Warangal – Kamal Chandra Bhanj Deo, the 22nd descendant of the Kakatiya Dynasty, urged every Indian to take responsibility for keeping the country’s culture and traditions alive. He spoke during a Meet & Greet event held in Hanumakonda on Tuesday.
Deo emphasized that Indian culture has long inspired the world with its deep spiritual and philosophical roots. He proudly stated, “India was the first to develop a script, even before many other ancient civilizations.”
He also brought attention to the need for honoring historical legacies. Deo revealed that he had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to name the soon-to-be-revived Mamnoor Airport in honor of its heritage. Additionally, he made a strong appeal to the Central Government to work on bringing back the Koh-i-Noor diamond from England. He described the diamond as a “priceless symbol of the Kakatiya Kingdom’s pride.”
Deo encouraged everyone to protect Indian heritage and pass it on to future generations. Highlighting traditions in his hometown, he shared that the Dasara festival is celebrated for a full 72 days in Bastar.
Before attending the public gathering, he visited several sacred sites in Warangal. He offered prayers at the Bhadrakali Temple, Shambhu Lingeshwaralayam, and the historic Thousand Pillars Temple. Deo also met with Aravind Arya Pakide, a historian and secretary of the Team of Research of Culture and Heritage (TORCH).
To understand his roots, it helps to look back at history. The Kakatiya dynasty fell in 1323 after repeated attacks by the Delhi Sultanate. A year later, Annama Devudu, the brother of King Pratapa Rudra, founded the Bastar kingdom in present-day Chhattisgarh, with Dantewada as its capital. Today, Kamal Chandra Bhanj Deo lives in Jagdalpur, continuing the legacy of his ancestors.
In 2022, Deo was the chief guest at the Kakatiya Vaibhava Saptaham, a celebration honoring the rich history of the Kakatiya rulers.
