By Sujatha Varma
Copyright thehindu
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh on Friday paid rich tributes to the eminent Telugu scholar and Dalit poet Dr. Boyi Bheemanna.
Speaking after presenting the Boyi Bheemanna Memorial Award to prominent writer G.V. Poornachand, as part of the poet’s 114th birth anniversary celebrations in Vijayawada, organised by the Department of Language and Culture, the Minister recalled that Bheemanna was a fearless human rights advocate who championed Dalit rights even during times of severe untouchability. He also highlighted the poet’s literary contributions, including ‘Janapadula Jaabulu’ and ‘Jaya Jaya Jayahe Ambedkar’.
Bheemanna’s wife, Boyi Haimavathi, author of ‘Paleru nunchi Padmashri varaku’, which chronicles her husband’s life, expressed gratitude to the government.
Mr. Poornachand spoke about Bheemanna’s belief in humanity and inter-caste marriage as instruments of social reform and thanked Ms. Haimavathi for nominating him for the honour. The event was also attended by Andhra Pradesh Nataka Academy Chairman Gummadi Gopalakrishna, Folk Arts and Creativity Academy Chairman V. Gangulayya, and other dignitaries. Mr. Durgesh felicitated Mr. Poornachand with a shawl, presented him a cheque of ₹2 lakh, and unveiled his book Bhuvanavijayam. A painting titled Akhanda Tandavam by Director of the Cultural Department R. Mallikarjuna Rao was also released on the occasion.
