The Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) organized a special commemoration event today to mark the 92nd Birth Anniversary of Acharya Kothapalli Jayashankar. The event took place at 11:00 AM at the B.P.R. Vithal Auditorium within the CESS campus in Hyderabad.
Chief Guest: Dr. G. Chinna Reddy, Vice Chairman, Telangana State Planning Board.
Guest of Honour: Dr. G.R. Reddy, Founder Member, Board of Governors, CESS
Chair: Prof. E. Revathi, Director, CESS.
Prof. Revathi, Director, CESS, paid rich tributes to Prof. Jayashankar and highlighted his lifelong commitment to combating injustice, particularly the historical injustices faced by the people of Telangana. Describing him as an eminent economist, distinguished academic, and visionary leader, she noted that Prof. Jayashankar served as the Vice-Chancellor of Kakatiya University and held several key academic positions during his illustrious career. Widely regarded as the chief ideologue of the Telangana movement, he provided an intellectual and empirical foundation for the demand for separate statehood. Through his extensive research and scholarly writings, he systematically documented regional disparities in resource allocation, employment opportunities, and river water distribution, shaping public discourse and informing generations of scholars, policymakers, and citizens. She observed that his unwavering commitment to equity, social justice, and public welfare continues to inspire research, policymaking, and development planning in Telangana.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. G. Chinna Reddy reflected on the historical evolution of the Telangana movement and underscored Prof. Jayashankar’s pivotal role in uniting diverse sections of society behind the cause of statehood. He outlined the historical neglect of the Telangana region and recalled how Prof. Jayashankar effectively articulated the region’s aspirations before the then Union Government through evidence-based presentations and persuasive advocacy. Dr. Reddy also acknowledged the contributions of the Indian National Congress and several other individuals and organisations to the movement for separate statehood. Recommending Prof. Jayashankar’s seminal work, Telangana Rashtram – Oka Demand, he urged the younger generation to engage with the book to better understand the historical and intellectual foundations of the Telangana movement. He concluded by stating that the most meaningful tribute to Prof. Jayashankar’s legacy would be the collective endeavour to build a corruption-free Telangana.
Dr. G. R. Reddy highlighted Prof. Jayashankar’s exemplary life of selfless service and unwavering commitment to society. He emphasised Prof. Jayashankar’s pioneering role in documenting and analysing the socio-economic disparities between the Telugu-speaking regions, thereby strengthening the intellectual case for Telangana’s statehood. Observing that society continues to need leaders of Prof. Jayashankar’s integrity, scholarship, and commitment to public service, Dr. Reddy remarked that Telangana’s progress ultimately depends on every citizen discharging their responsibilities with sincerity and dedication. He expressed confidence that such collective commitment would pave the way for the State’s inclusive and sustainable development.