Komaram Bheem
A tribal leader of the Gond tribe from Adilabad was a revolutionary inspired by real life heroes. He did not go through any formal education but still became a leader and a hero. He is worshipped by the community for fighting against atrocities during the Nizam’s rule. His battle of victory is the story that is still narrated to children when Bheem, and his followers fought a team of policemen armed with guns using bows and arrows.
Vattikota Alwar Swamy
This Telugu writer and poet is considered role model by a number of poets, writers and activists of current generation in Telangana. His works have been translated from Telugu into many other languages. He was born in Nalgonda district. His writings have been influential in the Telangana agitation. He is admired for his undying spirit to fight despite odds and also forhis love for reading and writing.
Bommera Potanna
He was a popular poet and also the first one who translated Bhagavatha Puranam from Sanskrit to Telugu. He was considered a natural at the art of poetry. He was born in Warangal in an agricultural family.
Shyam Benegal
This National Award winning filmmaker who is considered as a role model by millions in the country was born in Alwal, Hyderabad. He started his career as a copy writer at an ad agency and went on to make award-winning films. He is known to create visually-impactful movies that often talk about touch burning issues.
Gaddar
Born Gummadi Vittal Rao, Gaddar is called the revolutionary poet of Telangana who fought along with many others for a separate statehood. He was born in Medak. He formed a group and went from place to place educating people about Telangana. He is popular for writing revolutionary songs and the commanding voice in which he presents them. His song podustunna poddumeeda is considered the anthem of Telangana State.
Kaloju Narayana Rao
He is another popular poet who wrote in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi and Telugu. He was born in Warangal. His works were mainly popular as he was considered to be a people’s poet and started writing at an early age. He also had a brief political career and was one of the few in those times who donated his body for medical research. Rani
Rudrama Devi
The empress of the Kakatiya dynasty, Rani Rudrama Devi started ruling the kingdom along with her father in Warangal. She eventually became the queen of the region and she was only 14 then. She ruled for 40 years like a king, in times when women had no rights over anything. She is regarded as one of the most influential women in history after Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi. The lady was also formally recognised as the son of King Ganapathideva as he had no male children. Her rule is regarded as the golden era in the history of Telangana. She was an able ruler who was not just involved in administrative matters, but also fought wars on the field.
Source: The New Indian Express