Shri Jupally Krishna Rao
Minister for Culture and Tourism, Government of Telangana
Greetings and a Warm Welcome!
Respected dignitaries who have gathered here for Lokmanthan,
The symbol of Telugu identity, our former Vice President of India, Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu garu, whose speech we just heard, has vividly conveyed the values of our culture, traditions, and way of life.
Similarly, I extend a warm welcome to Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy garu, Pragna Bharati Chairman Hanuman Chowdary garu, Dr. Ravindra Bharati garu, Lokmanthan Vice-President Kishan Rao garu, Special Officer of Shilparamam Dwaraka Tirumala Rao garu, and all the distinguished guests from different states. I am delighted that this grand Lokmanthan conference, which takes place once every two years, is being held in Hyderabad for the first time in South India. It is a moment of pride and joy.
Land of Unity in Diversity – Celebrate
It is also a matter of happiness that Telangana’s Department of Culture is participating in this event. India is a land of unity in diversity, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, and this event brings together artists and professionals from various fields to celebrate our shared heritage. I welcome all the guests to experience Telangana’s cuisine, learn about our rich culture and traditions, and explore our tourist attractions.
Lokmanthan Platform – A Blend of Civilisational Culture
The word ‘Lok’ means people and society. This Lokmanthan platform serves as a great venue for discussions on our traditions, values, and way of life. Such events should be held regularly across all states in India, as they highlight India’s cultural richness. India is a blend of many cultures, traditions, castes, religions, and languages, but it thrives in its unity. This unity in diversity is the greatness of India. Lokmanthan plays a significant role in preserving and promoting this uniqueness for future generations while honouring our cultural legends.
Word of Appreciation
I commend the organisers of Lokmanthan for their efforts in introducing Indian classical art forms to the present generation. As the Minister of Culture, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. This event also emphasises the upliftment of tribal communities by fostering education, healthcare, economic development, and cultural preservation. It aims to address global challenges and create solutions. I sincerely hope for the success of this event.
India – Land of Unbroken Traditions
Across the world, food habits, languages, traditions, and cultural expressions are evolving, but the core philosophy of Indian unity remains intact. Each region has distinct art forms, worship methods, and linguistic styles, but they are all connected to the Indian ethos.
Telangana – A Replica of Bharat
Telangana has a rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Over the centuries, it has been a melting pot of social, cultural, economic, and literary influences. Jainism and Buddhism flourished here, and Telangana is home to various art forms and architectural marvels.
Hyderabad – A Cosmopolitan Flavour
Hyderabad is a cosmopolitan city where people of different regions, religions, and cultures coexist peacefully. The Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb (composite culture of harmony) has been a part of Telangana for centuries. The Telangana government respects and promotes this inclusivity by celebrating festivals of different communities through the Language and Culture Department.
We celebrate:
* Onam for Malayalis,
* Gudipadwa for Maharashtrians,
* Bihu for Assamese,
* Navaratri for Bengalis,
* Pongal for Tamilians, and
* Bonalu and Bathukamma as official festivals of Telangana.
This inclusivity strengthens our national unity. Telangana also promotes classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Yakshagana, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, and Rabindra Sangeet, preserving India’s artistic heritage.
Culture – Our Way of Life
Culture is not just about music and dance-it is a way of life. Some people think that a minister of culture is only responsible for organizing cultural programs, but culture is about lifestyle, values, and philosophy. Venkaiah Naidu garu rightly pointed out that losing cultural values leads to societal decadence.
Reconnect with Our Roots
The decline of traditional values has led to many modern-day problems. This is why rebuilding cultural consciousness is important. Science alone cannot protect our heritage; we must reconnect with our traditions, ethics, and knowledge to serve society in a better way. Today, technological advancements have both positive and negative effects. Unfortunately, people are indulging more in the negatives. We must restore our languages, traditions, and cultural practices to preserve our identity.
Explore Our Diverse Heritage
Life is precious and short. We often chase money and material success, but true fulfillment comes from preserving our heritage. I urge everyone to explore Telangana’s diverse heritage, its monuments, temples, and art forms. Western countries take weekend breaks to travel and explore, but we often neglect our own history and culture. Every family should spend at least one or two days a month exploring India’s rich heritage.
We Stand with Lokmanthan
This Lokmanthan event is an excellent initiative, and I congratulate the organisers for their efforts. I am honoured that Telangana’s Culture Department is part of this event.
Thank you all!
“India is a blend of many cultures, traditions, castes, religions, and languages, but it thrives in its unity.”
– Shri Jupally Krishna Rao
Minister for Culture and Tourism, Government of Telangana
