The 3rd World Telugu Conference 2026: A Global Milestone for Telugu Heritage - AP Events

 

The historic city of Guntur recently hosted a monumental event that resonated across the global Telugu community—the 3rd World Telugu Conference, held from January 3rd to 5th, 2026. Organized by the Andhra Saraswatha Parishad at the Sri Sathya Sai Spiritual City, the summit was a powerful testament to the "Classical Language" status of Telugu and its future in a digital world.

A Gathering of Global Dignitaries

While the event saw a massive turnout of scholars and poets, the guest list was dominated by international heads of state, judicial icons, and political leaders.

Verified Key Attendees

• Chief Guest: His Excellency Dharambeer Gokhool, President of Mauritius. He made history as the first serving foreign Head of State to attend the conference as Chief Guest in 40 years.

• State Leadership: N. Chandrababu Naidu (Chief Minister of AP), who addressed the valedictory session.

• National Figures: M. Venkaiah Naidu (Former Vice President of India), a lifelong champion for the Telugu language.

• Judicial Luminaries: Justice P.S. Narasimha (Supreme Court of India), who inaugurated the sessions, emphasizing that district-level court proceedings should be in Telugu.

• Legislative Leaders: Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu (AP Assembly Speaker) and Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar (Union Minister).⁸

• Governors: Kambhampati Haribabu (Odisha), P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju (Goa), and Indrasena Reddy (Tripura).⁹

• Cultural Organizers: Ghazal Srinivas (President, Andhra Saraswatha Parishad), Mandali Buddha Prasad, and Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad.

Major Announcements and Strategic Vision

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and other speakers outlined a roadmap for the "Telugu Era":

1. Potti Sriramulu Telugu University: A new university will be established in Rajahmundry to honor the 'Amarajeevi' who fast unto death for the creation of a linguistic state.

2. Global Education: President Gokhool highlighted that Mauritius has already integrated Telugu into its primary, secondary, and tertiary education systems—a model the summit urged other nations to follow.

3. Water & Regional Unity: The CM stressed the need for coordination between AP and Telangana to save the 6,282 TMC of water that currently drains unused into the sea.

4. Technology as an Ally: The summit advocated for using AI and Digital Platforms to translate and archive ancient Telugu literature for the Gen-Z diaspora.

Cultural Spectacle

The venue was split into multiple stages named after legends like Dr. Ghantasala and S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, featuring:

• Sahasra Kavita Neerajanam: Over 1,000 poets reciting their work.

• Bharatha Mitra Award: Presented to President Dharambeer Gokhool for his role in promoting Telugu culture internationally.

• Classical Arts: Performance by 1,000 singers of Annamacharya Kirtanas.

Conclusion: A New Era for Telugu Pride

The 3rd World Telugu Conference 2026 in Guntur was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful declaration of cultural resilience. By bridging the gap between ancient heritage and modern technology, the summit provided a roadmap for the next generation of the Telugu diaspora. The historic announcement of the Potti Sriramulu Telugu University in Rajahmundry and the call for regional unity between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana mark the beginning of a new chapter. As the curtains fell in Guntur, the spirit of "Telugu Atma-Gauravam" (Telugu self-respect) was rekindled, leaving a lasting legacy that will cross borders and generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where was the 3rd World Telugu Conference 2026 held? 

It was held at the Sri Sathya Sai Spiritual City in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

Who was the international Chief Guest? 

The President of Mauritius, Dharambeer Gokhool, attended the event and was honored with the "Bharatha Mitra Award."

Where will the next World Telugu Conference be held? 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to host the next international conference in Mauritius.

What was the main takeaway for the youth? 

The summit emphasized that while English is necessary for careers, forgetting one’s mother tongue (Telugu) amounts to losing one's identity.