Hyderabad: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy assured that the Telangana government will give due recognition to freedom fighter Ravi Narayana Reddy for his role in land rights, food security, and the fight against bonded labour.
Speaking at a public programme in Hyderabad, the chief minister said the government would consult all stakeholders. After that, it would take a Cabinet decision on honouring Ravi Narayana Reddy.
He said the government planned to include Ravi Narayana Reddy’s life and contributions in academic textbooks. The government also proposed installing his statue at prominent locations.
The chief minister presented the Ravi Narayana Reddy Memorial National Award – 2025 under the Telangana Martyrs Memorial Trust to former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy.
CM recalls Ravi Narayana Reddy’s role in the peasant movement
Addressing the gathering, Revanth Reddy said Ravi Narayana Reddy played a key role in the armed peasant struggle. He said the leader fought against oppressive forces during a critical period.
The chief minister recalled that Ravi Narayana Reddy came from a landlord family. Despite that, he donated 500 acres of his own land to the poor.
He said Ravi Narayana Reddy awakened Telangana society through powerful mobilisation. He noted that the leader inspired even illiterate masses to join the movement.
Revanth Reddy said Ravi Narayana Reddy won a Lok Sabha seat with a larger majority than Jawaharlal Nehru. He added that Nehru later invited him to inaugurate the first Parliament building.
The chief minister said Ravi Narayana Reddy set an example at the age of 60. He stepped away from party posts and electoral politics.
Revanth Reddy said the government would take concrete steps after the municipal elections. He said these steps would ensure lasting honour for the freedom fighter.
Justice Sudershan Reddy honoured
Speaking about the award, the chief minister said the organisers made the right choice. He said every generation had its own guiding leaders.
He said earlier generations drew inspiration from Burgula Ramakrishna Rao and Ravi Narayana Reddy. Later generations, he said, looked up to S Jaipal Reddy and Justice Sudershan Reddy.
Revanth Reddy said Justice Sudershan Reddy played an important role during the Telangana statehood process. He added that the former judge continued to guide governance with his experience.
The programme took place at the Narayana Reddy Auditorium in Hyderabad. Telangana Martyrs Memorial Trust president Chada Venkat Reddy, secretary Kandimalla Pratap Reddy, public representatives, and other dignitaries attended.