Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that N T Rama Rao, gave a special identity to Telugu people, language and culture.
There is a global influence by Telugus and there is a need to preserving the language and traditions. From Anantapur to Adilabad and Srikakulam to Palamuru, wherever Telugu people are, they are united,” said Naidu, he was speaking at the World Telugu Federation Conference held at the HICC in Hyderabad.
“Language is an integral part of our identity, and we must safeguard it for future generations,” he remarked.
“From Satya Nadella, who studied in Hyderabad Public School and now leads Microsoft, to Bharat Biotech’s Ella Krishna, who produced COVID-19 vaccines, Telugu talent shines globally,” he said.
Telugu 12th most spoken language in America
He shared statistics showing the prominence of the Telugu diaspora: “Out of 330,000 Indian students who went to the U.S. in 2023-24, 180,000 were Telugu. Telugu is now the 12th most spoken language in America.”
Transforming Hyderabad
The AP CM reflected on his tenure as the CM of United AP in 1996 and stated that it was the TDP party that laid the foundation for the development of Hyderabad.
“Every household should have an IT professional or an entrepreneur,” he urged, emphasizing the state’s focus on deep technology, AI, and modern governance systems like WhatsApp-based services.
Naidu called upon the Telugu diaspora to actively participate in Andhra Pradesh’s development. “While contributing to your karma bhoomi, never forget your janma bhoomi.
Support both with equal dedication,” he appealed. He also encouraged investment in startups and job creation through initiatives like the newly launched Telugu Angels.
During the event, Naidu paid tribute to iconic figures who elevated the Telugu identity, including Potti Sriramulu, Gidugu Ramamurthy, and PV Narasimha Rao.
He also lauded Telugu achievers in various fields, from sports personalities like PV Sindhu and Koneru Humpy to cultural icons who enriched the arts and cinema.