‘A living civilisation’: Mauritius President praises Telugu heritage in Andhra Pradesh

The President of Mauritius Dharam Gokhool is on a six-day tour to India from January 3 to 8, which includes his participation in the World Telugu Conference in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. In a gathering on Sunday Gokhool said that Telugu is not just a state language but a living civilisation with spiritual legacy.  

Gokhool described the World Telugu Conference as a landmark event uniting Telugu diaspora from around the world.

“Telugu is more than just a language; it embodies a living civilisation and carries a profound spiritual legacy,” said Gokhool, addressing the gathering.

The conference coincides with the threshold of 2026, traditionally associated with reflection and renewal, Gokhool noted, linking it to Ugadi, celebrated as a national holiday in Mauritius.

“While calendars may differ, the promise of new beginnings and our collective responsibility to preserve heritage with wisdom and foresight remain universal,” he said.

From regional language to global presence

Gokhool highlighted the significance of Telugu language and how it gained recognition from a regional language to a global presence. Telugu is now spoken in over 50 foreign countries, he cited and nearly delegates from these 50 nations joined the event.  

Gokhool threw light on Telugu culture’s integral role in Mauritius’ multicultural fabric and enduring people-to-people ties between India and Mauritius.

India-Mauritius relations

Referring to India – Mauritius relations, Gokhool said the partnership is anchored in shared history, values, and civilisational continuity, strengthened further by high-level visits between the two nations in 2025.  

Beyond political boundaries, diplomatic ties, language and heritage serve as living and strengthening the ties between the two nations, noting that India’s linguistic plurality resonates strongly with Mauritius’ multicultural ethos.

Gokhool said Telugu community in Mauritius contributes significantly to nation-building, adding that it uniquely teaches Telugu at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels in its formal education system.