Painting expo marks Jashua’s birth anniv

The Andhra Pradesh State Language and Culture Department commemorated the 129th birth anniversary of renowned Telugu poet and literary icon, ‘Gurram Jashua,’ at the Pingali Venkaiah Meeting Hall on the premises of the NTR District Collectorate in Vijayawada.
The event was attended by Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography, Kandula Durgesh, NTR District Collector Dr. G. Srijana, Tourism and Culture Department Secretary V Vinay Chand, and other dignitaries, who paid tribute to ‘Jashua.’
A painting exhibition was held as part of the celebrations at the collectorate, which the Minister inaugurated. He honoured Karri Sanjeeva Rao (Sikhamani), Dugginapalli Ezra Sastry, T. Vara Prasad, and P. Ramanaiah with the ‘Gurram Jashua Gaana Kokila Puraskaram 2024.’ Each awardee received a cash prize of Rs 50,000 along with mementoes.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Durgesh highlighted Jashua’s immense contribution to Telugu literature, particularly his writings focused on social welfare. He praised Jashua for his fearless critique of social issues and urged the public to draw inspiration from his works.
The Minister also recalled Jashua’s famous poem, ‘Gabbilam,’ in which the poet appealed to Lord Kashi Vishwanath against the ban on Dalit entry into temples. He further noted that Jashua’s election as MLC in 1964 marked his foray into politics.
AP Language and Culture Department Director A. Srinivas, former Director Mallikharjuna, and several others were present at the event.