A.P. leaders pay tributes to Kanakadasa on his birth anniversary

Political leaders across Andhra Pradesh paid tributes to revered saint-poet Bhakta Kanakadasa on the occasion of his 538th birth anniversary on Saturday (November 8), celebrating his enduring legacy as a social reformer, composer, and champion of equality.

In a post on X, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu extended his greetings to the Telugu and Kannada people, particularly members of the Kuruba community, describing Kanakadasa as a guiding light who strove to eliminate caste discrimination through his profound poetry and philosophical teachings.

“As we celebrate this day as a State festival, let us remember his timeless contributions to literature, music, and social harmony,” Mr. Naidu said.

In a message, former Chief Minister and YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also paid tributes and described Kanakadasa as a “revolutionary devotee who broke barriers of caste and creed”. In a message on social media, he said, “Kanakadasa’s life stands as proof that social transformation can be achieved through wisdom, devotion, and cultural expression.”

In a post on X, HRD Minister Nara Lokesh participated in the State-level celebrations at Kalyanadurg, where he unveiled a statue of Bhakta Kanakadasa. “It is a matter of pride to participate in this historic event,” Lokesh said, praising the saint’s efforts to spread spiritual and social values through his ‘kirtanas’ and writings.

The day was marked by cultural programmes, devotional music, and tributes across the State, reaffirming Kanakadasa’s message of devotion, equality, and universal brotherhood.