Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Telugu association of Jeddah (TAJ) celebrated Telugu language day at a local restaurant last week in Jeddah. This celebration was held for the first time in Saudi Arabia. More than 175 Telugu-speaking people, along with their children, from different parts of India attended. They were proud and nostalgic following the wonderful program on their mother tongue. The event started with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an followed by the translation of the meaning of the verses in Telugu by Master Fayyaz. The event started with Kunta Sagar's speech in Telugu language explaining how the language is changing, losing its relevance, and swerving away from its classical form with the amalgamation of words. Then TAJ General Secretary Bhasker gave a complete presentation on Telugu language, which was very much appreciated by the audience. In his speech TAJ President Mohammed Yousuf Ali said almost 100,000 Telugu-speaking people are working here in the western region. He requested them to join hands to work for the community and stay united. He further said that TAJ is working for the welfare of Telugu people in the western region and is aiming to get connected to each and every Telugu speaking living in this region. The organization has representatives in all the fields like community service, social works, helping the needy, cultural activities, promoting kid's talent. The organization has created forums in different areas like Kaladarshini, a cultural forum to work to promote talented kids, Manabadi, a forum for the improvement of the Telugu language, and Doctors Forum created for medical necessities. TAJ is aiming to work not only for the Telugu-speaking people but for all other Indians too. He appreciated his team members Kiran from Yanbu region, Shabbir Alam from Al Laith region and Sheshu Garu from the Rabigh region for their dedication and hard work to bring the community under one umbrella in their respective areas. He later honored them by presenting them mementos and appreciation certificates. Mohammed Sayeeduddin, who was the chief guest, said in his speech that "Telugu is one of the prominent languages of India. As per population more than 100 million people speak the Telugu language, hence it ranks third among major regional language in India and 13th major language of the world. "The main languages spoken in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh area are Telugu, Urdu, Hindi, Banjara and English followed by Tamil, Kannada, Marathi and Oriya. Telugu is the principal and official language in the state of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It was also referred to as `Tenugu' and Andhramu in the past. Andhra is the name given to it since medieval times. Its vocabulary is very much influenced by Sanskrit. In the course of time, some Sanskrit expressions used in Telugu got so naturalized that people regarded them as pure Telugu words. "The Telugu language has written literature from more than thousand years. Telugu language is not only old but also very powerful language. Telugu language has taken the words of other languages. In earlier days, Telugu used words from Sanskrit and Urdu etc. Today people speak Telugu with English words too. According to a recent research people are neglecting Telugu. Only 27% people are learning this language and many feel proud in saying that they do not know Telugu, which is their mother tongue. They are learning English and other languages. UNESCO has therefore said if the trend continues, soon this language would die. In Jeddah I respect and appreciate the efforts of Mohammad Irfan and his other associates for getting the Telugu introduced in IISJ." Aijaz Ahmed Khan, president India Forum who was the guest of honor, said, "Sri Gidugu Ramamurthy Panthulu Garu is one of the important person who played main role in Telugu language movement. He was born in 1863 at Paruvathala peta, Srikakulam district. He developed and streamlined Telugu. He prepared lipi, grammar, and dictionary for this language. It became backbone for prose "Telugu". We can't forget his efforts for Telugu people. So he got a name called ‘Abhinava Vaagamashasanudu'. In Telugu we can express all sensitive feelings, proud feelings. Not only our ancestors, but also poets and writers of other languages appreciated Telugu. Western people also appreciated Telugu and called it as ‘Italian of the East'." Shameem Kausar, chief patron, Khak E Taiba, said " Though I do not speak Telugu, I advise all that it is very necessary for the Urdu-speaking people of the state of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to educate the new generation in this language also, in addition to their mother tongue Urdu. I would request the office bearers of TAJ to send words in Telugu with their meaning in Urdu, Hindi and English through the different social media platforms specially WhatsApp. This will help to educate the non-Telugu speakers to learn the Telugu language." All the guest speakers, except Shameem Kausar, delivered their speeches in Telugu. They explained the importance and requirement of Telugu language and shared their personal experiences. The role of different Telugu legends were played by young kids. Sri Krishna Deva Raya's role was played by Mawaan, Rudramadevi's role was played by Suhansara, Gurajada Appa Rao's role was played by Fayaz, Prakasham Panthulu's role was played by Mohammed Imran, Pingali Venkayya's role was played by Afnan, Gidugu Ram Moorty's role was played by Bhavesh and Sarojini Naidu's role was played by Sohini. A folk and traditional dance by Sai Deekshitha impressed the audience a lot and was played twice on public demand. The program was anchored by Nanaji while Bhasker and Jani Bhasah made arrangements for the program. Mohmmed Abdul Waheed sung some Telugu songs while female singers Vijaylaxmi and Srilaxmi sung very melodious songs in Telugu language. Telugu poems were also recited by children. Syed Moiz, Vijaylaxmi, Karamath, Appa Rao, K.V. Rao and Mastan Ali Sheikh received the audience and guests. A vote of thanks was given by Nanaji.
