Telugu community in Dubai need to attain special identity: CG Reddy emphasises

Indian Consul General Dr E Vishnuvardhan Reddy urged the Telugu workforce in the UAE to enhance skills, pursue career growth and consider entrepreneurship. Addressing Telugu NRIs in Dubai, he also stressed preserving Telangana's cultural heritage and strengthening community welfare

By Gulf Correspondent

Dubai: The Telugu workforce in Dubai and other parts of the United Arab Emirates ought to develop a distinct professional identity, said Indian Consul General Dr E Vishnuvardhan Reddy.

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Though the Telugu community has a significant presence in Dubai and across the Gulf, it lacks a distinguished professional identity compared with their counterparts in the US, who are known for their presence in the medical and software sectors.

The top Indian diplomat was addressing Telugu NRIs for the first time since his arrival in Dubai a month ago at an event organised by GWCA, a Telangana NRI workers’ organisation, on Sunday. He emphasised the need to enhance job skills and career growth among the community.

Dr Vishnuvardhan Reddy called upon workers not to remain merely workers but to build careers in their respective fields by enhancing their skills and moving to the next level, or becoming entrepreneurs in their domains in Dubai’s free market.

He said some Indian states have formulated policies for their workers in the Gulf and revealed that Telangana’s policy is also pending before the state Cabinet.

The Consul General said the Indian community in Dubai has a migration history spanning more than 150 years, evolving from trade to the workforce.

He categorically stated that one need not be ashamed of one’s cultural heritage. Bonalu, Bathukamma and folk songs inherited in Telangana are rich traditions and part of India’s glorious culture that should be presented proudly wherever the community lives, he said.

The Consul General said the Indian mission was in the process of launching a technology tool to streamline the community grievance-redressal system, which could also help assess the performance of volunteers in the emirates.

Dr Vishnuvardhan Reddy said India-UAE relations have entered a new phase amid the current geopolitical scenario.

He urged the community to be health-conscious and to remain concerned about and care for their families back home in India.

The Consul General was felicitated by GWCA President Krishna Dhonikeni and other leaders and was greeted by various community leaders from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Telangana folk songs performed at the event touched the hearts of the audience, while the Consul General’s advisory speech was well received.