Telangana Kala Parishath. Founded by the Social Activist RajaRao Pagidipalli, in the year 2016, a beacon of cultural enlightenment emerged on the horizon –this non-governmental organization (NGO) embarked on a remarkable journey with a singular aim: to champion and propagate the rich tapestry of Indian culture, with a special focus on the Telangana culture and tradition. What began as a humble cultural organization swiftly transformed into a dynamic social service force, reflecting the unwavering commitment of Telangana Kala Parishath to their cause.
The mantra of Telangana Kala Parishath was to illuminate the path of global harmony through the celebration and preservation of cultural heritage. Numerous cultural events and campaigns bore testament to this noble objective. A resplendent example was set in March 2017 when the NGO celebrated a monumental event, the Telangana Ugadhi Celebrations. This gala featured a multitude of cultural luminaries, spanning diverse artistic domains, who graced the Chamber of Commerce Building in Khammam with their mesmerizing performances. The event’s significance was underscored by the felicitation of around 150 artists from various corners of Telangana by the esteemed local MLA, Shri Puvvada Ajay Kumar. A record-breaking achievement, this event earned a place in the annals of the Cultural Book of Records India. The commitment to promoting peace through cultural expressions remained unwavering. In September 2017, the Telangana Dasara Samburalu campaign unfolded, spanning a week of vibrant cultural manifestations. This noble initiative was inaugurated by notable figures like Ex Minister Shri Thummala Nageshwara Rao, then MP Shri Ponguleti Shrinivasa Reddy, and MLA Shri Puvvada Ajay Kumar. The campaign culminated in a captivating valedictory ceremony at Bhakta Ramdas Kalakshetram, attended by cultural emissaries from diverse states. Notably, this campaign earned the accolades of dignitaries like the Vice-President of India, Shri Venkaia Nayudu, and even resonated on the international stage, receiving commendations from Then Prime Minister of UK, Theresa May’s Office, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations.
The trajectory of Telangana Kala Parishath was marked by dynamic evolution. In January 2018, the organization celebrated the Sankranthi Sandhadi, a three-day extravaganza encompassing the display of a grand national flag, a film festival, rangoli competitions, and a dazzling array of cultural performances. The poets’ gatherings, meticulously organized by the NGO, served as platforms for raising voices against pressing social issues. This momentum continued, with the Telangana Ugadhi Vedukalu in March 2019 at Hyderabad’s Ravindhra Bharathi, showcasing the organization’s enduring dedication. Yet, Telangana Kala Parishath was not confined to cultural realms alone. The organization demonstrated its commitment to societal well-being through its noble initiatives. In the wake of the Kerala floods, the Telangana Kala Jathara unfolded, providing moral support to the afflicted region. This endeavor resonated profoundly, even receiving the recognition and commendation of Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Viajayn. The remarkable services of Telangana Kala Parishath merited an invitation to the esteemed Rashtrapati Bhavan by then President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovind, on 22 December 2019 in his visit to Telangana.
The core focus expanded beyond culture and into vital societal domains. Telangana Kala Parishath adopted the Save Farmers Campaign and the Vision India Campaign, vigorously addressing unemployment and agricultural challenges. The resolute efforts of RajaRao Pagidpalli attracted the attention of state governors and central ministers, leading to discussions on these critical matters. RajaRao Pagidipalli was invited by Shri Venkaiah Naidu, then Vice-President of India. on 26 September 2018 at Vice-President’s Secretariat in New Delhi. Dr. MS. Swaminathan, who is known as Father of Indian Green Revolution & Founder Chairman, MSSR Foundation; invited him to Chennai on 6th September 2019. Dr. MS. Swaminathan appreciated RajaRao Pagidipalli for the Save Farmers Campaign. During these campaigns he met visionaries like, Sri Acharya Dev Vrat, Governor of Gujarat, on 19 August 2019 at Raj Bhavan, Gandhinagar – Gujarat. Smt Mridula Sinha, then Governor of Goa, on 29 July 2019 at Raj Bhavan, Panaji. Shri Suresh Prabhu, then Central Minister of India, on 23 May 2018 at Udyog Bhavan in New Delhi. Shri Jagdip Dhankar, then Governor of West Bengal (Now Vice-President of India), 30th August 2019 at Raj Bhavan – Kolkata. Sri Lalji Tandon, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, on 9 August 2019 at Raj Bhavan, Bhopal – Madhya Pradesh.
Notably, the pandemic-stricken times of Covid-19 did not deter Telangana Kala Parishath from their mission. They rallied to alleviate the struggles faced by people, channelling nearly 50 public grievances to the Prime Minister and Home Minister of India through the government’s grievance cell. The organization’s resolve shone as they championed over 100 petitions and right to information (RTI) letters on diverse issues. Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, RajaRao Pagidipalli initiated a global peace campaign, focusing on the needs and rights of vulnerable populations in the midst of this crisis. His efforts garnered recognition from nearly 50 world leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, who appreciated and commended the campaign’s noble objectives. Furthermore, Telangana Kala Parishath showed its commitment to social justice by filing a petition in July 2023 with the National Human Rights Council, denouncing the deplorable incident of women being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur. This action sparked an immediate response, illustrating the organization’s indomitable spirit in fighting for justice.
Telangana Kala Parishath stands as a beacon of cultural magnificence and social conscientiousness. From its inception in 2016, it has unfurled an inspiring saga of nurturing culture, fostering unity, and transforming lives. RajaRao Pagidipalli’s vision has borne fruit in the form of a dynamic NGO that continues to inspire, uplift, and create positive change for the betterment of society at large. Telangana Kala Parishath is actively urging the Telangana government to establish a Khammam Film City and Cultural University. This visionary initiative aims to provide invaluable support to thousands of Telangana artists and foster the growth of upcoming generations in Telangana’s rich artistic traditions. Such an endeavour holds immense potential to enhance the cultural landscape and empower the artistic community of the region.