VIJAYAWADA: Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh on Sunday paid rich tributes to Padma Bhushan Gurram Jashuva, describing him as a poet who wielded his pen to combat social evils and champion justice.
The occasion marked the 130th birth anniversary of the literary icon, celebrated at the Pingali Venkaiah Conference Hall in Vijayawada by the Department of Language and Culture.
Durgesh inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp and presented the Gurram Jashuva Awards 2025 to five distinguished contributors to Telugu literature — Dr. Kanakadurga Prasad Rao, Dr. Palaparthi Sridhar, Meesala Laxman, Potluri Harikrishna and K. Guruvamma. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
He also released two literary works: Vishwanarudu by Language and Culture Department Director Regulla Mallikarjuna Rao, and Muktamani Padyasatakam by Kala Ratna Dr. Palaparthi Sridhar. Additionally, he unveiled the poster for the upcoming World Telugu Poets Conference, scheduled for 27–28 December.
Speaking on Jashuva’s legacy, Durgesh said, “He transformed the pain of poverty, untouchability and discrimination into poetry that stirred social awareness. His works — Gabbilam, Firadausi, Vishwanarudu and Harischandra — remain timeless treasures.”
He added that the Gurram Jashuva Award is akin to receiving Padma honours and pledged to promote Jashuva’s ideals among future generations.
Cultural and Creative Committee Chairperson Tejaswi Podapati praised Jashuva’s role in erasing caste and religious divisions through his writing, noting that Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan draws inspiration from Vishwanarudu. Drama Academy Chairman Gummadi Gopalakrishna lauded Jashuva’s accessible language and commended Minister Durgesh’s consistent support for the arts.
The event featured songs and recitals dedicated to Jashuva, He was hailed as a voice of the oppressed.