Dappu Symbolises Cultural Heritage; Welfare Measures on Anvil: BJP Chief

VIJAYAWADA: Declaring that the traditional dappu drum is a torchbearer of Indian culture, BJP state president P. V. N. Madhav on Friday announced a series of welfare measures for artistes, including pensions, employment opportunities and statewide recognition programmes.

Speaking at a round-table conference of dappu artistes organised by the BJP SC Morcha, he said a large state-level event featuring performers from across Andhra Pradesh would be held soon. He added that steps would be taken to extend pensions to all eligible artistes and enhance the amounts, besides reviving traditional ‘dandora’ announcer posts in the panchayat system.

Madhav said dappu artistes would be provided opportunities in temples as well as in Centre- and state-sponsored awareness campaigns. Instruments would also be supplied under welfare schemes such as Adarana. Artistes highlighted issues including the lack of raw leather for instrument-making and the need for dignity for their hereditary profession.

Describing the continued social discrimination against dappu performers as “unfortunate”, he underscored their cultural significance, linking the origins of sound to Lord Shiva’s damarukam.

Later, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for Amaravati’s legal status.