Hyderabad: In a grand tribute to the voices that fuelled the statehood movement, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday presented cash awards of ₹1 crore each to nine prominent poets and literary figures who championed the cause of a separate Telangana.
The event, held at the Parade Grounds as part of the Telangana Formation Day celebrations, saw the state government recognise the enduring impact of these artists whose words inspired generations to fight for Telangana’s identity.
Back in December, Revanth Reddy had announced that the awardees would also receive a 300-yard plot in Future City and a copper certificate, in addition to the cash prize. The awards, distributed on Monday, symbolised the government’s commitment to honouring the cultural warriors of the movement.
The poets and writers who received the awards included Yekka Yadagiri Rao, Andesri, Suddala Ashok Teja, Jayaraju, and Pasham Yadagiri. Family members of the late balladeers Guda Anjaiah and Gaddar accepted the awards on their behalf, acknowledging their lifelong dedication to the cause.
Goreti Venkanna’s daughter collected the award on behalf of her father, who is currently travelling abroad. However, the family members of Bandi Yadagiri were unable to attend the event, and the cash prize could not be presented to them at the venue.
Speaking on the occasion, Revanth Reddy emphasised the pivotal role these poets and artists played in shaping the consciousness of the Telangana movement. “Their words were our weapons, their songs our rallying cry,” he said, urging the younger generation to carry forward their legacy.
వారి కలం… వారి గళం…
స్వరాష్ట్ర ఉద్యమ భాస్వరం.
వారి ఆట… వారి పాట…
పోరాటాలకు రాచబాట.
అటువంటి తొమ్మిది మంది…
కవులు, కళాకారులు, సాహితీవేత్తలను
రాష్ట్ర ఆవిర్భావ దినోత్సవం సందర్భంగా
రూ. కోటి నగదు పురస్కారంతో
రాష్ట్ర ప్రజల తరపున
గౌరవించుకున్నాం.తెలంగాణ ఉద్యమం లో
ప్రజల… pic.twitter.com/Bv9eIykOpt— Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) June 2, 2025