Cultural performances commemorate the 164th birth anniversary of Mahakavi Gurajada in Vijayawada
Children perform during the 164th birth anniversary celebrations of renowned Telugu poet and writer Gurajada Apparao at Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government College of Music and Dance in Vijayawada on Monday. | Photo credit: GN RAO
A cultural performance to mark the 164th birth anniversary of Mahakavi Gurajada Venkata Apparao at the AP Congress Office in Vijayawada on Monday (September 21, 2026).
Songs about the life and work of Gurajada Apparao were sung accompanied by traditional drum performances.
Speaking on the occasion, APCC Vice President and In-charge of Administration Kolanukonda Shivaji said that Gurajada Apparao through his writings boldly exposed social, economic and gender inequalities and brought significant social awareness through his literature.
He recalled Gurajad’s message, “A nation is not the land, it is its people,” saying it remains relevant even today, nearly 85 years after the poet’s death. He said it was remarkable that Gurajad’s works continued to enjoy wide public admiration and importance.
Shivaji said the writings of Gurajada Apparao should be included as part of the curriculum in NCERT and CBSE schools to promote patriotism, social awareness and progressive values in the young generation.
At the Visakhapatnam Collectorate, District Revenue Officer M. Visweswara Naidu and other officials paid floral tributes to Gurajada’s portrait. Mr Naidu said Gurajad’s writings challenged social inequalities, superstitions and injustice and urged the youth to study his works and understand his ideals.
At the GVMC headquarters, Additional Commissioners SS Varma and P. Nallannayya recalled Gurajada’s contribution to Telugu literature and his play Kanyasulkam, which highlighted the social evils of the time. They also recalled his message that a country is made by its people.
In Paderu, District Collector Alluri Sitharama Raju T. Nishanthi paid tribute and recalled Gurajada’s contribution to modern Telugu literature. She said his writings and songs continue to serve as guides for social awareness.
Published – 21 Sep 2026 23:23 IST