Mass Recitation of Vemana Verses Sets Asia Record

More than 20,000 people recited the verses simultaneously at one place – Yogi Vemana Samadhi – at Katarupalli in Talupula Mandalula of Satya Sai district to mark the birth anniversary of the saint-poet-philosopher.

Vemana Jayanthi celebrations were held grandly at Katarupalli. Kadiri MLA Kandikunata Prasad organized the event, which won the Asian Book of Records honour.

Kandikunta Prasad told Deccan Chronicle, “This honor is a tribute and honor to us as the great saint creates awareness through his verses and fights against social evils. We also plan to set a Guinness World Record for the saint by engaging more than one crore students across the state to recite these verses in the presence of education minister Nara Lokesh.”

He expressed his gratitude to the district administration for its commitment in helping the saint’s verses receive the honor of the Asian Book of Records.

MLA Prasad and Satya Sai collector Shyam Prasad received the certificate from representatives of the Asian Book of Records.

The legislator said one plan is to develop Asian Book of Records-listed Katarupalle into one of the largest tourism circuits in the country through integrated development, along with Guinness record holder Thimmamma Marrimanu, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Palapatidinne Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Prasanthi Nilayam and Lepakshi.

He said that proposals for this scheme worth Rs 6.30 million have been sent to the state government.

Addressing the gathering in Katarupalli, BC welfare minister S. Savitha praised the universal folk poet Yogi Vemana, who through his verses propagated values ​​like truth, equality and humanity and worked for achieving social harmony beyond caste and religious differences.

State level Yogi Vemana Jayanthi celebrations-2026 on the occasion of the day were held in a grand manner.

As part of these, a rally was held from Gollapalle to Yogi Vemana Memorial in Katarupalli, where traditional Chekka Bhajana groups, dappu artists and hundreds of students created a lively cultural spectacle by carrying banners of Yogi Vemana’s poems.

Savitha said Yogi Vemana boldly questioned social evils, religious exploitation, social vices and inequality. “The celebrations marking Vemana Jayanthi as a state festival in Katarupalli, where Vemana attains samadhi, has turned out to be a proud moment, he said, urging the youth to follow the teachings of Vemana for social progress.

The minister said Yogi Vemana emphasized the importance of education centuries ago. “Our government is prioritizing education reforms, arts and artists. Rayalaseema, the second capital of Sri Krishnadevaraya, which has historical and spiritual landmarks like Yogi Vemana, Sri Sathya Sai Baba and Penukonda, has tremendous tourism potential,” he said.

Savitha said the government has signed investment agreements worth Rs 19,000 crore for tourism development and is committed to transform Rayalaseema into a major tourist destination.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in a message praised Yogi Vemana as a social reformer and said: “Fighting against social evils, every verse of Vemana is a guiding light for all.”

Hindupur MP BK Partha Sarathi, Whip Kalava Srinivasulu, former MLC G Thippeswamy and a few others were present.