Hyderabad, Telangana: Emphasizing that “education is the only path for Bahujans to rise and stand strong in society”, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday announced major initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized communities. Speaking at an event held at Ravindra Bharathi to mark the 375th birth anniversary of Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud Maharaj, the Chief Minister underlined the government’s commitment to social justice, higher education, and dignity for backward classes.
Papanna Goud: A Bahujan Warrior Who Defied Empires
Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud (1650–1710), popularly remembered as Papanna, was a 17th–18th century folk hero of Telangana. Born in Khilashapur village of Warangal district to the Goud community, Papanna rose from modest beginnings as a toddy-tapper to become a powerful warrior who challenged Mughal authority and feudal oppression.
- Papanna rejected caste-based restrictions and built a stronghold at Tatikonda Fort, later capturing and fortifying Khilashapur, Warangal, and Bhuvanagiri.
- He organized peasant communities, leading daring raids on wealthy landlords and traders who exploited the poor.
- Celebrated in folk songs as a Robin Hood–like figure, Papanna is remembered for defending the dignity of Bahujans and uniting oppressed groups across Telangana.
Historians such as Richard Eaton describe him as a classic “social bandit”, while Telangana’s people hail him as the first Bahujan king. Despite repeated sieges by Mughal forces, Papanna ruled parts of Telangana for years before his capture and execution in 1710.
CM Revanth Reddy’s Announcements
At the anniversary event, the Chief Minister, joined by Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, ministers, advisors, MPs, MLCs, MLAs, and Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, unveiled several initiatives honoring Papanna Goud’s legacy:
- Young India Integrated Residential Schools will be established across Telangana to promote higher education for SC, ST, BC, and Minority students.
- A statue of Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud will be installed at Tank Bund, facing the state’s Secretariat, symbolizing inspiration for generations.
- Khilashapur Fort, built by Papanna, will be restored and developed as a historic and tourist landmark.
- The government reaffirmed its commitment to caste-based enumeration, carried out through 95,000 enumerators, and to secure 42% reservations for backward classes in education, employment, and local bodies.
Political Demand for Justice
The CM criticized the delay in approval from the Centre, stating that two bills and an ordinance passed in the Assembly had been forwarded by the Governor to the President of India, but remain pending for five months. The ordinance seeks to remove the 50% reservation cap in the Panchayat Raj Act, enabling enhanced representation for BCs.
“Twisting this data with baseless arguments will deny justice to Bahujans for the next hundred years,” Revanth warned, urging the Centre to expedite approvals.
“Education is the Only Path”
Concluding his address, CM Revanth Reddy reiterated Papanna Goud’s enduring message of resistance and empowerment.
“If the backward and weaker sections aspire for political power, education is the only path. That is how our state will progress and the economy will strengthen,” he said.
Legacy That Lives On
Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud remains a symbol of Bahujan pride, his life celebrated through annual commemorations, political tributes, and cultural works—including a Telugu feature film, “Sardar Papanna”. His defiance of caste, empire, and injustice continues to inspire new generations striving for equality.
With the Telangana government elevating his legacy into state policy and public memory, Papanna’s fight for dignity and justice finds renewed resonance in the 21st century.