VIJAYAWADA: The State government, through the Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, Handlooms, and Textiles Departments, celebrated the 116th birth anniversary of freedom fighter and social reformer Sardar Gouthu Latchanna at Tummalapalli Vari Kshetrayya Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on Saturday.
The event underscored Latchanna’s lifelong commitment to marginalised communities.
BC Welfare Minister S Savitha hailed Latchanna’s fight for the cause of downtrodden during and after the freedom struggle. She announced that the upcoming Adarana 3.0 scheme will provide mopeds to Goud (toddy-tapper) community members to improve their mobility and livelihoods.
She emphasised the coalition government’s dedication to BC welfare under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, citing initiatives inspired by Latchanna’s legacy. She urged the BC community to support Naidu’s efforts, and paid floral tributes to Latchanna’s statue alongside other dignitaries. She noted that Latchanna’s birth anniversary is now a State festival.
Savitha highlighted Latchanna’s fight against untouchability, and his efforts to protect Harijan and tribal communities through organised yatras. She announced that modern equipment would be provided to Goud workers for safer palm tree climbing.
Additionally, the Horticulture Research Centre in Rampachodavaram will develop new palm-based products to boost employment and economic growth of the Goud community, aligning with Naidu’s vision.
Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu shared his family’s personal connection with Latchanna, describing him as a towering figure from a poor village near Odisha border.
He praised Latchanna’s role in the freedom movement, and his mentorship of late parliamentarian Yerram Naidu. He credited Naidu for naming the Thotapalli project after Latchanna in 2018, and empowering BCs with key positions. He criticised the previous YSRCP regime for harassing Latchanna’s family, asserting that BCs have consistently supported the TDP.
Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad called the event a testament to the coalition government’s commitment to BC welfare, emphasising the significance of Latchanna’s title ‘Sardar’ as a symbol of his sacrifices. He lauded the allotment of 10% of liquor shop licences to the Goud community as a step towards their economic empowerment.
Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra contrasted the coalition’s support for marginalised communities with the previous regime’s alleged mistreatment of Latchanna’s family, including filing cases against MLA Gouthu Sireesha for social media posts. He praised Sireesha’s resilience and her election to the Assembly as a sign of public trust.
TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao vowed to carry forward Latchanna’s ideals, emphasising his lasting impact on public service.
MP Kesineni Sivanath credited Latchanna for supporting Acharya NG Ranga’s Lok Sabha victory, pledging to inspire future generations. RTC Chairman Konakalla Narayana highlighted Latchanna’s advocacy for BC political recognition, and his role in Gandhi’s Salt Satyagraha and Quit India movements.
Palasa MLA Gouthu Sireesha spoke of her grandfather’s profound influence on her political journey. She accused the previous regime of disrespecting Latchanna’s legacy, and thanked Naidu for providing her a platform to continue his ideals.
Government Whip Bonda Umamaheswara Rao, MLAs, former ministers, State Goud Corporation Chairman Veeranki Gurumurthy, and coalition leaders participated in the programme.
TDP celebrates Latchanna’s birth anniversary
The birth anniversary of Sardar Gouthu Latchanna was commemorated with solemnity and reverence at the TDP headquarters on Saturday. TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao garlanded the portrait of Latchanna and paid rich tributes, recalling his lifelong struggle for the rights and dignity of the marginalised people.