Veeresalingam Kandukuri (16 April 1848 – 27 May 1919) – A Social
Reformer of Andhra Pradesh
Veeresalingam is
considered,” The Prophet of Modern Andhra Pradesh”, as he awakened the Andhra Society
from their orthodox customs and superstitions. He was a reformer and the first
person to write a novel, book, drama, on natural science and history in Telugu
and Telugu prose for women. He wrote Abhagyopakhyanamu, a humorous satire on Andhra
Society.
Veeresalingam started a
magazine named Vivekavardini in which he propagated women’s education, widow remarriage
and the rights of women. He opposed Kanyasulkam (price of bride) and marriage of
old men with young girls.
He was affectionately
called as Veeresalingam Pantulu.
