In the village of Nochchikulam in the Vavuniya District, a small Telugu community of 86 families has been working hard to find recognition and acceptance. Most of the families are Christians while one family practices Hinduism. Their journey has been filled with challenges but their determination has kept them going.

For many years the Telugu people lived in the shadows, struggling for identity recognition. A significant step forward came when the Action for Religious Coexistence (ARC) project team helped them to get national identity cards through a mobile service, marking an important moment for their citizenship rights. However, they faced another challenge: the freedom to practice their faith without discrimination.

Since moving to Nochchikulam in 2015, the community has sought a place to worship. Without a proper space, many members felt isolated and faced discrimination due to their identity and beliefs.

The ARC team, along with members of the Weligama and Akurana Local Inter Religious Committees (LIRCs), met community members to discuss their challenges. As they shared their experiences, a sense of hope and camaraderie began to develop.

It was recognised that fostering economic development was vital in helping the Telugu community secure their religious rights. LIRC members committed to supporting the Telugu community’s economic initiatives. They also promised to help them find a dedicated place to worship and to practice their faith freely.

The Telugu community see a path forward. With the support of others, they are not just seeking acceptance but also working to create a brighter future where they can express their identity and faith without fear.