World Telugu Conference...
We organize and we preside
We organize and we preside
Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao
The Hans India (02-12-2017)
The New Indian Express (02-12-2017)
The stage is being set
for the forthcoming world Telugu Conference. It’s just three weeks left for the
conference to be held. Telugu literary admirers, scholars, writers, poets and
literary celebrities in thousands from nook and corner of the country, from our
state and from abroad as well as from the neighbouring state will grace the
occasion. The city of Hyderabad-known as the Bhagyanagar-that is at the centre stage
and heart of the country will be the dais for the conference. With welcome
banners and arches all over the city of Hyderabad a festive atmosphere is around.
All the preparatory works are in full swing with no hiccups thanks to the coordinated
efforts from all Government departments concerned. There is total support from
the government in all aspects. This would remain as a cherished memory for ever
and ever. It is no exaggeration to say that the World Telugu Conference will
leave indelible mark on Hyderabad.
The proposed Conference would be steered by
the Telangana Sahitya Academy on a grand scale and as an event that never ever
happened and would happen in future. Several preparatory and pre-preparatory
and continuous reviews, meetings and discussions are being held on a regular
basis. Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, himself being a connoisseur of
literature many a times chairing these preparatory meetings. The very fact that
the CM is showing personal interest speaks volumes with the strong message that
he himself is supervising the arrangements touching upon each characteristic.
This is an ample proof, that, the proposed Conference will be held in such a
way that there will not be any lapse or lacunae in organizing the meet and all
those attending the Conference will remember the occasion for a long time to
come. One important meeting that was held at Pragati Bhavan on November 20,
2017 presided over by the Chief Minister and attended by over 60 Telugu
Scholars having firm grip over the language, literature and other genres from
across the state has attained lot of prominence. The participants each having
mastery over the subject thrown lot of light on the proposed conference. The
way CM raised certain issues and topics that should form part of the conference
is simply exemplary.
The central theme behind the idea to organize
the conference dates to the erstwhile governance when the language and dialects
spoken and written in Telangana were laughed at, criticised and ridiculed
beyond tolerance. Our talents and merits were neglected and pushed to the
background. Now we are an independent and free State. We are in the process of
building our self-respect. This will be an occasion to show to the world how
Telangana had been contributing to the development and enrichment of Telugu
language and literature for years together. We are going to showcase how
eminent personalities from here have contributed to the literature for ages.
The proposed Conference will unveil to the world, the rich Telangana literary
repository. The Conference will become a dais to explain how the literature is reflecting
the ever-evolving facets of society and to show all genres of literature.
From Bammera Pothana, Palkurki Somnath to till
date, poetry, prose, free verse and other genres of literature will come for a
discussion. The yeomen services rendered by scholars, researchers, professors, intellectuals
and Avadhaana Pundits for the enrichment of Telugu literature will also come up
for discussion. Discussions will also take place on the verse, folk songs,
songs from cinema and a plethora of books written on a wide range of genres.
The Conference will get a good name that Telangana Telugus have organised the
World Telugu Conference in such a way that it is unparalleled. It will also be
an opportunity to show unity among the Telangana Telugus. The proposed
Conference will also provide an opportunity to publish the unpublished works of
Telangana scholars, poets, writers and other eminent personalities. This would
however become a continuous process even after the Conference.
The historic policy decision taken by the CM
prior to the organising the Conference is to make Telugu a compulsory subject
till Intermediate level. Telugu learning is made compulsory even in Urdu medium
schools and junior colleges. This decision is a slap on the face of those who
ridiculed that Telangana people do not know proper Telugu. This historic
decision will go a long way amidst the prevailing situation where people have
forgotten the names of Telugu months and Telugu festivals. The proposed Telugu
Conference should also discuss on how to re-introduce basic Telugu language
textbooks like the “Pedda Bala Siksha”. The Conference should also dwell on how
to teach basic values and ethics to the students.
After the bifurcation of the state, it is Telangana
State that has shouldered the responsibility of organising the World Telugu
Conference before anybody could do. Language knows no master…who ever masters
it will become the authority. AP too is a Telugu speaking state and many
delegates may come from there. AP also had several eminent scholars, poets and
writers like Gurram Joshua and Jandhyala Papaiah Sastry. There could be a
discussion on their contributions. The delegates from there should not feel
that they were invited and insulted. Telangana should show its talent and
merits before them. Whatever might be said, but, Telugu is the language spoken
in both the States. While ensuring that we do not lose our broadmindedness, we
should take the lead in all aspects of organizational issues. Under any circumstances, the Conference shall be
organised and presided by persons from Telangana only. Cent percent Telangana
importance should be highlighted. While demonstrating our talents, let us behave
with camaraderie and show that the original literary work is happening in
Telangana. Not making room for any sort of omissions we shall unequivocally respect
the delegates from our neighboring state. Let us show our greatness with
respect and dignity.
The Conference should discuss about the film
industry, which is contributing substantially to the Telugu literary field.
Though this field is a bit controversial its impact on society cannot be
ignored. At one time in Madras, people from Andhra have flourished in the
Telugu film industry. Telangana people did not get enough opportunities nor
were allowed to get. Later the film industry was shifted from Madras to
Hyderabad but yet it has been under the predominance of Andhra people. Only in
the recent past few from Telangana have made their entry and some on a strong
footing. Hyderabad has become the largest films producing state in the country
because of its climatic conditions and proximity to other cities. Attempts are
afoot to shift the film industry from Hyderabad. With support from Telangana
government Hyderabad will become the Cine Hub of the country. Against this
backdrop, a discussion should take place on the Telugu film industry and its
issues. It is better if a Cine Musical Night is organised.
The proposed World Telugu Conference will witness
the mosaic of literary, language, cultural, folk arts, fine arts and other genres
and will enthral the people attending the proceedings with members of their
family. It is like a common festival raising above all hues and colors.
Your article in The New Indian Express caught my eye the day it was published. In a newspaper which publishes scholarly pieces, your article stood out for its poor construction and self-congratulatory tone. Furthermore, I find this funny that numerous things have happened quite opposite to what you have written. For e.g. you wrote that Telangana people have not got enough opportunities in the field of cinema. On one hand accusations were evident of former governments and people who've ridiculed the Telangana way of life. On the other hand, the government feted the very same film moguls who 'denied Telangana' their opportunity in cinema. Moving on, your article sounds chauvinistic. Whether that was intentional or otherwise, readers understand the thinly veiled blame-game in your piece.
ReplyDeleteI am fairly surprised to read an article from a man of your experience. The construction of your article seems feeble and unscholarly. Numerous sentences sound repetitive. The verbosity of your article makes it feel like it was written by a school child.
I doubt whether your piece is translated from Telugu, because it has the feel of a poor translation.
You wrote: "We are in the process of building our self-respect". The Telangana movement was based on the self-respect, which according to you is non-existent until now.
Expressions like "till date", "cent percent" sound rustic. Use of words like 'will', 'discussions' are used very frequently making the sentences boring.
Telangana cannot afford to alienate the film industry which is a massive employer in the city. Hence the penultimate day's event is easily understood although hardly has any invitee(on that evening), except one or two, has really contributed to Telangana literature.
To conclude my comments, your article, Sir, is an example of how not to write an essay. The article is an embarrassment.
Excellent comment which I would preserve in my safe
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