Telugus should claim top position in the world by 2047: Naidu

Hyderabad: Calling upon the Telugus across the globe to become partners in the revolutionary development of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, on Friday said that his main objective is that the Telugus should be on top position in the world by 2047.

Addressing the Telugu Samakhya Mahasabhalu in Hyderabad as the chief guest, Naidu on Friday expressed the hope of achieving a poverty-free society with the inspiration of the TDP founder, the Late NT Rama Rao, who is the only leader who brought recognition to Telugus across the globe.

Formally inaugurating the conference by lighting the lamp, the chief minister said that he is happy to see all the Telugus from across the world on a common platform and thanked everyone for organising such meetings to tell the whole world about the respect Telugus enjoy.

Recalling the services of great personalities like DVS Raju and Indira Dutt, Naidu said that all the Telugus are united whether they are living anywhere between Anantapur and Adilabad or between Srikakulam and Palamur. Not only in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Telugus are now living across various countries, including America.

The chief minister said that "As Telugus we all should respect our mother tongue like how we give highest regard to our mother." He is of the opinion that those living on foreign land are giving more respect to Telugu than those who are living on the motherland.

Stating that when he had become the chief minister of the combined state in 1996, a major part of Hyderabad was filled with rocks. Naidu claimed he could already envision that Hyderabad would transform into an IT city. The TDP played a major role in the progress of the city, he added.

"When I mentioned Vision-2020 people made fun of me. If we work together we can achieve anything in the world," Naidu said.

Recalling the contribution made by several dignitaries like the Late PV Narasimha Rao, M Venkaiah Naidu, Koka Subbarao, Justice NV Ramana, the Late Neelasm Sanjeeva Reddy and the Late GMC Balayogi who adorned very high positions in the country, the chief minister felt that now Tollywood too has reached to global-level.

Kuchipudi, Bharata Natyam and Batukamma reflect the great culture of Telugus, he said.

The chief minister honoured several celebrities on this occasion and also handed over business awards to many businessmen. He also unveiled a souvenir of the World Telugu Federation and also a start-up logo in the name of Telugu Angeles.