The ideals of writer and social reformer Kandukuri Veeresalingam are relevant for all times, said Telugu film director C. Umamaheswara Rao.
Addressing the inaugural session of a seminar organised to mark the centennial death anniversary of Kanukuri Veeresalingam, here on Sunday, Mr. Rao said the causes espoused by the leader were most relevant in the contemporary context.
The Siddhartha auditorium was packed with writers, poets, literature lovers and social workers from across the State. The event was organised by more than 100 organisations, to pay a fitting tribute to the leader.
Senior journalist Telakapalli Ravi, who presided over the inaugural session, said Veeresalingam was a leader ahead of his time.
Former Member of Legislative Council K.S. Lakshman Rao evoked social reformers Raja Rammohan Roy, considered the pioneer of modern Indian renaissance for remarkable reforms he brought in the 18th and 19th centuries in the country, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a philosopher, academic educator, writer, reformer and a philanthropist and a prominent campaigner for Hindu widow remarriages, and Mahadev Govind Ranade, a scholar, social reformer and an author.
Making a mark
“Nearly 30 years before the Indian National Congress was established, these leaders spearheaded a social reform movement in their respective areas. In Andhra Pradesh, leaders like Kandukuri Veeresalingam and Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu took up that role,” he said, adding that their relentless efforts paved the way for building awareness among the public in the period after 1920.
He also recalled his valuable contribution in the field of education of girl child, opposition to child marriage and promotion of the Telugu language and scientific temper.
Former Director of All-India-Radio, Vijayawada, M. Krishnakumari, said Veeresalingam realised that culture could be used as an effective tool to infuse the ability to think among people and started composing ballets.
“He is also a leader who used State forces to promote a good cause — to stop child marriages,” she said.
Atheist Centre Executive Director G. Vijayam said the leader is often remembered as a writer or for his contribution to the freedom movement. “More than anything else, he was a ‘doer,’, who believed in action rather than just talking or thinking,” he said.
Educationist Hema Parimi spoke about his contribution to the education sector.
The inaugural was followed by sessions on Veeresalingam’s role in Telugu literature, social reforms and their relevance in modern times.
T. Ramesh from Siddhartha Kala Peetham, P. Muralikrishna from M.B. Vignan Kendram, secretary of All India Democratic Women’s Association Rama Devi, secretary of Praja Sahithi Aruna, Andhra Arts Academy president G. Narayana Rao and a host of others who were on committee that coordinated the event, were present.
