World Telugu Conferences (Prapancha Telugu Maha Sabhas)
First Conference: April 12–18, 1975
The Jalagam Vengala Rao government organized the first World Telugu Conference in Hyderabad to promote the concept of the “Telugu race.” However, the event was criticized as an effort to undermine the cultural identity of Telangana under the guise of fostering emotional unity among Telugus.
Developments During the Conference
Telugu Thalli Statue:
- A statue of “Telugu Thalli” was installed at the State Secretariat.
- The song “Maa Telugu Thalli Ki Mallepudanda”, written by Shankarambadi Sundarachari (from Andhra), was widely promoted.
Telugu Velugu Museum:
- Inaugurated in Public Gardens, Hyderabad, in 1975 to celebrate Telugu culture.
Exclusion of Telangana Artists:
- Telangana poets, writers, and artists were largely ignored.
- Kaloji Narayana Rao and Pembarthi artisans were the only notable Telangana representatives honored.
- Artists such as Sri Sri, Chera Bandaraju, Nagnamuni, Jwalamukhi, and Nikhileshwar protested against the event for its perceived bias against Telangana.
Economic and Industrial Policies Under Vengala Rao
Policies were introduced to economically, politically, socially, and culturally control Hyderabad and suppress the Telangana community.
Industrial Development Around Hyderabad:
- Industrial estates were established near Hyderabad, offering facilities, subsidies, and loans, predominantly benefiting Andhra investors.
- This encouraged large-scale migration of Andhra people to the Telangana region.
Economic Gains for Andhra Investors:
- Andhra investors reaped huge profits from their industrial ventures in Hyderabad during this period.
Political Landscape
Reunification of Political Forces:
- The period witnessed the realignment of political forces at both the national and state levels.
N.T. Rama Rao’s Rajya Sabha Request:
- Veteran actor N.T. Rama Rao requested Indira Gandhi to nominate him to the Rajya Sabha from the Congress Party.
- Indira Gandhi refused his request, which later influenced N.T. Rama Rao’s political career.