The Telugu-speaking Indians living in Saudi Arabia have formed an organisation to preserve, maintain and perpetuate the cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh.
The Telugu Association of Jeddah (TAJ) comprises of immigrnats from Andhra Pradesh, including from Rayalaseema and Telangana regions of the state.
"This is the first time that Telugu-speaking expatriates in the region have expressed their solidarity with the organization irrespective of the ongoing bifurcation process taking place in Andhra Pradesh," TAJ President Mastan Shaikh was quoted as saying by the Arab News.
There are about 400,000 non-resident Indians from Andhra Pradesh in Saudi Arabia, many of whom speak Telugu besides Urdu, he said.
Members of the organization recently called on Indian Consul-General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai at the Indian Consulate and briefed him about its activities.
The association also extended its support to the Consulate in welfare activities taken up by it in Jeddah and Western Province of the desert Kindgdom.
TAJ general-secretary Kutumba Rao and Karamat, Syed Moiz and Mohammed Imran were also part of the delegation.
