The Telugu Sangham Austria organised Bathukamma and Dasara celebrations in Vienna, bringing together a large number of Telugu families living in Austria.

The celebrations were organised under the leadership of the association’s president, Srilatha Komati Reddy, in coordination with the executive committee. The event aimed to preserve and promote Telugu culture and traditions among the Telugu diaspora and pass them on to younger generations.

Women participated enthusiastically in traditional Bathukamma festivities, singing folk songs and performing dances. Children and young people also took part in cultural programmes, adding to the festive atmosphere.

“This is an effort to be connected with our roots and also keep the children aware of the Telugu culture and traditions,” said Manikumar Adepu of the Telugu Sangham Austria.

A potluck featuring traditional Telugu dishes, musical performances and a lucky draw were among the highlights of the celebrations.

Members of the executive committee, volunteers, decoration and registration teams, and other members worked together to organise the event. Sponsors and well-wishers also extended support to the celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Srilatha Komati Reddy said the association’s primary objective was to preserve Telugu culture and traditions despite living abroad and to bring members of the Telugu community together as one family.

The celebrations concluded on a cheerful note, with participants sharing memories and reaffirming their commitment to keeping Telugu traditions alive in Austria.

The Telugu Sangam Austria plans to continue organising cultural activities to strengthen community bonds and promote Telugu heritage among future generations.

Telangana Rakshana Sena Chief Kalvakuntla Kavitha participated in vibrant Bathukamma celebrations alongside students at the historic Osmania University Arts College, reviving the Telangana agitation days when she played a key role in taking the festival to the University in a large scale.

After playing Bathukamma, she addressed the students and youth, reflecting on the revolutionary spirit of Osmania University. While criticising the current political and educational landscape, she offered a public apology for her past association with the BRS regime regarding its neglect of universities.

Drawing parallels between historical milestones, she noted how Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak used Ganesh Chaturthi during the freedom struggle, much like how the Telangana movement integrated the Bathukamma festival to assert regional identity.

“Bathukamma is not just about celebration; it carries a deep social purpose. Every flower in a Bathukamma is common and equal, and a true Telangana of tomorrow must reflect that same inclusivity and equality,” she stated.

Shifting her focus to the pressing issues plaguing higher education, she highlighted the dismal conditions on campus, pointing out that despite Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s announcement of 1,000 crore rupees for Osmania University six months ago, not a single rupee has been released.

She called upon on students to unite and relentlessly pressure the government to release the promised funds, comparing the potential protests to a local version of Jantar Mantar.

Ms Kavitha urged Osmania’s youth to channel their intellectual strength to reshape the political future of Telangana and secure a system where children from poor families share genuine political power.