1. Marri Chenna Reddy (1919-1996)
Marri Chenna Reddy was born in Siripuram, Vikarabad Taluk. He played a crucial role in the Telangana movement and organized the Hyderabad Telugu Weekly Magazine from Vijayawada. He was a Provisional Member of Parliament (1950-52) and later served as a Minister for Civil Affairs, Agriculture, and Planning in the Hyderabad Legislative Assembly. Reddy served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh twice, from 1978-1980 and 1989-1990. One of his major contributions as CM was the formation of Ranga Reddy District on 15th August 1978. However, he resigned in 1990 following religious conflicts in Hyderabad’s Old City.
2. K.V. Ranga Reddy (1890-1970)
Born in Pedda Mangalaram, Chevella Taluk, K.V. Ranga Reddy was a prominent political figure and educationist. He served as Secretary of Reddy Hostel and established Vemanandhra Bhasha Nilayam in 1923 to promote Telugu literature. He founded the AV College and Institute of Education in 1944 to provide quality education. He held key positions as the Revenue Minister (1952-56) and later as Deputy Chief Minister in Sanjeevaiah’s cabinet. He also authored My Autobiography and supported the Indira Sevasadan Society, contributing to various social causes.
3. Makhdoom Mohiuddin (1908-1969)
Makhdoom Mohiuddin, born in Andol, Medak District, was a revolutionary Urdu poet known as “Shayar-e-Inquilab” (Poet of the Revolution). His literary contributions include famous works such as “Bisat-e-Raqs”, “Surk Savera”, and “Gul-e-Taar”. Apart from being a poet, he was actively involved in the Free India Movement and Join India Movement. He was one of the founders of the Communist Party of Andhra Pradesh. For his outstanding contributions to literature, he was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1969.
4. J.V. Narasinga Rao
J.V. Narasinga Rao was born in Lakshettipet, Adilabad District, and played a key role in the political landscape of Telangana. He served as the President of Hyderabad PCC in 1956 during the state reorganization process. He was also elected as an MLA from Lakshettipet, where he worked towards the development of the region.
5. Anantula Madan Mohan
Anantula Madan Mohan was instrumental in forming the Telangana Praja Samithi (TPS) during the 1969 Telangana movement. His leadership in the movement was significant, and he was elected as MLA from Siddipeta in 1972, 1978, and 1983. He later served as the Minister of Technical Education and played a crucial role in establishing Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) in Hyderabad.
6. Tanguturi Anjaiah
Born in Banur village, Medak, Tanguturi Anjaiah was a labour union leader who worked in Alvin Metal Company before rising to prominence in politics. He served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1980 to 1982, known for his large Airbus Cabinet. Anjaiah also promoted Telugu culture on the global stage by organizing World Telugu Conferences abroad.
7. Vandemataram Ramachandra Rao
Vandemataram Ramachandra Rao, whose real name was Vavilala Ramachandra Rao, was a key figure in India’s independence and Telangana movements. He was nicknamed “Vandemataram” by Veer Savarkar due to his patriotic contributions. He authored Hindu Sanghatan and actively participated in the Quit India Movement. His dedication to the cause led to his imprisonment in Bhagalpur Jail.