Melbourne Telangana Forum (MTF)

Foundation:

• Before 2012, Telanganites in Melbourne collaborated with Andhra groups.
• The idea of forming a separate Telangana association emerged during a meeting hosted by Nookala Venkateshwar Reddy in 2012.
• Officially established on August 18, 2013, with Nookala Venkateshwar Reddy as its first President.

Major Activities:

• Organized the first Bathukamma Festival on October 6, 2013 to celebrate Telangana culture.
• Prominent Telangana leaders such as V. Prakash, Rasamayi Bal Kishan, and Karne Prabhakar attended later events.
• Promoted Telangana traditions and heritage to younger generations.
• Received financial assistance from Melbourne’s cultural department for organizing Telangana festivals.

Leadership and Visits:

• Sirikonda Madhusudhana Chary (Telangana Assembly Speaker) and Swamy Goud (Council Chairman) visited Melbourne to support the forum.
• In 2015, a new committee was formed with Rajesh Reddy as President, ensuring the continuity of activities.
• Bathukamma celebrations welcomed notable guests such as TRS MLA Gongadi Suneetha and her husband, strengthening Telangana’s cultural presence in Melbourne.