Hyderabad: Statue Honoring Telangana’s Spirit Unveiled
The newly unveiled statue of Telangana Thalli is more than just a monument; it stands as a tribute to the sacrifices made by the people of Telangana. Youth, employees, artists, poets, and the state’s four crore citizens contributed their emotions and aspirations to the creation of a separate Telangana, said Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. He highlighted that the statue represents the cultural identity and nurturing spirit of the state.
Explaining the concept behind the statue during its unveiling at the State Secretariat on Monday, the Chief Minister said, “Telangana Thalli symbolizes our collective self-respect. It is a guiding light for our lives and a constant reminder of our responsibilities toward the future.” He also addressed discussions about adorning the statue with gold and diamond jewelry, stating that intellectuals preferred the image of a mother rather than a goddess.
The design of the statue reflects the struggles of leaders like Sammakka Saralamma and Chakali Ailamma, the CM noted. “With her right hand, Telangana Thalli protects the state, and with her left hand, she holds traditional crops like rice, jowar, millets, and maize, symbolizing the rich culture and heritage of Telangana,” he added.
The Chief Minister also criticized those threatening to remove the statue if they come to power. He pointed out that statues installed by political parties over the last decade often resembled deities and were based on individual or party preferences. “The previous government did not officially adopt Telangana Thalli’s statue. However, this government discussed its importance in the Assembly, finalized the concept, and issued a Government Order (GO) to ensure its legitimacy,” he said. He warned that any attempt to alter the statue in the future would face legal consequences.
Revanth Reddy further revealed that the government consulted various stakeholders, including poets, artists, and political leaders, before finalizing the statue’s design. Addressing the gathering after the unveiling, he announced that December 9 would henceforth be celebrated as a state festival. This date marks the pivotal decision by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to create a separate Telangana state.
