Telangana Mourns the Loss of Revolutionary Folk Singer Gaddar: A Tribute
Renowned across Telangana for his evocative revolutionary songs during the 1980s and his powerful voice that echoed through the Telangana statehood movement, legendary folk singer and balladeer Gaddar breathed his last in Hyderabad on Sunday, succumbing to the challenges of ill-health. The passing of this iconic artist, who had become a symbol of hope and resilience, leaves a void in the hearts of many. Gaddar, born as Gummadi Vittal Rao in Toopran, Medak district, in 1949, had transformed into a household name, etching his identity as 'Gaddar' into the annals of Telangana's cultural and socio-political history.
His final moments were spent at Apollo Spectra Hospital in Hyderabad, where he battled lung and urinary complications aggravated by his advanced age. The hospital, in a statement, mentioned that Gaddar had bravely endured severe heart disease, even undergoing a bypass surgery in August. A former naxalite who had once embraced an underground existence, Gaddar later emerged into the mainstream, casting his vote for the first time in the Telangana Legislative Assembly elections of 2018. His remarkable journey was marked by unwavering dedication, even carrying a bullet lodged in his spinal cord from an attack in the 1990s.
Gaddar's influence extended beyond his music; it was a voice of dissent and justice that resonated with the marginalized. Leaders from across the political spectrum, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, among others, expressed their condolences and highlighted Gaddar's indelible impact. The funeral will be held on Monday, allowing admirers to pay their respects to the revered singer, whose legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.
Who is Gaddar?
Revolutionary Folk Singer Gaddar, whose real name is Gummadi Vittal Rao, is a prominent figure in the cultural and socio-political landscape of Telangana, a state in southern India. Born in Toopran, Medak district, in 1949, Gaddar is known for his impactful folk songs that carry powerful social and political messages. He gained widespread recognition for his revolutionary songs during the 1980s and played a significant role in the Telangana statehood movement, which aimed to create a separate state of Telangana within India.
Gaddar's songs are marked by their passionate lyrics that address various issues such as social inequality, injustice, and the rights of marginalized communities. He used his music as a medium to raise awareness about the struggles faced by the common people and to advocate for their rights. Gaddar's work has resonated deeply with the masses, and his songs have become anthems of resistance and empowerment.
Before gaining fame as a folk singer, Gaddar was associated with the Naxalite movement, a left-wing political ideology that emerged in India during the late 1960s. He later transitioned into mainstream society and continued his activism through his music. Despite facing challenges and personal risks, including surviving an assassination attempt, Gaddar remained steadfast in his commitment to social justice and change.
Gaddar's impact extends beyond music; he is revered as a symbol of grassroots activism and a voice for the marginalized. His songs continue to inspire people and promote awareness about social issues. Gaddar's legacy as a revolutionary folk singer and activist has left an indelible mark on the cultural and political landscape of Telangana and India as a whole.