NCC Girl Cadets Trek To Historic Kondaveedu Fort
NCC girl cadets from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana trekked to Kondaveedu Fort, learning about its historical legacy, architecture and the importance of biodiversity conservation.
Girl cadets of the NCC from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana participated in a historic trek to Kondaveedu Fort in Palnadu district. The programme was organised by the 10 Andhra Girls NCC Battalion.
The cadets arrived at the fort at 8.30 am and trekked along the Sajjamahal Burj route until 1 pm. After a break near the Reddy Raja Bhojanashala, they visited the Reddy kings’ heritage museum near the fort.
Kondaveedu Fort Development Committee convener Kalli Siva Reddy, who addressed the cadets, explained the fort’s historical and architectural significance and its association with the Reddy dynasty, which made Kondaveedu its capital in the 14th century. He also outlined the subsequent rule of the Gajapatis of Odisha, Vijayanagara rulers, Bahmani Sultans, Qutb Shahis, Nizams, French and British.
He highlighted the region’s literary heritage, including the contributions of Errana and Srinatha, and stressed the need to protect forests, conserve biodiversity and prevent environmental pollution.
Drawing a link between nature and human creativity, he cited Rabindranath Tagore’s childhood experiences in the Himalayan region and their influence on his life. He also answered the cadets’ questions about the fort’s hilltop location, the purpose of its bastions, the origin of the name ‘Neti Kota’ and its association with poet Vemana.
