Hyderabad: Prajapalana Vijayotsvalu Ends with Grand Celebrations
The Prajapalana Vijayotsvalu came to a spectacular conclusion on Monday with dazzling events. A laser drone display showcased the achievements of the Congress government over the past year, impressing the audience. This was followed by a captivating fireworks show that lit up the night sky.
As part of the celebrations, the state government unveiled the first official statue of Telangana Thalli. Additionally, nine prominent artists and poets—Guda Anjaiah, Balladeer Gaddar, Bandi Yadagiri, Ande Sri, Goreti Venkanna, Suddala Ashok Teja, Jayaraj, Pasham Yadagiri, and Ekka Yadagiri Rao—were honored for their contributions to the struggle for a separate Telangana state. These individuals were awarded a 300-square-yard plot in Future City, a cash reward of ₹1 crore, and a Tamra Patra (bronze plaque).
Speaking to the audience, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy acknowledged the significant roles these artists played in inspiring the movement for Telangana’s statehood. He emphasized that even though their efforts were overlooked by the previous government, the 4-crore people of Telangana have not forgotten their contributions. “We have achieved Telangana because of your resolve, and the world should know this,” the Chief Minister said.
The CM also addressed concerns about the government’s decisions, stating, “Some people may feel these actions risk their political future. But Telangana was not achieved for the sake of a single family, an individual, or a political party.”
The government also honored Prof. T. Gangadhar, principal of the College of Fine Arts, JNAFAU, for designing the Telangana Thalli statue, and sculptor M.V. Ramana Reddy for bringing the design to life. The statue was unveiled in a ceremonial event marked by the chanting of Vedic mantras and attended by a large gathering.
However, some political parties were notably absent. Leaders from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not participate in the celebrations. Minister Ponnam Prabhakar had personally invited BRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao to join the event, but he did not attend.
While BJP leaders appreciated the government’s decision to install the Telangana Thalli statue, they raised concerns about its design during an Assembly discussion. They also urged the government to officially recognize September 17 as Telangana Liberation Day. Despite these reservations, BJP leaders skipped the evening celebrations.
