To promote Telugu among children.

Mother tongue plays important role

Competitions conducted in connection with ‘Mother Tongue Day'

Making a point: Children presenting a skit at the ‘Mother Tongue Day' celebrations conducted in Tirupati on Saturday.

TIRUPATI: Parents worried over the increasing influence of English language on their wards heaved a sigh of relief when they found on Saturday that the latter were indeed not so crazy about English.

The event conducted at Sri Venkateswara Oriental College premises saw a slew of competitions conducted by ‘Prerana', a women's organisation in connection with ‘Mother Tongue Day'.

The day saw competitions in drawing, ‘Padya Patanam' (reciting poetic verses), essay writing in Telugu etc. to promote Telugu among children.

Though referred to as ‘Italian of the East' and notwithstanding lofty slogans in praise of the language, Telugu was seldom spoken by the children with the zeal evinced by the previous generation, regretted A. Bhavani, president of ‘Prerana' while explaining the need for holding the competitions.

Over a thousand children from 40 schools took part in the various competitions and expressed their love for Telugu.

“Mother tongue plays an important role in the healthy development of a child,” Secretary S.Bhuvaneswari chipped in.

‘Katha Cheppana?' (story-telling) and ‘Telugu Matladudham' competitions will be held on Sunday, whereby a participant will be made to speak only in Telugu non-stop for two minutes.

These apart, classical/folk dance and fancy dress competitions for children and ‘Vyarthamlo Artham' (wealth from waste) contest, spiritual quiz etc. for women will be held, all centering around Telugu language.

Prizes will be given on ‘Mother Tongue Day' celebrations to be observed at Mahati auditorium on February 21 (Monday).