By Fr. Bala Kishore Miriyala, SDB
Hong Kong, 27 May 2017 -- Together with Fr. Dolphie Sequiera I am involved in the Migrant Youth Ministry with a special focus on the Migrant Youth from South Asia. On 27th of May 2017, Saturday we had a cultural gathering of group of Telugu language speaking people from South India. In two States of India, namely Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the official language and the mother-tongue of the people is Telugu and these people are known as Telugu Cultural people. Telugu is one of the Ancient Dravidian language and the culture of the people too is as old as the language. These people formed as an association called “The Hong Kong Telugu Samakhya”(THKTS).
THKTS is the Cultural organization of Telugu’s in Hong Kong. It is dedicated to promoting Telugu culture and traditions within the Telugu Community in Hong Kong. The unique feature of THKTS is that it has no committee members, as all are volunteers. These are from different social, economic and religious backgrounds but have the common spirit of Telugu – the language and the culture, which is the uniting factor. These people, with their families, come together three times in a year to promote the spirit of communion, solidarity and to keep alive the valuable ancient cultures and traditions. As I have been interacting with these people, this year we organized one of the main gatherings of this Telugu linguistic and cultural group in our Salesian institute, St. Louis School premises. Nearly 200 people with the families along with the children gathered. There was a mutual exchange of life experience of these people in Hong Kong. The whole program is very educative, entertaining and enriching with the cultural activities, singing, dancing, acting, and inspiring talks.
The rector of the Salesian Community of St. Louis School, Fr. Matthew Chan Hung Kee, is invited to presided over as a Chief Guest For this program, and he, with his friendly presence made the people to feel at home in this Don Bosco premises and in his talk addressed the people with the words of welcome and gave an inspiring message encouraging the people to keep the good from our own cultures and exchange these values from different cultures to promote peace, solidarity and the spirit of communion.
The participation of children and young people brought life and many gifts were awarded by the committee to the children and people who excelled in different events. The gathering was concluded with a grand Telugu cultural dinner. Thanks to God who inspired Don Bosco and the Salesian Presence in this part of the world trying with every effort to accompany the people especially the youth. Thanks to the Salesian community of St. Louis School!
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