Telugu diaspora in New Zealand commemorates Deeksha Diwas

The Telugu community in New Zealand celebrated the 16th anniversary of K. Chandrashekhar Rao’s hunger strike that paved the way for Telangana’s formation. Organised at the Dawn Crew Centre in Auckland, the event saw BRS leaders and diaspora members pay tribute to Rao’s sacrifices and highlight the turning point of the 2009 fast.

Hyderabad: The 16th anniversary of the historic hunger strike (Deeksha Diwas) undertaken by Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao for the creation of Telangana was observed with enthusiasm by the Telugu community in New Zealand.

The event was held at the Dawn Crew Centre in Auckland and saw a large gathering of Telangana supporters living in New Zealand. Attendees wholeheartedly praised the role and sacrifices made by Chandrashekhar Rao in the decades-long struggle that finally led to the formation of Telangana.

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BRS New Zealand unit President Ramarao Rachakonda and General Secretary Kiran Pokala addressed the gathering and highlighted Chandrashekhar Rao’s relentless efforts and the significance of the 2009 hunger strike that became a turning point in the Telangana movement.

Among the dignitaries present were BRS New Zealand Honorary President Arun Prakash, senior members Kalyan Kasuganti and Jagan Vodnala, as well as representatives from the New Zealand Bihar and Jharkhand Association. The programme concluded with cultural performances and a renewed commitment from the diaspora to continue supporting the development and welfare of Telangana.