The BRS also opposed the move, saying it would replace Rajiv Gandhi's statue with that of Telangana Talli once it returns to power.
Published Aug 19, 2024 | 11:21 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 19, 2024 | 11:21 PM
Telangana Talli symbolises Telangana's language, traditions, and the collective memory of the struggles for self-respect and autonomy. (Abdh266/Wikimedia Commons)
Intellectuals from different sections of Telangana society wrote an open letter to AICC leader Rahul Gandhi opposing the Congress-led state government’s decision to install former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s statue in front of the Telangana Secretariat, a place earmarked for installing a sculpture of Telangana Talli.
“Telangana Talli represents the culture, heritage, and pride of the Telangana people. Replacing her statue is not merely an act of removing a monument, but an attempt to erase the identity and indomitable spirit of the Telangana people, who fought for statehood through countless sacrifices,” the intellectuals said in the letter on Monday, 19 August.
The letter further said that Telangana Talli symbolised Telangana’s language, traditions, and the collective memory of the struggles for self-respect and autonomy. “It is through her that we celebrate our victories, honour our sacrifices, and inspire future generations to uphold our values.”
During the Telangana Armed Struggle, noted poets such as Dasarathi and Ravella Venkatarama Rao composed poems and songs eulogising the concept of Telangana Talli. This concept, once ridiculed and neglected during the time of united Andhra Pradesh, was revived during the second phase of the statehood agitation for Telangana.
“The design of Telangana Talli statue was the result of intense discussions among intellectuals, poets, and litterateurs. Before the formation of Telangana, a statue of Telugu Talli stood in front of the Secretariat, and it is only fitting that the Telangana Talli statue now stands in front of the new Secretariat building,” the letter said.
The signatories said that Rajiv Gandhi, a leader respected in many spheres, does not carry the same cultural and emotional significance for the Telugu people.
“This proposal is seen by many as an imposition, disregarding the sentiments of those who view Telangana Talli as the embodiment of their identity. We believe the statue of Rajiv Gandhi could be installed at another appropriate location,” they further said while urging the government to reconsider its decision.
“We believe that respecting the sentiments of the people and preserving our cultural symbols is essential to maintaining the dignity and unity of our society. Therefore, we call upon the government to retain the statue of Telangana Talli in its rightful place and to honour the cultural symbols that represent the true spirit of our people,” the letter added while reminding the A Revanth Reddy government of its promise to protect the cultural aspirations of the Telangana people.
The signatories included Prof Haragopal, Tankasala Ashok, Allam Narayana, Goreti Venkanna and Mallepally Laxmaiah, besides several others.
Incidentally, the original Telangana Thalli was designed by B Venkataramana Chari, and installed at the TRS (now BRS) office in Jubilee Hills in 2003.
Opposing the move to install Rajiv Gandhi’s statue, BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Monday said his party would replace the statue with that of Telangana Talli once it returned to power.
(Edited by Majnu Babu)
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