Preserve our rich Telugu culture, heritage for posterity

Vijayawada: There is an urgency to restore and preserve our Telugu culture and heritage, said Ponnampalli Viswanarayan Krishna, winner of 12 Nandi awards and noted Telugu literary personality.

He was the chief guest at the two-day literary and cultural festival Sphoorthi 2K18 organised by Andhra Loyola College on the college premises here on Friday. Addressing the gathering, Krishna lamented that Western culture and globalisation has been influencing Telugu culture greatly.

Guest of honour Syamalapudi Venkateswara Rao, who is a recipient of Nandi award, enlightened the students on the importance of Telugu culture and language. He quoted Sri Krishna Devaraya, who being a Kannadiga hailed and rendered great services to Telugu language.

College Principal Rev Fr Dr GAP Kishore said that bringing out the hidden talents is the agenda of the two-day Sphoorti festival. On the first day of the festival, group singing, solo dance and mime competitions were held.

Mellifluous melodies, folk beats refreshed the minds and induced cultural thirst among the students. The follies in the society are exposed through the mime competitions. Students have actively participated in all the events.

Rev Fr Basla Shouri, Rector Rev Fr Sagaya Raj, correspondent shared the stage with the guests and enthused students with their speeches. Rev Fr S Melchoir, the vice-principal and others were present on the occasion.