Kandukuri inspiration to all, says Mayor

Rajamahendravaram: Mayor Pantham Rajani Sesha Sai has said that well known social reformer Kandukuri Veeresalingam Panthulu was an inspiration to all.

Participating in his 100th Vardhanti celebrations at Sri Venkateswara Anam Kala Kendram here on Sunday, she said that he fought against superstitions in society.

Veeresalingam Panthulu encouraged widow marriages and opposed child marriages. He donated all his properties to society mainly for the development of education.

Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation (RMC) was putting in its efforts to develop his house and tombs in the city, she added.

RMC Commissioner Sumit Kumar Gandhi said education was the only remedy for all problems. Kandukuri Veeresalingam Panthulu strived for the development education, mainly for women in those days.

He was a glaring example for honesty and values. He fought against social evils in society. Instead of protests from many quarters, he encouraged widow marriages and he conducted first widow marriage in the year 1881, the civic chief reminded.

Sub-Collector CM Saikanth Varma said the government was conducting the vardhanti of Kandukuri Veeresalingam Panthulu as a state function. Panthulu garu strived for women welfare and women education in those days.

The parents should tell their children about Veeresalingam Panthulu and other great personalities, Varma added.

Later, municipal corporation school students who obtained 10/10 marks in tenth class public examinations were felicitated.

Earlier, they paid tributes to Kandukuri Veeresalingam Panthulu at his tombs in Ananda Gardens.

Corporators M Sharimla Reddy, P Renuka, manager Srinivas and others were present.