The 166th Birth Anniversary of Great Social Reformer and Educationalist, Sri Kandukuri Veeresalingam, was grandly celebrated here on Tuesday at Surya Kalamandir in Kakinada. Telugu Drama festival is also celebrated here on this occasion. The celebrations were jointly conducted by District Cultural affairs department and The Young Men's Happy club, Kakinada. The program was held under the chairmanship of Young Men's Happy Club President Mr. Dantu Surya Rao. According to this, the famous Tollywood Director & Actor Padma Shri Dr. K. Viswanath has presided over this program as the Chief Guest. Firstly, he had inaugurated Sri P. B. Srinivas Kala pranganam and later he started these celebrations here. Minister for Stamps & Registrations Mr. Thota Narasimham has also presided over the program. The drama 'Ille Swargam', which has received third prize in State Government's Nandi awards has been performed in the fest. Speaking on this, Dr. K. Viswanath said 'I am so happy to be here Today' because Kakinada people's heart is so sweet just like Kakinada Khaja. He said 'Kandukuri and his reforms were well-known all over the nation. His support for women education and widow remarriages were remarkable achievements', he added. He advised the public to work for the fulfilment of his ideas for development of the society. Later, Mr. K. Viswanath and Minister Mr. Thota Narasimham felicitated Mr. Duggirala Someswara Rao, who contributed his entire life for Drama. They also felicitated the writer, director and actors of Ille Swargam drama here. Minister presented Rs. 5 Thousand cash prize and memonto to around 10 Drama artists on this occasion on behalf of the State Government. Additional Joint Collector Mr. B. Ramarao and many other officials participated in the program.