From: Mr.Hutchamah of Mtius Telugu Cultural Centre Trust
World Telugu Conference
Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture
Opening Ceremony
Thursday 07 December 2011 at 09:00 hrs
Brief the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development
Hon Minister of Arts and Culture
Hon Dr VattiVasant Kumar, Chief Guest from Andhra Pradesh
Hon Ministers
Leader of Opposition
High Commissioners
Chairperson of the Mauritius Telugu Cultural Centre Trust
Representatives of Cultural Associations
Delegates from overseas and Mauritius
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Namaskaaram and welcome again to Mauritius.
The Hon Prime Minister Dr N. Ramgoolam, who is taken up for other commitments has delegated me to be the Chief Guest in his stead. As a Telugu, I am proud to be here with my “Chuttaallu” from all corners of the world.
Telugu is a great nation, a great people. Great people were born in this community. Here I would mention Jiddu Krishna Murty, SarvepalliRadhakrishnaand SatyaSai Baba. Many people were surprised to learn that late SatyaSai Baba expressed only in the Telugu language. Telugus have a great history. Telugus have contributed a lot to the independence of India and also to that of Mauritius.
Telugus are a peaceful nation. We have respect for all communities and has no hatred to others.
I will not deal with the facilities being given by the Government of Mauritius for the promotion of Telugu culture in Mauritius. My colleague the Minister of Arts and Culture has already done so before me and you will hear lot during the deliberations.
Well before the independence of Mauritius, my family has been at the forefront of the Telugu community. My late grand fatherGanganahVirahSwamy was a founder member of the Mauritius Andhra MahaSabha. My father late Seemadree Virahsawmy was once the President of the Mauritius Andhra mahaSabha.
In 1971 my father gave a helping hand during the visit of Padma Sri AkkineniNageswaraRao, Actress Jamuna, Actress Kanachana and great Telugu film producers like V. MadhusudhanaRao.
In 1963, my father who was then a member of the Legislative council moved for a motion for Ugaadi to be a national public holiday which is still till today.
While being in Government, I have always seen to it that the Telugus are not discriminated but are given their dues according to their merits. This was so when my father was in Government and a cabinet minister.
It is the wish of the Prime Minister and this Government that all the cultures blossom in the flower garden. Mauritius should be an example to the world in terms of cultural diversity where peace and harmony prevails. And where mosque, mandirs, kovils, mandirams and churches are neighbours.
In Mauritius Telugu is taught in government primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
Though poor, our great grand fathers have not forgotten their traditions and cultures which were their only assets. Physical assets may change hands and owners, but your traditions and cultures remain with you and your descendants forever and ever. It is our duty not to neglect nor to be ashamed of. You can change nationality, you can change jobs, but you do not change cultures which are value less. Cultures are borderless as could be seen from the representations of delegates. They are from US, Malaysia, India
We would welcome if Mauritius could be used as an international centre for Telugu culture and research.
We would wish if Telugus of Mauritius and Telugus in Malaysia, South Africa and other parts of the world could have cultural exchanges.
Wishing you all fruitful deliberations.
Thank you very much.