Kandukuri Veeresalingam, born in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, is remembered for his significant contributions as a social reformer and nationalist.
About Kandukuri Veeresalingam:
- He was born in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh.
- Veeresalingam lost his father at a young age and was raised by his uncle.
- From his school days, he opposed meaningless customs and religious beliefs.
Contributions to Social Reform
- Veeresalingam is recognized as the Father of the Telugu Renaissance movement. He worked tirelessly for the upliftment of marginalized communities, including Harijans, and for the rights of women.
- He was a staunch advocate for the remarriage of widows, the education of girls, and the abolition of child marriage. He believed in and fought for the removal of various social taboos.
- He established the first girls’ school in Dowlaishwaram and initiated the Viveka Vardhini journal to promote his ideals.
- He constructed the ‘Brahmo Mandir’ and ‘Hitakarini School’ in Andhra Pradesh to further his educational and reformative goals.
Literary and Educational Contributions
- His novel Rajasekhara Charitramu is considered the first novel in Telugu literature.
- Veeresalingam penned playlets and essays in simple Telugu, which addressed and challenged social evils.
- He founded various Telugu journals, using these platforms to advance his social reform causes.
Values and Philosophy
- His values included compassion, justice, courage, and humanism, which he applied in all his reformative efforts.
Legacy
- Veeresalingam is to Andhra what Ram Mohan Roy is to India in a broader context, heralding a social revolution with firm determination.
- He campaigned against the caste system, encouraged inter-caste marriages, and fought against untouchability.
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