In a tribute to those who ignited the Telangana Movement through literature, songs, and artistic expressions, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy presented cheques of Rs 1 crore each to nine cultural and literary stalwarts.
The announcement of these honours was originally made on December 9, 2024, during the unveiling of the Telangana Talli statue Secretariat premises.
Among the awardees, posthumous and living, were poets, singers, authors and artistes whose work inspired mass participation in the movement for a separate state.
Revolutionary balladeer Gaddar, born Gummadi Vittal Rao, was remembered for his searing lyrics and electrifying performances that became the soul of the Telangana agitation.
His anthem “Podustunna Poddumeeda” remains etched in public memory. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said, “Gaddar garu gave a voice to the voiceless. His poetry wasn’t just art; it was fire.”
Another towering figure, Guda Anjaiah, was posthumously honoured. Known for his emotional and satirical folk songs, Anjaiah’s songs gave the movement its lyrical heart. His verses like “Ayyonivaa… Avvonivaa” questioned the status quo and rallied students and workers alike.
Telangana state song lyricist Andesri, known for the iconic “Jaya Jayahe Telangana,” was present to receive his cheque. Hailing from Jangaon district, Andesri’s poetry has been instrumental in forging cultural identity in the new state.
“This is not just an honour for me but for every Telangana soul who dreamed,” he said.
Folk poet Goreti Venkanna, a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi award, was also honoured. Venkanna’s deep-rooted lyrics, steeped in rural life and resistance, carried the voice of farmers, workers and dreamers. “My songs come from the soil,” he told those gathered.
The fifth recipient was lyricist Sudhalla Ashok Teja, known for penning over 3,000 film songs and bringing the ethos of the region to mainstream cinema. His powerful “Nenu Saitham” from Tagore won him the National Award.
Jayaraju, an SCCL worker-turned-poet from Mahbubabad, received recognition for his contribution to grassroots poetry. His song “Vaanamma Vaanamma” remains a favourite among Telangana’s rural communities.
Veteran journalist Paasham Yadagiri, noted for his incisive political commentary and Telangana advocacy, was honoured posthumously. Born in 1952 in Hyderabad’s Gowlipura, his voice echoed in the corridors of journalism and activism alike.
Eminent sculptor Ekka Yadagiri Rao was honoured for his iconic work, including the Telangana Martyrs’ Memorial. Known for his ‘Mithuna’ bronze sculptures, Rao has earned global acclaim for his unique reinterpretations of Indian sculpture.
The Kaloji Sahitya Puraskaram was conferred on linguist, author Nalimela Bhaskar. A polyglot and literary translator, Bhaskar is known for his work in preserving and popularising Telangana dialect and folklore. He has published around 17 works and is fluent in 14 Indian languages.
However, officials clarified that the award announced for Bandi Yadagiri could not be presented as his family members were not present at the event.
The Chief Minister said that the cultural icons being felicitated were not just artists, but “torchbearers of Telangana’s dream.”
“These individuals inspired lakhs. This is our way of saying thank you, not just with words, but with dignity and respect,” the CM added.
