Hyderabad: Telangana Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Seethakka on Tuesday paid floral tributes to tribal icon Komaram Bheem at his statue on Tank Bund. She said the state government had decided to observe his death anniversary officially. The government also issued a special G.O. for the commemoration.
Seethakka honours Komaram Bheem, says his ideals shaped Telangana’s tribal policy
Speaking at the event, Seethakka said Komaram Bheem fought for Adivasi self-respect and rights over forests and land. “Our temples, our rule; our forests, our rights — that was his call,” she said. The minister added that Bheem’s struggle still inspires movements for equality and justice.
Moreover, Seethakka recalled that his fight led Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru to create constitutional protections for Scheduled Tribes. She explained that his ideals paved the way for the formation of the Tribal Affairs Ministry and the inclusion of Schedule 5 in the Constitution.
She further noted that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s government was working to realise Bheem’s vision. The state, she said, allocated Indiramma houses for tribal families, granted podu land rights under Sonia Gandhi’s leadership, and reserved jobs for tribal youth. In addition, the government is reviving G.O. No. 3 to expand employment opportunities in agency areas.
Minister links Telangana’s movement to Bheem’s ‘Jal, Jungle, Zameen’ spirit
Seethakka said Komaram Bheem’s slogan “Jal, Jungle, Zameen” inspired the Telangana movement’s call for “Neellu, Nidhulu, Niyamakalu” (Water, Funds, Jobs). She thanked Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and Tribal Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman for officially organising the anniversary across the state.
Finally, Seethakka said true tribute to Komaram Bheem lies not in celebration alone but in preserving his ideals. “We must remember his sacrifice and carry his spirit forward for the next generations,” she said.
