A TEAM from Telugu Association of Malaysia (TAM), Penang branch this evening made a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at his office in Komtar.
The TAM team comprised its chairman P. Ramaraoo, deputy chairman A. Subramaniam, Youth Leader P. Pratap and Women Wing chief K. Kaliyammah.
On behalf of the association, Ramaraoo conveyed their heartiest congratulations to Chow for his appointment as the Penang Chief Minister. Besides congratulating Chow, Ramaraoo also briefed the chief minister on the introduction and founding of the TAM and also highlighted its objectives, goals, mission and vision.
“TAM is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation for people of Telugu origin residing in Malaysia.
“TAM adopts a tradition of celebrating important festivals such as Sankarati, Ugadi (Telugu New Year), Sri Rama Nawami and Deepavali. TAM as a cultural organisation takes great pride in conducting special events with reputable personalities from the music, cinema, political and administrative fields as TAM grows and prospers.
“In our effort to safeguard cultural awareness, heritage and preserve the Telugu language, we are running eight free language classes in Penang. So far, 156 students are participating in these classes.
“We wish to develop more programmes and classes for the people before the Telugu culture is being forgotten by the community.
During the meeting, Ramaraoo also highlighted some issues especially on insufficient funds to conduct language and cultural activities.
In replying the TAM delegation, the chief minister said the issues raised will be taken into account and discussions will be held soon with the relevant authorities to come up with amicable solutions.
Chow also thanked the association for their visit and said he would look into the matters they brought to his attention.
Story by K. Thaarshenii
Pix by Nur Afiqah Zainudi