Vijayawada: The 129th birth anniversary of renowned Telugu poet Gurram Joshua was celebrated at the Vijayawada Collectorate with great reverence. State Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh attended the event as the chief guest and emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from Joshua’s life and work.
During the ceremony, the prestigious Joshua Memorial Awards were presented to notable figures in literature and music. Among the recipients were writers Shikhamani, Ezra Shastri, Varaprasad, and singer Ramanaiah, who were honored for their contributions to art and culture.
In his address, Minister Kandula Durgesh highlighted Gurram Joshua’s dedication to social equality, noting how the poet’s writings reflected a strong call for the eradication of societal evils, including untouchability. He stated, “Joshua’s work inspired the need for equality, and we must consider untouchability as a mental disability that needs to be eradicated.” The minister further pledged to revive and promote the state’s rich cultural heritage, assuring that Andhra Pradesh would see more cultural initiatives to honor its literary and artistic greats, similar to those seen in Telangana.
The event, which celebrated Joshua’s enduring legacy, was also attended by NTR District Collector Srijana, numerous writers, poets, and other cultural enthusiasts. The Minister concluded by encouraging the youth to follow in Joshua’s footsteps and inspire others through their actions, echoing the values of justice and equality that Joshua championed.
