Guiding Light for the Padmashali Community – The Pillar of Support
Acharya Konda Lakshman Bapuji, a great philanthropist who embraced service as the ultimate purpose in life, is renowned for his unwavering commitment to uplifting the underprivileged and marginalized communities. His visionary ideas have always been focused on their advancement, and his work has inspired countless individuals to dedicate themselves to the betterment of society. His aspirations were not limited to individual growth, but to the collective rise of the community. This is why many fondly refer to him not as an individual but as an institution.
Born on September 27, 1915, in the village of Wankidi, in the old Asifabad taluk of Adilabad district, Sri Konda Lakshman was the son of Sri Konda Bapuji and Amakka. Tragically, his mother passed away when he was very young, and his father worked as a postman. Despite the early challenges, Lakshman pursued his education diligently, completing his LLB through self-effort and later becoming a successful lawyer.
In 1940, he began practicing law and actively participated in youth programs. His focus was on awakening young minds and cultivating a sense of service within them, which led him to establish numerous youth associations.
His journey as an advocate for the Padmashali community began in 1941, when he attended the Padmashali Conference held in Medak District, and later participated in the 8th All India Padmashali Conference in Sholapur. Driven by the desire to improve the condition of the Padmashali and weaving communities, he was deeply moved by the plight of the weavers under the Nizam’s rule. He worked tirelessly to transform the lives of those in the weaving sector, striving to change their lives from a life of dependence to self-reliance.
In 1963, during the Hyderabad Central Co-operative Union’s golden jubilee celebrations, he was honored with the “Cooperative Ratna” gold medal and in 2002, received the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose National Award for Excellence in Philanthropy from the American Biographical Institute. His leadership in the field of philanthropy was further acknowledged in 2008 when he was awarded the Albert Schweitzer Gold Medal by the International Foundation in Spain and the Distinguished Fellow Award by the Australia & Asia Civil Leadership Institute in Sydney.
Sri Konda Lakshman was a steadfast supporter of the formation of Andhra Pradesh, despite facing opposition from certain quarters. He was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the newly formed Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from the Chinnakonduru constituency. He served as a Cabinet Minister in Sri Damodaram Sanjeevayya’s cabinet from 1959-60, holding the portfolio for Handlooms, Textiles, Small Industries, and Excise. His political career was marked by his resignation in 1969 in support of the Telangana movement, a decision that won him great respect among the people of Telangana.
His dedication and tireless work for the upliftment of the community remain evident in the many initiatives that carry his legacy. His contributions to society were recognized when he was imprisoned in Rajahmundry Jail along with Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy for their prominent roles in the Telangana movement.
Through his visionary leadership, numerous welfare programs have flourished: Anna Sattras (community kitchens), student hostels, wedding halls, scholarships for students, and training centers for women in sewing. Today, the Padmashali community owes its continued existence and progress to the enduring legacy of Acharya Konda Lakshman Bapuji. His service to the community is a true testament to the power of selfless dedication.
