Vadde Obanna Jayanti to be Observed as State Festival on January 11
Members of the Vaddera community welcomed the announcement and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the BC Welfare minister
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government will observe the birth anniversary of Vadde Obanna, a pioneering freedom fighter who resisted British colonial rule in South India even before the First War of Independence, as a state festival on January 11, announced BC Welfare minister S. Savita on Sunday.
Addressing representatives of the Vaddera community at her camp office in Amaravati, the minister said Jayanti celebrations would be organised at all district headquarters, with a state-level programme to be held in Anantapur. The meeting was attended by Vaddera Corporation chairman Malle Eeswara Rao, who led a delegation to discuss the arrangements.
Savita said the coalition government is committed to preserving the self-respect and historical legacy of Backward Classes by officially celebrating the Jayantis of eminent social reformers and icons, including Viswakarma, Valmiki, Kanakadasa, Bhagiratha, Vadde Obanna and Gouthu Lachanna. She said a permanent Government Order has already been issued to ensure that Vadde Obanna Jayanti is observed annually as a State festival.
Recalling the decision, the minister said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had resolved to accord State festival status to the Jayanti to inspire future generations with the courage and resistance shown by Vadde Obanna against British excesses in the Renati region.
Members of the Vaddera community welcomed the announcement and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the BC Welfare minister for recognising Vadde Obanna’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle. Community leaders and Vaddera Corporation directors were present.
