Andesri Explains the Absence of a Crown on Telangana Thalli Statue

Noted Telugu lyricist and people's poet Andesri shared his views on the absence of a crown on the Telangana Thalli statue, unveiled as part of a Congress government initiative. Critics had pointed out the lack of a crown in the design, which also features Bathukamma. Responding to the controversy in a news channel interview, Andesri explained the rationale after visiting Basara Saraswati Temple.

Andesri questioned the tradition of crowning mothers, emphasizing that crowns are typically placed on divine figures worshipped in temples, not human mothers. He said, “Show me one mother on earth who wears a crown. If a crown is placed, she becomes a goddess in temples, not the mother who nurtures us with a human form.”

He reiterated that Bathukamma symbolizes Telangana Thalli and posed a question, “Would Telangana Thalli herself carry Bathukamma?” Andesri explained that it is people who carry Bathukamma, symbolizing unity and tradition.

He further stated, “Telangana Thalli represents our mothers, a reflection of the human form. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy designed it this way, symbolizing this philosophy.”

Explaining the design choices, Andesri remarked that as Telangana Thalli embodies Bathukamma, she does not carry it herself. Her human representation also negates the need for a crown. He concluded by stating, “The essence of Telangana Thalli lies in her completeness as the mother of the land, symbolizing greenery and prosperity.”

The statue’s gesture, with an open hand blessing the people, signifies her divine nature while remaining relatable as a maternal figure. Andesri highlighted that this balance respects both the divine and human aspects of Telangana Thalli.