Children perform during the 164th birth anniversary celebrations of renowned Telugu poet and writer Gurajada Apparao at the Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government College of Music and Dance in Vijayawada on Monday.
| Photo Credit: G.N. RAO
Cultural performances marked the 164th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahakavi Gurajada Venkata Apparao at the A.P. Congress Office in Vijayawada on Monday (September 21, 2026).
Songs were presented on the life and works of Gurajada Apparao, accompanied by traditional drum performances.
Speaking on the occasion, APCC vice-president and administration in-charge Kolanukonda Shivaji said Gurajada Apparao, through his writings, boldly exposed the social, economic, and gender inequalities and brought about significant social awareness through his literature.
He recalled Gurajada’s message, “A nation is not the soil; it is its people,” and said it remains relevant even today, nearly 85 years after the poet’s demise. He said it was remarkable that Gurajada’s works continue to receive widespread public admiration and relevance.
Shivaji stated that Gurajada Apparao’s writings should be included as part of the curriculum in NCERT and CBSE schools to promote patriotism, social awareness, and progressive values among the younger generation.
At the Visakhapatnam Collectorate, District Revenue Officer M. Visweswara Naidu and other officials paid floral tributes to Gurajada’s portrait. Mr. Naidu said Gurajada’s writings questioned social inequalities, superstitions, and injustice and urged the youth to study his works and understand his ideals.
At the GVMC headquarters, Additional Commissioners S.S. Varma and P. Nallannayya recalled Gurajada’s contribution to Telugu literature and his play Kanyasulkam, which highlighted social evils of the time. They also recalled his message that the country comprised its people.
In Paderu, Alluri Sitharama Raju District Collector T. Nishanthi paid tributes and recalled Gurajada’s contribution to modern Telugu literature. She said his writings and songs continued to serve as guides for social awareness.
Published – September 21, 2026 11:23 pm IST
