Hyderabad: Hundreds of students rallied on the streets of Balasamudram in Hanamkonda, demanding the installation of statues of Telangana’s distinguished artists at the recently constructed Rs.100-crore Kalakshetram, a government-supported cultural hub. Students expressed discontent over the government’s exclusion of certain revered artists from this tribute.
Representatives from student unions, including the South India Student Organisation’s president D. Naresh, and Telangana Student Federation’s president Kannam Sunil, said: “The government cannot ignore Telangana’s artists who have contributed to the state’s cultural identity.” They argued that legends like Padma Shri recipients and folk artists who gained national acclaim through traditional forms such as Oggu Katha and Burrakatha should be celebrated prominently at the Kalakshetram.
The student leaders condemned the recent decision to feature unrelated figures in the Kalakshetram’s installations, calling it an insult to the state’s cultural heritage. The rally progressed from Hanumakonda to Balasamudram Kalakshetram, drawing hundreds in support but police tried to stop its progress which led to protests.
Authorities detained several student leaders, including Tagore N, Maniteja Kumar, Kalam Nadeempasha, and Sanjay V, transferring them to the Subedari Police Station.
Students urged the installation of statues commemorating cultural icons such as Gaddar, Chukka Sattiah, Midde Ramulu, Chindu Ellamma, Sai Chandu, Belli Lalitha, Nerella Venumadhav, Warangal Shankaranna, Sarangapani, and Kanaka Raju, the Padma Shri who died recently.
