Gaddar, originally named Gummadi Vittal Rao, was born in 1949 in Toopran, Medak district. He became a renowned folk singer and poet, earning the moniker ‘Gaddar.‘
He gained fame for his powerful revolutionary songs during the 1980s and the Telangana statehood movement. Unfortunately, Gaddar passed away at the age of 77 due to health issues.
Gaddar’s demise occurred at the Apollo Spectra Hospital, where he was being treated for lung and urinary problems.
He had a history of heart disease and had recently undergone bypass surgery. Despite recovering from the surgery, his age and existing health problems contributed to his passing.
Condolences, Final Respects, and Funeral
Gaddar’s body was placed at LB Stadium for the public to pay their respects. The funeral is scheduled for the upcoming Monday.
Numerous leaders expressed their grief over Gaddar’s passing. Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other political figures from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh conveyed their condolences.
Rahul Gandhi recognized Gaddar’s dedication to the people of Telangana and his tireless efforts for marginalized communities:
Saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Gummadi Vittal Rao, Telangana’s iconic poet, balladeer and fiery activist.
His love for the people of Telangana drove him to fight tirelessly for the marginalised. May his legacy continue to inspire us all. pic.twitter.com/IlHcV6pObs
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 6, 2023
Gaddar had a strong influence on the Telangana statehood movement, even attending a Congress public meeting in 2018.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy praised Gaddar’s revolutionary spirit and commitment to social justice.
Impact on the Telugu States
TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu acknowledged Gaddar’s role in public movements and human rights campaigns:
“ప్రజా గాయకుడు” గద్దర్ మృతి పట్ల నా సంతాపం తెలియచేస్తున్నాను. తనపాటలతో ప్రజా చైతన్యానికి ఎనలేని కృషి చేసిన “ప్రజా యుద్ధనౌక” గద్దర్.
తన గళంతో ప్రజలను కదిలించిన గద్దర్ మృతితో ప్రజా ఉద్యమాల్లో… పౌరహక్కుల పోరాటాల్లో…ఒక శకం ముగిసినట్లు అయ్యింది. గద్దర్ కుటుంబసభ్యులకు నా సానుభూతి… pic.twitter.com/pe1PIMdYLQ
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) August 6, 2023
Gaddar’s songs played a pivotal role in the Telangana statehood agitation, making him a significant figure in both Telugu states.
Gaddar’s unwavering dedication to social causes and the fight for Telangana’s statehood was admired by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. His past as a former Naxalite, his underground life, and his contribution to the Telangana Legislative Assembly polls in 2018 added to his legacy.
Remarkably, Gaddar carried a bullet lodged in his spinal cord from an earlier attack in the 1990s. This injury did not deter him from his activism and passionate expression through poetry and songs.
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Conclusion: An Enduring Inspiration
Gaddar’s enduring legacy lies in his impactful poetry, impassioned songs, and social activism that championed the cause of social justice.
His contributions will forever serve as a source of inspiration for Telangana and its people, as recognized by the AICC president and various other leaders.
