Minister Kandula Durgesh Honours Gidugu Ramamurthy on Telugu Language Day
Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh paid tribute to Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy, the renowned linguist and social reformer, at a grand Telugu Language Day program. The Department of Language and Culture organized the event at the UDA Children’s Arena on Friday.
Speaking as the chief guest, Minister Durgesh highlighted how Gidugu Ramamurthy simplified Telugu literature, making it accessible to the public. He praised the richness and depth of the Telugu language.
Durgesh felicitated 14 recipients of the Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy Pantulu Awards. Each awardee received a shawl, Rs. 25,000 in cash, and a memento. He commended their efforts in promoting art, literature, and Telugu culture.
“Despite technological advances, the coalition government led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has preserved Telugu’s dignity,” Durgesh said. He emphasized nurturing student creativity, maintaining cultural heritage, and reviving neglected initiatives over the past five years.
The minister stressed that mother-tongue education supports mental development. He encouraged learning English as a foreign language to remain globally competitive. Durgesh also highlighted Gidugu Ramamurthy’s work in bringing the Savara language into public awareness and noted that his alphabet system remains in textbooks today.
The program included lamp lighting, garlanding of Gidugu Ramamurthy’s portrait, and cultural performances by children. Durgesh released the book Telugu Velugu by Regulla Mallikarjuna Rao, documenting Gidugu’s life and contributions.
Special Chief Secretary Ajay Jain recalled Ramamurthy’s contributions to the colloquial language and Savara script. Podapati Tejaswi urged youth to learn about his legacy, while Avanigadda MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad called on citizens to preserve Telugu.
The event drew officials, awardees, literary figures, Telugu enthusiasts, and Gidugu Ramamurthy’s family members.