Latest news with #Latchanna
New Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Andhra government marks Sardar Gouthu Latchanna's 116th birth anniversary, announces welfare measures for BCs
VIJAYAWADA: The State government, through the Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, Handlooms, and Textiles Departments, celebrated the 116th birth anniversary of freedom fighter and social reformer Sardar Gouthu Latchanna at Tummalapalli Vari Kshetrayya Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on Saturday. The event underscored Latchanna's lifelong commitment to marginalised communities. BC Welfare Minister S Savitha hailed Latchanna's fight for the cause of downtrodden during and after the freedom struggle. She announced that the upcoming Adarana 3.0 scheme will provide mopeds to Goud (toddy-tapper) community members to improve their mobility and livelihoods. She emphasised the coalition government's dedication to BC welfare under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, citing initiatives inspired by Latchanna's legacy. She urged the BC community to support Naidu's efforts, and paid floral tributes to Latchanna's statue alongside other dignitaries. She noted that Latchanna's birth anniversary is now a State festival. Savitha highlighted Latchanna's fight against untouchability, and his efforts to protect Harijan and tribal communities through organised yatras. She announced that modern equipment would be provided to Goud workers for safer palm tree climbing. Additionally, the Horticulture Research Centre in Rampachodavaram will develop new palm-based products to boost employment and economic growth of the Goud community, aligning with Naidu's vision. Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu shared his family's personal connection with Latchanna, describing him as a towering figure from a poor village near Odisha border. He praised Latchanna's role in the freedom movement, and his mentorship of late parliamentarian Yerram Naidu. He credited Naidu for naming the Thotapalli project after Latchanna in 2018, and empowering BCs with key positions. He criticised the previous YSRCP regime for harassing Latchanna's family, asserting that BCs have consistently supported the TDP.
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Minister Durgesh pays rich tributes to Gouthu Latchana
Rajamahendravaram: Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh paid rich tributes to legendary freedom fighter and politician, Sardar Gouthu Latchanna, on his 116th birth anniversary. Speaking at a ceremony where he garlanded Latchanna's statue at Y Junction in Rajamahendravaram on Saturday, Durgesh described him as a guiding light for marginalised communities. Durgesh explained that Latchanna's life, marked by an uncompromising fight for public issues and unwavering commitment to his principles, serves as an inspiration. He stressed the need to educate future generations about Latchanna's contributions. The Minister noted that the current coalition government has decided to officially celebrate the birth anniversaries of great personalities like Latchanna, who brought pride to the Telugu community. He lauded Latchanna's tireless efforts for the upliftment of backward classes. Durgesh also praised the Rajahmundry Gowda, Setti Balija Association for their work in carrying forward Latchanna's ideals. He stressed that Gouthu Latchanna was the only person after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to be given the title 'Sardar' in Indian politics. He recalled Latchanna's distinguished career, which included serving seven terms as an MLA, one term as an MP, and as a Minister mentioned Latchanna's advocacy for the rights of toddy-tappers and his role in organising the All India Kisan Sabha in Palasa, which set an example for many. BC leaders Reddy Raju, Mani, Buddiga Ravi, and Pilli Nirmala were also present at the event.
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Gouthu Latchanna's life an inspiration, says Atchannaidu
Vijayawada: Minister for agriculture K Atchannaidu said that Dr Sardar Gouthu Latchanna's life exemplifies unwavering commitment to social justice and public service. Speaking at the 116th birth anniversary celebrations of Latchanna at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram here on Saturday, organised by the BC welfare department, Atchannaidu paid floral tributes to Latchanna's statue, emphasising his enduring legacy. 'Latchanna never fought for power or positions, only for the people,' he said, noting that this earned him the title 'Torchbearer of Movements.' Atchannaidu praised Latchanna's relentless struggles, including agitations, hunger strikes, and rail blockades, which showcased his courage and dedication to the oppressed, farmers, and backward communities. Born into a humble family, Latchanna rose as a visionary leader, earning the title 'Sardar' for his steadfast pursuit of justice. His ideals of equality and humanity remain timeless, serving as an inspiration for the youth, Atchannaidu noted. 'Through his service, one can understand the true meaning of sacrifice and public service,' he Latchanna's deep connection with farmers and agricultural laborers, Atchannaidu said, ' He firmly believed that strengthening the rural economy begins with empowering farmers.' Latchanna's post-independence mission focused on uplifting the poor, workers, tribals, and backward sections, both in the Assembly and Parliament. His integrity shone during the 'Gentlemen's Agreement,' where he prioritized Telangana's assurances over political gain. The Thotapalli reservoir, named in his honor, reflects his contributions. Atchannaidu also recalled Latchanna's role as a disciple of N.G. Ranga, resigning his Parliament seat to ensure his mentor's victory, embodying his belief that democracy revolves around the people. As a legislator, Leader of the Opposition, PAC chairman, and minister, Latchanna tirelessly addressed public issues. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee also recognized his dedication to the minister reaffirmed the TDP's commitment to backward classes (BCs), initiated by founder N T Rama Rao and continued by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu through BC corporations, subsidised loans, coaching centres, and skill development programmes. 'The progress of society is impossible without the progress of BCs,' Atchannaidu stated. ' BC welfare minister S Savitha, revenue minister Anagani Satya Prasad, excise minister Kollu Ravindra, TDP State president Palla Srinivas, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath, Palasa MLA Gouthu Sirisha, Vijayawada Central MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao, Pedana MLA Krishna Prasad, and other BC community leaders attended the event.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Gouthu Latchanna's struggles for the oppressed classes truly inspiring, says Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said that Sardar Gouthu Latchanna symbolises the spirit of struggle, efficiency, and courage. The battles Sardar Gouthu Latchanna had fought on behalf of the oppressed classes were truly inspiring, Mr. Naidu said on Saturday in a post on X. Mr. Naidu said, 'It is a matter of great pride that the coalition government has the opportunity to officially celebrate Latchanna Jayanti. On the occasion, let us commemorate the history of his struggle.' HRD Minister Nara Lokesh paid rich tributes to the freedom fighter and social reformer on his birth anniversary. 'Beacon of hope' In a message on X, he described Latchanna as a beacon of hope for the downtrodden and recalled his relentless struggle for the poor, transcending political boundaries. He noted that Latchanna had led several movements as a freedom fighter and as a leader of the weaker sections, farmers, and workers. Mr. Lokesh mentioned that the coalition government was officially organising the birth anniversary of the veteran leader. He called upon people to strive to uphold and fulfill the ideals espoused by Latchanna. TDP pays tributes Meanwhile, the birth anniversary of Sardar Gouthu Latchanna was observed with reverence at the TDP central office and Tummalapalli Kalakshetram. TDP State president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao paid floral tributes to the veteran leader by garlanding his portrait. Speaking on the occasion, he recalled Latchanna's lifelong struggle for the rights and dignity of the people. 'Emerging from an underdeveloped region, Gouthu Latchanna fearlessly confronted the rulers of his time with an unyielding resolve to free the nation from bondage,' Mr. Srinivasa Rao said. 'His life's work remains a beacon for today's youth — reminding us that those who dedicate themselves to the nation and society will forever remain in history.' MLC Chiranjeevulu, TDP central office secretary Parchuri Ashok Babu, Tourism Corporation chairman Nukasani Balaji, Vaddera Corporation chairman Mallela Eshwara Rao, and party leaders Talla Venkatesh Yadav and Parchuri Krishna were present.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
116th birth anniversary of Sardar Gouthu Latchanna celebrated in Visakhapatnam
The 116th birth anniversary of veteran freedom fighter and social reformer Sardar Gouthu Latchanna was celebrated in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. Marking the occasion, Andhra Pradesh BC Employees Federation state president Polaki Srinivasa Rao garlanded Latchanna's statue at Green Park Hotel Junction. He recalled that Latchanna, who was born in Palasa, Srikakulam district, had joined the freedom movement at the young age of 17. At 33, he actively participated in the Quit India movement, leading the people of South India in the struggle for independence. Srinivasa Rao noted that Latchanna had the rare distinction of being elected MLA five times, as well as an MP and MLC simultaneously. He also played a pivotal role in organising the All India Kisan Mahasabha in Andhra Pradesh, championing the cause of farmers and the oppressed. Buridi Kalyani, president of the AP State BC Employees Women's Wing, highlighted that Latchanna was equally committed to eradicating untouchability and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the downtrodden. Visakhapatnam East ACP K. Lakshmanamurthy and Visakhapatnam South MLA Ch. Vamsikrishna Srinivas Yadav also spoke on the occasion, paying tributes to the leader and his enduring legacy.
