In a stirring address while presenting the Union Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman invoked the timeless wisdom of literary greats Gurajada Appa Rao and the ancient Tamil text Thirukkural to underscore the government’s vision for Viksit Bharat. Opening her speech with a profound quote from the revered Telugu poet and playwright Gurajada Appa Rao, Sitharaman declared:

“The great Telugu poet and playwright Gurajada Appa Rao had said, ‘Desamante Matti Kaadoi, Desamante Manushuloi’; meaning, ‘A country is not just its soil, a country is its people.'”

Q quote Drawing parallels to this sentiment, she elaborated on the government’s commitment to building a Viksit Bharat that prioritizes its people.Sitharaman outlined key pillars of this vision, emphasizing:

Who was Gurajada Appa Rao?
Gurajada Appa Rao (1862–1915) was a prominent Indian playwright, poet, and social reformer, best known for his contributions to Telugu literature. Born in Rayavaram village in the Vizianagaram district of present-day Andhra Pradesh, Appa Rao grew up in a period marked by social transformation influenced by British colonial rule and the Indian Renaissance. His literary works and reformist ideas left a lasting impact on Telugu culture, making him a revered figure in the annals of Indian literature.
Appa Rao’s early education took place in Vizianagaram, where he was exposed to English literature and Western philosophies. He later pursued higher studies at M.R. College, affiliated with the University of Madras. His proficiency in both English and Telugu allowed him to explore diverse literary traditions, which influenced his writing style and thematic choices. After completing his education, he worked as a lecturer and later as a government official, but his passion for literature and social reform remained his primary focus.
Gurajada Appa Rao’s most celebrated work is the play “Kanyasulkam” (1892), widely regarded as one of the greatest works in Telugu drama. The title translates to “Bride Price,” and the play is a sharp critique of the social practices prevalent in 19th-century Andhra society, particularly the custom of kanyasulkam, where older men paid money to marry young girls. The play boldly challenged issues like child marriage, dowry, and the exploitation of women, using satire and wit to expose societal hypocrisies. What made “Kanyasulkam” revolutionary was not just its content but also its language. Appa Rao broke from the traditional, heavily Sanskritized Telugu used in literature and employed colloquial Telugu, making the play relatable to the common people.
Apart from his contributions to drama, Appa Rao was a distinguished poet. His poem “Desamunu Preminchumanna” (translated as “Love the Country”) is a patriotic call that reflects his nationalistic fervor. Written in the context of the Indian freedom movement, the poem urges people to love and serve their country, emphasizing the importance of education, unity, and progress. His poetry often blended romanticism with realism, addressing both personal emotions and societal concerns.
Gurajada Appa Rao was also an advocate for social reform. Influenced by contemporary reform movements, he believed that literature should serve as a tool for social change. He was associated with the Brahmo Samaj, which promoted progressive ideas like the abolition of caste discrimination, women’s rights, and educational reform. His writings and speeches often criticized social evils and encouraged rational thinking, self-respect, and the rejection of blind traditions.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Appa Rao contributed to language reform. He advocated for the simplification of Telugu script and promoted the use of spoken Telugu in literature, bridging the gap between the literary elite and the common people. His efforts laid the foundation for modern Telugu literature, inspiring future generations of writers and thinkers.
Gurajada Appa Rao passed away in 1915, but his legacy endures. His works continue to be celebrated for their literary excellence and progressive spirit. Statues, memorials, and educational institutions across Andhra Pradesh honor his contributions, and “Kanyasulkam” remains a staple in Telugu theater. Through his powerful words and reformist zeal, Appa Rao not only shaped Telugu literature but also championed the cause of social justice, making him a timeless icon in India’s cultural history.