Gaddar, renowned for his roles as a poet, singer, and revolutionary, stands out as one of the most prominent creative minds linked with India's people's resistance movements. Born as Gummadi Vittal Rao in 1947 in Tupran village within the Medak district of present-day Telangana, Gaddar embraced activism in his early years, having abandoned his engineering studies due to financial constraints. Possessing a natural talent for songwriting and singing, he embarked on a journey that took him down the path of music, often operating in secrecy, as he reached and influenced a substantial number of people. Gaddar became synonymous with 'rebellion,' a meaning that aligns with his chosen pseudonym.
Among the multitude of songs performed by Gaddar, only a handful were ever documented in written form. "My Life Is a Song" presents a compilation of twenty-three representative songs, translated into English for the first time, carefully selected by his companion and fellow journeyer, Vasanth Kannabiran. These translations capture Gaddar's distinctive style and delivery, offering a glimpse into the exceptional 'anthems' composed by one of India's most remarkable singer-poets—a living legend of revolutionary ideology. This collection serves to introduce the profound works of Gaddar to a broader audience, bridging the gap between his indigenous Telugu creations and an international readership.
Gaddar, the revolutionary poet and singer, stands as one of the most prominent icons within India's Naxalite movement. In recent decades, he has forged a unique path that blends Marxist principles of class resistance with Ambedkarite ideals, emphasizing the imperative of combatting caste injustices. Notably, Gaddar played a pivotal role in the campaign for an autonomous Telangana and served as the inaugural president of the Telangana Praja Front. While he resides alongside his wife, Vimala, in Hyderabad, his journeys frequently take him across the expanse of India.
Vasanth Kannabiran, the translator, is a multi-faceted individual encompassing roles as a poet, writer, and advocate for women's rights and communal harmony. With an extensive record of over five decades of activism, she has remained deeply engaged in championing these causes. As the founder of the Asmita Resource Centre for Women, Kannabiran has contributed significantly to the advancement of women's issues and empowerment.
Gummadi Vittal Rao, born in 1949 and passing on 6 August 2023, was recognized by the name Gaddar and held the roles of an Indian poet, vocalist, and advocate of communist revolution. Gaddar played an active role within the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency and also lent his efforts to the cause of achieving statehood for Telangana.