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- The Malaysia Telugu Academy staged the dance drama Prahlada Charitra.
Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who could not travel for health reasons, opened the conference by video call. "Language is not merely a medium of communication; it represents our roots, culture, and identity," he said, urging parents to speak Telugu at home and teach children to read and write it.
Actor and writer Tanikella Bharani gave the keynote. India's Consulate in Shanghai honoured Padma Bhushan awardee Dr Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad. Shanghai Telugu Association president Dr Madhava Reddy Kolan was the chief organiser.
