SPB Statue Unveiled in Nellore; Venkaiah Naidu Calls for Preservation of Language, Culture
Paying rich tributes to SPB, M. Venkaiah Naidu described him as a towering figure in Indian music and said the Ghantasala–Balu era ushered in a golden age for Telugu film songs.
Nellore: Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday unveiled a bronze statue of legendary playback singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam at NTR Park in Nellore, marking the singer's 80th birth anniversary.
Addressing a gathering, he urged the people to preserve Telugu language, culture and values.
Children should be taught the importance of their mother tongue, culture and traditions from an early age. Education must be accompanied by values and character-building to create responsible citizens, he said.
Paying rich tributes to SPB, he described him as a towering figure in Indian music and said the Ghantasala–Balu era ushered in a golden age for Telugu film songs. He recalled SPB's deep affection for Telugu language and culture and said his voice continues to inspire generations.
Venkaiah also highlighted SPB's role in nurturing young talent through the popular television programme Paadutha Teeyaga, which introduced countless singers to the music world. He said the legendary singer's humility, cultural commitment and encouragement of young artistes would remain an inspiration for future generations.
He lauded the efforts of Minister P Narayana, MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy and MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy in facilitating the installation of the statue.
Family members of SP Balasubrahmanyam including his wife Savithri, son SP Charan, sisters SP Sailaja and SP Vasantha, founder chairman of Santha Biotechnics Dr KI Varaprasad Reddy, music director MM Keeravani and singer Mano were present among hundreds of Balu fans.