The Fourth and Fifth Generation Telugus in Malaysia
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Most Telugus have now shifted from the rural base to the urban centers.
We can find large concentrations of Telugus in and around Kuala Lumpur,
Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam,Klang, Rawang, Kajang, Bangi, Alor Setar, Kulim,
Sungei Patani, Georgetown, Butterworth, Taiping, Ipoh, Gopeng, Batu gajah,
Teluk Intan, Bagan Datoh, Simpang Ampat, Sabak Bernam, Sitiawan, Tanjong
Malim, Seremban, Bahau, Kluang, Segamat, Johore Baru and Pasir Gudang.
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Literacy levels amongst Telugus has improved significantly. Most have functional
literacy. It is quite common to find families with atleast one tertiary/college
educated person.
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It is more common to find Telugus getting involved in professional and
middle level occupations. Quite a significant numbers have ventured int
businesses.
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The Household income amongst the Telugus will be mostly above RM 1000 per
family. It is almost impossible to find Telugu families falling within
the poverty levels. Atleast 20% of the families will be earning more than
RM 2000 per month.
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There is hardly any Telugu schools in the country. With this trend it is
quite common to find Telugu children unable to write and speak Telugu language.
Attempts had been made by the Telugu Association to teach Telugu though
the response had been lukewarm.
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It is quite common to find Telugus marrying outside their own caste and
also outside the ethnic group. More Telugu weddings seem to be held in
the urban centers as most have shifted to urban centers.
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Telugus tend to gather mostly for ugadhi and cultural functions organised
by the Telugu Association and also during religious and wedding functions.
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Children appear to have more modern names instead of traditional Telugu
names.
5.1.1999
