Bhagya Reddy Varma was an Indian political leader, social reformer and activist. He fought against untouchability in Hyderabad State. He also fought for abolition of Jogini and Devdasi systems.
Early life
Reddy was born in Mala caste to Madari Venkaiah and Julia Ragmamba in the Princely State of Hyderabad.
Movements
Inspired by Jyotirao Phule, he raised his voice against discrimination by upper castes. Eventually, he also established the Adi Hindu, a social organisation, to bring awareness in the dalits. He formed a group called Jagan Mitra Mandali in 1906, which involved Dalits and Malas, and started telling stories by 'Hari Katha' . In year 1910, he started to educate dalit children from his own expense and in a short span of time he able to run 25 centres with 2000 students.
In 1917, in a conference at Vijayawada town, 'Pratam Andhra - Adi Hindu''' meeting was held. In same year, Bhagya Reddy Verma's speech attracted much to M.K Gandhi's attention at 'Akhila Bharata Hindu' Round Table Conference in Calcutta. In 1919 a meeting held with Jangamulu, Dasulu, Mulnavasi, for the Adi Hindu beneficial program. The purpose of this event was to resolve the internal issues in the Dalit community, he even insisted the panchayat court system to be rebuilt. The first Adi Hindu conference was held in 1921 in Hyderabad led by T.J.Papanna. In 1925, in a conference led by N.M.R. Mukund Reddy has been officially allotted to him as chief head who led this meeting to successfully. In same year, the Adi Hindu Hand Skills Exhibition was held to showcase the Dalits skills. Bhagya Reddy also campaigned on many social issues, e.g - Child Marriage, Black Magic, Women Education, Alcohol prohibition etc. His work was spread to neighboring states Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra, from their some well known people joined and followed the revolution. In 1930 in an historical speech he announced to take the dalit issues to the British notice in the upcoming All India Round Table Conference at Lucknow in the same year. He supposes to send Dr.B.R Ambedkar to lead the group. The agenda was to recognize the Dalits as Adi Hindu rather than untouchables, Mala or Madiga. In 1931, the Nizam government has come forward to agree the demands of Reddy, and registered the dalits as Adi Hindus in the general elections. NizamOsman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII praised Reddy for his social work, and recognised it with an award. Later, the Nizam appointed Varma as the chief adviser to his government. Adi Hindu Bhavan at Chadarghat, Hyderabad been the platform for many revolutionary meetings. It is said that he has given nearly 3,348 speeches. Bhagya Memorial Girls High School at Esamia Bazar, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana, which he started in 1913 is still functioning.
