Govt. committed to promoting cultural renaissance: Minister

Andhra Pradesh's Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgessh reiterated on Saturday the state government's dedication to fostering a cultural renaissance. The Minister made this declaration during the birth anniversary celebrations of the esteemed poet and Padma Bhushan awardee, Boyi Bhimanna, held at the Pingali Venkayya Conference Hall in Vijayawada.

Following the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, Durgessh and District Collector G. Lakshmisha paid floral tributes to Boyi Bhimanna. The Minister also visited a photo exhibition showcasing the life and works of the distinguished poet.

Notable writer and litterateur Bhusurapalli Venkateswarlu of Guntur district was honored with the Boyi Bhimanna Award-2026, along with a citation, shawl, and a cash prize of ₹2 lakh. Durgessh commended Bhimanna's enduring legacy, stating that his writings had immortalized him and inspired social consciousness and awareness through his progressive literary works.

The Minister announced plans to relocate Boyi Bhimanna Kala Peetham, currently situated in Telangana, to Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University in Rajamahendravaram. Additionally, the government would issue identity cards to all eligible artists via the Department of Culture. Boyi Bhimanna's wife, Boyi Haimavathi, expressed gratitude to the state government for organizing the celebrations, recalling her husband's significant contributions to Telugu literature.