Alekhya Punjala’s troupe performs at the 6th All India Telugu Conference. Picture by Gopal Krishna Reddy

Berhampur, Feb. 6: The highlight of the 6th All India Telugu Conference was a recital by renowned Kuchipudi dancer Alekhya Punjala and her troupe who performed various solo and group compositions. The event that began on Friday was attended by a large gathering of Telugu-speaking residents here.

Working in the department of dance, Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad, Punjala is a dancer of international fame and has performed dipa nrutyam in Kuchipudi in several countries. Here too, she mesmerised the audience by carrying lamps on her hands, head and feet while dancing. About 1,500 delegates and many Telugu-speaking people of Berhampur were delighted with her performance. “Alekhya Punjala is known for her innovative choreography and I have always wanted to see her perform live. This is the first time that I got the chance. It was really wonderful,” said Nageswar Rao, a resident of BRIT Colony, Neelakantheswar.

“The crowd’s appreciation was encouraging. It was great to perform here,” said Punjala.

Tanaku’s Kumari Lakshmi Praharshitha, who was awarded by the President earlier, performed light vocal music. ‘Sangeet Lahari’ by S. Umadevi Troupe from Hyderabad created waves of melody. The audience cheered after a mono act on a character from the Mahabharata — Shakuni — performed by Vadrevu Sudar Rao of Tanuku. Two artistes from Berhampur — including S. Gayatri and Devi — who performed nrutya natika maya judam and a special form of dance thillana respectively, were also applauded.

Well-known Telugu film star Sai Kumar, chairman of the Cultural Committee, appealed to Telugu-speaking people in the audience to preserve their language and culture. “The role of parents is important; they must urge their children to speak Telugu. Telugu-speaking people who live in states other than Andhra must respect and learn the language of the state they live in,” Sai Kumar said.