Hyderabad: The Medaram Jatara publication titled “Goddess of Folk” was released by Minister for Rural Development Dr D. Anasuya at J Phule Praja Bhavan on Friday.
The book was brought out by the Kakatiya Heritage Trust and compiled by eminent filmmaker B. Narsing Rao. It features rare photographs documenting the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara and its cultural significance.
Dr Anasuya lauded the efforts of the Trust in preserving the heritage of the tribal festival. She said such initiatives strengthen awareness about Telangana’s rich traditions. She also appreciated the compilation of rare images in the Medaram Jatara publication.
The Minister requested the Trust to prepare a detailed proposal seeking recognition of the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara as an intangible World Heritage by UNESCO. She said global recognition would enhance the festival’s stature and promote cultural preservation.
Call for UNESCO recognition in the Medaram Jatara publication event
During the event, Dr Anasuya stressed the importance of securing international recognition for the tribal festival. She urged experts and members of the Trust to work towards meeting UNESCO criteria.
Retired IAS officers B.P. Acharya and B.V. Papa Rao attended the programme. Retired NIT Professor Panduranga Rao, K. Sridhar and retired DGP M. Ratan were also present.
The gathering highlighted the cultural importance of the Medaram Jatara publication and the broader goal of obtaining UNESCO recognition for the festival.