Riyadh – The Saudi-Andhra Telugu Association (SATA) Central, a premier organization for Telugu expatriates in Saudi Arabia, recently hosted its annual Telugu Language Day program in Riyadh. The grand event, attended by over two thousand community members, was distinguished by its vibrant cultural showcases and was notably led by the women of the community, drawing praise from attending diplomats and dignitaries.
The celebration was graced by senior Indian diplomats, including Counselor Mr. Y. Sabir and Secretary for Cultural and Educational Affairs Mr. Vipul Bawa, alongside prominent expatriates from various Indian states. Addressing the gathering virtually from India were key officials from the Andhra Pradesh Government: Minister for Expatriate Affairs Mr. Kondapalli Srinivas, CEO of the Public Sector Undertaking for Expatriate Affairs Dr. P. Krishnamohan, and Vice Chairman of the P-4 Scheme Committee Mr. C. Kutumba Rao.
In his address, Minister Srinivas assured the expatriate community of the Andhra Pradesh Government’s full support, highlighting Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s initiative to establish dedicated official teams for expatriate welfare in every district. Dr. Krishnakumar detailed the ongoing welfare initiatives by AP NRT, while Mr. Kutumbarao encouraged participation in the Swarnandhra P-4 Foundation’s philanthropic efforts.
Indian Embassy Counselor Mr. Y. Sabir commended the unity of the Telugu community, stating, “It is commendable that all the Telugu expatriates, irrespective of caste and religion, have gathered in one place in large numbers on the basis of language.” He affirmed the Embassy’s continued support for SATA Central’s cultural and welfare programs. Mr. Vipul Bawa specifically praised the dynamic and active role of Telugu women within the expatriate community.
The event featured a rich tapestry of cultural performances that captivated the audience. Highlights included:
- A moving patriotic play by children that emphasized national unity.
- A mesmerizing classical Bharatanatyam recital by Naga Hanisha Tatikonda and other classical dances conducted by Archana Sripad.
- Melodious vocal performances led by Geeta, Sridevi, and Lakshmi Madhavi.
- Contemporary Western dance performances and the “Miss Telugu Ammayi” program, designed to build self-confidence among women.
The program also recognized community members for their contributions. Students who excelled in sports and academics were felicitated, and individuals providing dedicated service to the community, including Mohammed Farooq, Ramchander, and Siddique Tuvoor, were honored.
The entire event was skillfully coordinated and executed by the SATA Central leadership team, with special recognition for the women who managed the stage and cultural programming for over ten hours. The celebration was made possible through the generous support of numerous sponsors from the business community.
The successful event underscored SATA Central’s commitment to preserving Telugu language and culture, fostering unity among expatriates, and celebrating the community’s rich heritage in Saudi Arabia.
