Dr. T. Hanuman Chowdary
Padma Shri Awardee, Chairman – Pragna Bharati
Dharma Guiding Us
Jai Shri Ram!
Ramo Vigrahavan Dharma (Rama is the embodiment of righteousness). Therefore, I ask you to join me in pronouncing his name and paying tribute to him. Dharma, as the guiding principle of our civilization, demands that we acknowledge and honor the legacies of those who have shaped our cultural and historical narratives. It is in this spirit that we pay tribute to the resilience of Telangana and its people, who have preserved their heritage despite centuries of adversity.
Why Lokmanthan at Telangana?
The forthcoming event in the great city of Bhagyanagar, the capital of Telangana, is poised to be a historic occasion. Telangana boasts a rich and well-preserved past, dating back to 1348, when the Kakatiya Kingdom was overthrown by invading foreign forces, aided by local collaborators. For over 600 years, Telangana endured rule under external powers, yet the spirit of its people remained unbroken. The survival and preservation of Telangana’s cultural identity for more than six centuries is a remarkable achievement that we must recognize and celebrate.
This event will serve as a platform to pay homage to the legacy of Telangana’s cultural and historical perseverance. Notably, we have gathered a distinguished list of 108 eminent personalities for this significant occasion. Among them are Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Honorable Minister for Coal and Mines, Government of India; Shri L. Narasimha Reddy, former Chief Justice of Patna High Court; Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Government of India; Shri IVR Krishna Rao, former Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh; Shri K.R. Nandan, former Director General of Police and retired IPS officer; and Shri Jupally Rameshwar Rao, Founder-Chairman of My Home Group. Many more prominent individuals will be joining shortly to contribute to the discussions and celebrations.
Navigating with History
The event will feature insightful discussions, including an inspiring speech by Shri Nandakumar, which will serve as the curtain-raiser for Lokmanthan. This moment is reminiscent of the great Mahabharata War, where Arjuna, at a crucial juncture, sought guidance from Lord Krishna (also called Nandakumar). Just as Arjuna required direction, we too must seek wisdom from our history to navigate contemporary challenges.
Bharat withstood the Vicissitudes of Time
Bharat (India) is a civilizational state, one of only two in the world, alongside China. While other ancient civilizations such as Greece, Persia, and Rome have perished, Bharat has endured. This resilience is a testament to the strength of our culture and traditions. However, even after achieving independence, new challenges have emerged. The struggle now lies not in resisting foreign rulers, but in addressing internal issues that threaten our unity and progress.
Vikasit Bharat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious vision for India’s future, aiming for a developed and self-reliant nation by 2047. Achieving this goal requires a deep understanding of our millennia-old heritage and values.
Bharat – A Cultural Entity
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, while studying in the USA, emphasized that India is not merely a political entity but a cultural nation with an ancient lineage. Unlike recent political formations such as the UK (formed in 1707) and the USA (founded in the 18th century), India’s cultural identity has existed for thousands of years.
Commoners Protected our Dharma
The essence of our culture has been safeguarded not just by intellectuals but by the “Loka” or common people-the working classes and rural communities. Through oral traditions, literature, and folk arts, they have ensured the survival of our Dharma. Even when scholars and the elites faced persecution, it was the villagers and the grassroots movement that kept our traditions alive. This resilience has allowed Indian culture to withstand numerous invasions and foreign rule.
Bhagyanagar – A Testimony to History
Bhagyanagar is a city that endured over 400 years of subjugation and servitude, yet here it stands today as a beacon of resilience. It is only fitting that these momentous events be held here, drawing inspiration from Telangana’s enduring spirit. We look forward to the cooperation and active participation of intellectuals, leaders, and all who cherish and uphold the rich heritage of Bharat.
Going Forward
Through this event, we aim not only to commemorate the past but also to pave the way for a brighter and stronger future for our nation. Let us unite in this mission to preserve and revitalize our cultural identity, ensuring that it thrives for generations to come.
“The essence of our culture has been safeguarded not just by intellectuals but by the “Loka” or common people.”
– Dr. T. Hanuman Chowdary
Chairman, Pragna Bharati (Telangana)
