AP Dy CM Pawan Kalyan moves to Preserve Gurajada Apparao Legacy
Visakhapatnam, June 3 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan has initiated measures to preserve and promote the legacy of legendary Telugu writer and social reformer Gurajada Apparao, fulfilling a commitment he made to protect the literary icon’s heritage for future generations.
Acting on reports that Gurajada Apparao’s ancestral residence in Vizianagaram had fallen into disrepair, Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday directed the Departments of Archaeology and Culture to undertake restoration and conservation works at the historic property, where the renowned playwright lived nearly 150 years ago.
Officials said restoration work on the heritage structure has already commenced under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology.
In addition, plans have been finalised to construct an auditorium at an estimated cost of ₹1.20 crore on a vacant site adjacent to the residence.
The proposed facility is expected to serve as a centre for literary, cultural and educational activities associated with Gurajada’s legacy.
The government has also initiated the process of digitising Gurajada Apparao’s literary works to ensure wider accessibility and long-term preservation of his contributions to Telugu literature and social reform.
Pawan Kalyan had announced the initiative during a ‘Senato Senani’ programme in Visakhapatnam after learning about the deteriorating condition of the historic house through media reports.
At the time, he had promised to restore the residence, build an auditorium and digitise the literary works of Gurajada.
Gurajada Apparao, widely regarded as the “Father of Progressive Telugu Poetry” and one of the foremost social reformers in Telugu society, authored the iconic play Kanyasulkam, considered a landmark work in modern Telugu literature.
According to officials, it was in this very residence near the Vizianagaram Fort Junction that Gurajada penned Kanyasulkam, a pioneering social satire that challenged regressive practices and advocated social reform.
The initiative is being viewed as a significant step towards preserving Andhra Pradesh’s literary and cultural heritage while introducing younger generations to the life and works of one of Telugu literature’s most influential figures.
TNT KM
