Need to provide greater exposure to Indian languages: Pranab

"There is no dearth of creativity and talent in Indian languages. While Indian writing in English has excited the world, we need to create platforms to provide greater exposure to Indian languages so that the creativity embedded in Indian literature is spread across the world," Mukherjee said during inauguration of the 4th World Telugu Conference here.

He said "languages are not merely a means of communication as languages and literature are our heritage".

"They define and reflect the roots of our society. The promotion of literature cannot take place on the basis of government support alone. I urge all stakeholders to contribute meaningfully towards preserving, encouraging and promoting Indian languages and literature," the President said.

Mukherjee said it is important that the antiquity of Telugu language and civilisation must be further explored.

"It is our responsibility to make every effort for its healthy growth and development so that posterity can benefit from the vast knowledge and ideas that rest within this language," he said.

The President felicitated prominent personalities of Telugu language and culture and also laid the foundation stone for an International Convention Centre on the occasion.

Telugu, which was declared as classical language in 2008, is spoken in several parts of the country such as Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, besides Andhra Pradesh.