Telangana Asthitva Vedika formed to preserve Telangana identity: V Prakash

The Telangana Asthitva Vedika, chaired by V Prakash, has called for collective action to preserve the state’s cultural and historical identity. Warning that rapid modernisation threatens Telangana’s distinct character, the Forum announced its inaugural meeting on April 19 at Ravindra Bharathi.

Hyderabad: Telangana Asthitva Vedika (Telangana Identity Forum) chairman V Prakash called for a collective effort to preserve the unique cultural and historical identity of Telangana. He warned that rapid modern development could erode its distinct character, unless protective measures were taken.

Addressing a media conference at the Press Club on Friday, Prakash called Telangana as more than a geographical entity, calling it a living saga shaped by centuries of history, culture, and social movements. He said the region’s identity survived colonial pressures and ideological challenges, but now faced a fresh threat from unchecked modernisation.

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To address this, the Forum is set to hold its inaugural meeting on April 19 at Ravindra Bharathi. The platform will aim to mobilise civil society and create awareness about preserving Telangana’s heritage, traditions, and resources.

As part of the event, a compilation titled “Telangana Asthitvam” (Telangana identity) based on discussions held over recent months, will be released. Veteran journalist S Venkat Narayan who hails from the State, will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, to be presented by Dr BR Ambedkar Open University vice-chancellor Prof Ghanta Chakrapani.

The Forum convener Pittala Ravinder and coordinator Sridhar Deshpande said the movement will expose forces undermining Telangana’s identity, promote public participation, and ensure that local resources are used for the benefit of its people. They urged citizens to actively support the initiative, calling it a people’s movement aimed at safeguarding the region’s legacy for future generations.

Several intellectuals, writers, academicians, experts, professionals and activists will be part of the forum.