Guntur, 04 January (H.S.): Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool on Sunday extolled the Telugu language as far more than mere communication—describing it as a vibrant living civilisation embodying a profound spiritual legacy that transcends borders.

Addressing delegates at the Third World Telugu Conference held at the Sri Sathya Sai Spiritual City on the outskirts of Guntur, Gokhool hailed the landmark event as a historic gathering uniting the global Telugu diaspora from nearly 50 nations.

Historic First: Head of State Joins Telugu Festivities

Gokhool's participation marked the first instance of a serving foreign head of state attending the World Telugu Conference, underscoring deepening India-Mauritius cultural bonds.

Arriving on a six-day state visit (January 3-8), he received a ceremonial welcome at Gannavaram Airport by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh before proceeding to Guntur in a grand convoy, complete with a chariot escort to the main stage and floral tributes to Telugu Thalli (Mother Telugu).

Accompanied by his wife, Gokhool joined dignitaries including Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu, High Court Judge Justice N. Jayasurya, and MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad.

T Telugu has evolved from regional roots into a global force, spoken across over 50 countries, Gokhool remarked, linking the conference's timing to 2026's theme of reflection and renewal—mirroring Ugadi, celebrated as a national holiday in multicultural Mauritius.

Calendars differ, but our duty to preserve heritage with wisdom endures universally, he added.

Mauritius-Telugu Synergy and Future Horizons

Gokhool spotlighted the Telugu community's pivotal contributions to Mauritius' nation-building, noting the island nation's unique formal teaching of Telugu at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels through institutions like the Mauritius Telugu Mahasabha.

He emphasised Telugu's seamless integration into Mauritius' diverse fabric, fostering enduring people-to-people ties anchored in shared history, values, and civilisational continuity—bolstered by high-level 2025 exchanges.

The President announced Mauritius will host the next World Telugu Conference, amplifying efforts to globalise Telugu culture, education, and heritage preservation.

Organised by the Andhra Saraswata Parishad, the three-day extravaganza (January 3-5) features literary seminars, panel discussions, cultural performances, awards, a handicrafts arena showcasing ancient Telugu literature, coins, and cuisine, plus spiritual sessions like pravachanams (discourses), homams (fire rituals), and kalyanams (auspicious weddings).

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar