Dr B R Ambedkar Open University organised Organised Prof K Jayashankar Memorial Lecture
Hyderabad : Prof. Jayashankar was a great philosopher whose life was marked by simplicity, said Mallepalli Lakshmaiah, Special Officer, Buddhavanam Project, and Founder Chairman of the Centre for Dalit Studies. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University organised a memorial lecture to commemorate the 92nd birth anniversary of Prof. Kothapalli Jayashankar, the ideologue of the Telangana movement, eminent educationist, and leading intellectual of Telangana. The programme was presided over by Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani, Vice-Chancellor of the University.
Mallepalli Lakshmaiah delivered the memorial lecture on the theme “Professor Jayashankar’s Ideologies – Social Movements.” Speaking on the occasion, he described Prof. Jayashankar as the visionary philosopher who successfully carried the aspirations of the Telangana movement to the people. He observed that Prof. Jayashankar always maintained that leading a movement and building a movement are two different processes, and that the Telangana movement required a strong ideological foundation and a well-defined strategy.
He explained that Prof. Jayashankar believed every movement should first create widespread public awareness about the issues and circumstances that gave rise to the movement. Only then should the movement be systematically organised. He further noted that Prof. Jayashankar firmly believed that success could be achieved only through a democratic political process, and that it was by following this path that the goal of a separate Telangana State was ultimately realised.
Therefore, the people of Telangana rightly honour Prof. Jayashankar as the chief ideologue of the Telangana movement. Lakshmaiah further stated that Prof. Jayashankar’s ideals continue to inspire the youth in addressing contemporary challenges relating to education, social justice, inclusive development, and regional aspirations. He dedicated his life to building a society founded on equality, dignity, and democratic values. He concluded by stating that any social movement can succeed only when it is guided by clear planning and a well-defined strategy, as advocated by Prof. Jayashankar, and urged society to follow his vision and principles.
Presiding over the programme, Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said that Prof. Jayashankar dedicated his entire life to the cause of achieving a separate Telangana State, a commitment he upheld from his student days until his last breath. He noted that Prof. Jayashankar played a significant role in every phase of the Telangana movement and that his rich experience and unwavering commitment were instrumental in guiding the movement to its successful final phase.
He further stated that although Prof. Jayashankar served as a Professor, Registrar, and Vice-Chancellor during his distinguished career, he never hesitated to raise his voice on issues affecting the people. His contribution to people’s movements, he observed, was both remarkable and invaluable. Prof. Chakrapani expressed concern that, in the present context, university teachers are not paying adequate attention to public issues. He also remarked that even in the Gen Z movement, the participation of university teachers has been minimal.
The University’s Registrar, Dr. L. Vijaya Krishna Reddy, also addressed the gathering. He explained the significance of organising the memorial lecture and introduced the Chief Guest. Among those present were Prof. Rabindranath Solomon, Prof. Anand Pawar, Prof. Pallavi Kabde, Dr. Y. Venkateswarlu, Prof. N. Rajani, Deans, teaching and non-teaching staff from various departments, and leaders of the employees’ associations, including Kantham Prem Kumar, Dr. Yakesh Daida, Miya Jani, Smt. Manjula, K. Pandu, and others.
