Folk singer and activist Gaddar passed away at the age of 74

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Noted folk singer and activist Gaddar passed away at the age of 74 after battling a serious heart ailment. He was undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad for the last 10 days after cardiac arrest.

An Overview of the News 

People's Singer and Activist:

• Gaddar, also known as Gummadi Vitthal Rao, gained popularity by his stage name.

• His songs highlighting various issues faced by the common people earned him the sobriquet "The People's Singer".

• He also showcased his acting skills in films like "Maa Bhoomi" and "Rangula Kala".

Early Life and Background:

• Gaddar was born in 1949 in a Dalit family in Medak district of Telangana. His life experiences influenced his commitment to address social issues through his art.

Association with the People's War Group:

• In the 1980s, Gaddar himself went underground and joined the People's War Group, an underground Communist Party of India.

Establishment of Jan Natya Mandali:

• Gaddar founded Jan Natya Mandali, a theatre company in Delhi, which later became the cultural wing of the Naxalite organisation.

• This demonstrated his dedication to using art for social and political purposes.

List of Awards:

• Gaddar received recognition for his artistic contributions, including the 1995 Nandi Award for Best Lyricist for the song "MallethigaKu Pandiri Vole" and the 2011 Nandi Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song "Jai Bolo Telangana".

About Telangana

• Formed (by split) - 2 June 2014

• Capital - Hyderabad

• District - 33

• Governor - Tamilisai Soundararajan

• Chief Minister - K Chandrasekhar Rao (BRS)

• Council - (40 seats)

• Legislative Assembly - (119 seats)

• Rajya Sabha - 7 seats

• Lok Sabha - 17 seats