Our Journey as a Community Organisation
Inspired by the writings and ideology of Prof. Jayashankar, a group of Telangana-origin Sydneysiders convened in September 2006 to discuss the future of the Telangana movement in Australia. This historic meeting, held on September 17, 2006, at Meadowbank, marked the beginning of the Telangana Movement in Australia. Attendees signed a petition urging the Prime Minister of India to grant separate statehood to Telangana and began community celebrations of Bathukamma, which soon became a symbol of unity and cultural pride.
From 2006 to 2009, the committee operated under the name Telangana Development Forum (TDF) Australia, before transitioning to the Australian Telangana Forum (ATF) on December 9, 2009, under an organising Adhoc Committee.
During this formative period:
TDF Australia collaborated closely with TDF USA for joint activities and used their online platforms to promote Australian Telangana initiatives.
Community members celebrated Bathukamma annually and paid tribute to Telangana Martyrs every September 17th.
Members actively travelled to India to participate in by-election campaigns supporting the Telangana cause.
Protests were organised outside Indian High Commission offices across Australia to advocate for statehood.
The ATF constitution was drafted by the Adhoc Committee.
Educational booklets on Tank Bund statues were sponsored and distributed in collaboration with TDF India.
Political Advocacy & Global Engagement
Memorandums were submitted to key Indian political figures, including Oscar Fernandez (MP & General Secretary of AICC), Congress President Sonia Gandhi, and BJP President, representing the voice of over 4 crore Telangana people.
ATF played an active role alongside TJAC and TDF-India in supporting key protests such as:
Sakkala Janula Samme
Million March
Telangana March (notably participating in the historic march on September 30th)
ATF also hosted major cultural and political events, including:
Dhoom Dham with Rasamayi Balakishan in Sydney
Protests with support from Rasamayi Balakishan and his team in Warangal, Khammam, and Nalgonda
Challenging anti-Telangana events, even in the face of legal notices and police intimidation
Community Building & Cultural Engagement
Encouraged the formation of Melbourne Telangana Forum and Brisbane Telangana Forum
Initiated regular Ganesh Festivals, with children’s idol-making and laddu auctions as popular highlights
Organised annual Vanabhojanalu gatherings
Began hosting Telangana State Formation Day celebrations with the support of NRI sponsors
Conducted blood donation drives, saving numerous lives
Hosted health and wealth seminars to support the well-being of community members
Participated in national campaigns like Clean Up Australia
Launched the Telangana Premier League (community cricket) to promote sports and camaraderie
Transition to ATSA & Continued Mission
Following the formation of Telangana State in 2014, ATF was renamed the Australian Telangana State Association (ATSA) to reflect its ongoing commitment to the development of the new state.
ATSA has continued its community engagement and advocacy by:
Organising meet-and-greet sessions with Telangana dignitaries.
Supporting initiatives aligned with the vision of a “Bangaru Telangana” (Golden Telangana)