The objective of spreading Telugu language overseas is set to take a serious blow as the state government failed to keep its commitment of paying Rs 10.26 lakh each to Hebrew University, Israel and University of California, USA, to fund their courses in Telugu.
A few years ago, the state government entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the two universities for organising a certificate course in Telugu. The Potti Sriramulu Telugu University had taken the initiative in holding talks with the universities and the regime of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy approved the proposal. As per the MoU, the state government was to provide Rs 10.26 lakh each university for engaging Telugu professors and supplying books to the students interested in learning Telugu. If the state government funds the programme for a period of five years, the respective universities expressed their willingness to recognise the Telugu language course as any other course in their universities.
The courses began in both the universities in 200809 as the state government paid Rs 10.26 lakh. At the Hebrew University nearly 12 students, including both foreigners and nonresident Indians, joined the course. Similarly, at the University of California, where there is a heavy contingent of Telugu diaspora, nearly 20 students took admission. Both universities offer diploma and certificate courses.
Full report here New Indian Express
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