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New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Rich tributes paid to Venkata Krishna Rao on centenary
VIJAYAWADA: The State government has decided to name the Official Language Commission after Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao, a revered champion of the Telugu language and public service. Attending as the chief guest, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu made the announcement during Venkata Krishna Rao's centenary celebrations at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada. The event paid tribute to Krishna Rao's lifelong contributions to the Telugu language, culture, and his heroic efforts during the 1977 Diviseema cyclone. Naidu described Krishna Rao as an exemplary leader whose commitment to Gandhian principles and value-based politics remains a beacon. 'Working with him as an MLA from 1978 to 1983 was a privilege. His integrity and dedication to public welfare set him apart,' Naidu said. He highlighted Krishna Rao's role in organising the first World Telugu Conference in Hyderabad (1957) and the second in Kuala Lumpur (1981), and in establishing the International Telugu Institute and overseas Telugu service centres. Krishna Rao's leadership during the 1977 cyclone, which claimed 12,000 lives and displaced lakhs, was lauded. He rescued orphans, oversaw cremations, and mobilised aid for rehabilitation, including permanent housing and embankments. 'His efforts, alongside NTR's fundraising, ensured relief for the affected,' Naidu recalled, drawing parallels to his own experience managing disasters like the 1996 Super Cyclone and Hudhud. Naidu also praised Krishna district's legacy of producing luminaries like Bhogaraju Pattabhi Seetaramayya, Mutnuri Krishna Rao, and Viswanatha Satyanarayana, placing Venkata Krishna Rao among them. Krishna Rao's early involvement in the freedom struggle, including the Quit India Movement, and his support for poor students with books and kerosene, reflected his lifelong commitment to social welfare. He secured 15,000 acres of coastal land for cultivation and distributed 50,000 acres to uplift 11,000 families through cooperative farming. His contributions to education included efforts to establish Kakatiya University and Acharya Nagarjuna University, and organising the 1974 All-India Telugu Cultural Festival, which led to the formation of the Official Language Commission. Naidu commended Krishna Rao's son, Buddha Prasad, for continuing his legacy. He also called on scholar Garikapati Narasimha Rao to reconsider serving as a government advisor to further such values.
The Hindu
03-08-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao to be paid homage on his centenary birth anniversary
In a political landscape where idealism often surrenders to ambition, Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao (1926-1997) stands out as a icon of honesty, simplicity and unwavering commitment to Gandhian values. Fondly known as 'Diviseema Gandhi', he transformed politics into a platform for service and compassion. 'His father Mandali Venkat Ramayya, a teacher and a social thinker, laid the foundation for his moral values and intellectual depth by creating the right environment at home,' said R. Mallikarjuna Rao, Director, Department of Language and Culture. To pay tributes to the 'messiah of the poor' on the occasion of his birth centenary on August 4, Mr. Rao painted a portrait of Krishna Rao, who once aspired to become a teacher, but the call of the freedom movement led him into public life. Recalling his student days, Mr. Rao said that by the time he reached high school in Avanigadda, young Krishna Rao had started reading Gandhi's publications like 'Young India' and 'Harijan', sowing the seeds of a lifelong mission for rural upliftment and social reform. In 1975, he played a pivotal role in organising the first World Telugu Conference, connecting Telugus across the globe. His vision also led to the establishment of the International Telugu Centre in Hyderabad, reinforcing the global relevance of Telugu language and culture. 'Perhaps the most defining moment of his life came in the aftermath of the 1977 Diviseema cyclone, a catastrophic disaster that devastated the region,' recalls Mr. Rao, adding that Venkata Krishna Rao, then a Cabinet Minister, resigned from his post to lead relief operations on the ground. 'Disregarding protocol, he waded through flood-hit villages, consoled survivors, fed the hungry, and comforted grieving families. His selfless actions earned him eternal reverence and the title Diviseema Gandhi.' To honour his legacy, centenary celebrations of Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao are being held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on August 4. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will be the chief guest.
The Hindu
30-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Is public art in Hyderabad losing its local touch?
Busy junctions, bridges, quiet neighbourhoods and flyover walls across Hyderabad are turning into canvases for public art. From murals inspired by Nature and education to portraits of sports icons, everyday heroes and the city's historic landmarks, there's plenty to take in. These open-air galleries brighten up the urban landscape and bring art closer to the public. But not everyone is convinced — some feel the murals are more decorative than meaningful. It is all part of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation's (GHMC) ongoing beautification drive. City-based artist and curator Aman Preet Kaur raises a pertinent question: Is public art in Hyderabad losing its direction? 'Each piece of public art is a chance to connect with the community. But this potential often goes untapped,' she says. Take the murals along Road No. 45, Jubilee Hills — large depictions of a monkey, frog, hen and deer. For Aman, these feel random. 'What's the idea behind these animals staring from the pillars? In contrast, look at the Masab Tank flyover. It features tile murals of the Charminar, unique rocks of the city and HITEC City showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity. These offer context, relevance, and a bit of local history. Even a visitor can get a sense of Hyderabad's heritage.' Of care and maintenance As the GHMC continues to spruce up the city with mural art, one cannot help but wonder about its long-term sustainability. Can this wave of beautification hold up without proper care and maintenance? Take for instance the batik art created by artist Yasala Balaiah, son of the late, reputed batik artist of the same name, for the World Telugu Conference in 2017. The dull walls near Ravindra Bharathi, opposite the Assembly, were once brought to life with 25 vibrant murals celebrating Telangana's culture and everyday life. Seven years on, the picture has changed. Harsh summers and the elements have taken their toll; the colours are faded, and the murals have lost their charm. Who is responsible for upkeep? Will GHMC step in, or should the company that executed the project be held accountable? Senior artist and Iconart Gallery founder Avani Rao Gandra shares a similar view. She points to sculptures like The Thinker near Narsingi Circle, metal works in the Gachibowli traffic islands, and the stylised animals near IKEA. While they enhance the visual experience, she feels they miss a larger opportunity. 'Art that reflects Telangana's heritage like Nakashi, Kondapalli, or Bidri placed near cultural hubs, or contemporary pieces that echo the spirit of a fast-changing city, could help turn Hyderabad into a city that tells its own story,' she says. 'What we need is a thoughtful mix of the historical and the present.' Over the years, public art has steadily grown across the city. Steel sculptures and metal installations at traffic junctions have become more common but few carry any form of credit. 'These works would have more impact if they were site-specific or interactive,' adds Aman Preet. She also points to Floating Rocks, installed at Moazzam Jahi Market four years ago — a replica of a piece by the late Egyptian sculptor Smaban Abbas: 'There's no mention of the original artist. If we can't create something new, at least we should acknowledge the source.' Artist duo Swathi and Vijay have been using street art to spotlight social issues for over a decade in Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. Their recent work in Tellapur addresses child begging and exploitation. For Swathi, originality is key: 'Authentic work gets noticed, whether it's on a main road or a backstreet. Even a simple flower rendered in an artist's unique style feels more compelling than something lifted from Pinterest.' Credit remains a tricky issue, especially for murals where several artists work together. But for sculptures and installations, Aman Preet believes tagging is possible and necessary. 'Every public artwork, even if it's a replica, deserves a label, naming the artist and offering some context. It builds awareness and creates a space for deeper engagement,' she says. 'We could begin with the striking stone sculptures displayed along Raj Bhavan Road from the international sculpture symposium.'
