telugu language

A Telugu language flag, developed by the State Official Languages Commission (SOLC) in pale pink with a picture of Poornaghatam, a bas-relief found in Amaravathi stupa in the middle, was unfurled in the ‘H’ Block of the Secretariat by Finance Minister K. Rosaiah on Wednesday.

An 18-line Telugu Language anthem, penned in praise of the beauty of the language, was sung on the occasion by its author Jillella Varaprasad, who hails from Markapur in Prakasam district. The flag-post lies close to the white granite replica of Poornaghatam installed at the main-gate of the Secretariat which was recently unveiled by Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

Historians say that the Poornaghatam bas-relief, dating back to first century AD, was presented to Amaravathi stupa by Vidhikudu, a leather worker.

They interpreted that Poornaghatam, a pot full with sheaves of crops and flowers hanging from its opening, symbolized bountifulness, liberty and equality. Mr. Rosaiah described the flag as yet another landmark achievement made by A.B.K. Prasad, SOLC Chairman, and said the flag and anthem must be used at all the functions relating to Telugu language and culture.

Mr. Prasad said an audio cassette of the Telugu Language Anthem rendered by S.P. Balasubrahmanyam would be released soon.

Will this Telugu Language Anthem clash with “Maa Telugu Thalli…” of Sanakarambati Sundaracharyulu, which has already been adopted by the government? Which one takes precedence? One has to wait and see.