KCR displays poetic side at Pothana MoU

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday revealed his love for Telugu literature by reciting a poem composed saint-poet Bammera Pothana.

The gathering, to witness the signing of an MoU between the state government and Kakatiya Heritage trust for the development of Pothana’s memorial at Bammera village of Palakurthy mandal in Jangaon district, were left stunned by Mr Rao, as he became nostalgic and said that he used to top Telugu literature during his college days. He recalled how he had once won an essay writing competition though he had reached the exam hall late.

Earlier, district collector A. Sri Devasena and Kakatiya Heritage Trust founder Prof. M. Pandu Ranga Rao exchanged the files of the agreement in the presence of Mr Rao. `40 crore has been sanctioned for the development of tourism circuit, including a memorial for the poet.

Mr Rao said that culture, traditions, identity, and talents of the people of Telangana have always been sabotaged in undivided Andhra Pradesh.

“Even great poets like Pothana are getting recognition only after formation of separate Telangana,” he said, adding that Andhra people even tried to snatch away poet Pothana from Telangana saying that he belonged to Ontimitta village in Kadapa district.

“Pothana epitomised Telangana culture. He never compromised to do slavery for royals. Even though he was a great scholar, he lived a simple life, cultivating his land that happens to be the very land this meeting is taking place on,” Mr Rao said.

He said that he visited the graveyard of the poet 16 years ago and felt blessed. “I spoke to the village people and promised development of Pothana memorial once Telangana was formed. Here I am keeping my word,” he said.

Mr Rao said that the special package of `40 crore would be used for surrounding villages of Bammera, Palakurthy, Valmidi, Quilashapur, Zaffargadh and Pembarti.

He also said a bypass road would be laid connecting all these historic places.