A few days ago, the Kammas gathered for a grand conglomerate under the banner of KGF (Kamma Global Federation), which has attracted attention and criticism from other communities.
Yes, when one community gathers for a meeting these days, it’s not just that community that watches—it draws the attention of all other communities as well.
While every community has its own pride, publicly exhibiting it can lead to isolation. Some may argue that if old school reunions, employees' unions, and similar gatherings are acceptable, why can't there be caste unions and meetings?
There are also those who argue that if patriotism, which involves love for one's country, is revered, why can't there be respect for caste pride as well?
However, the point here is that in all the aforementioned unions and groups, there will be people of all castes, except in a typical caste group. This exclusivity is why such gatherings are looked down upon. Moreover, no caste can survive on its own and needs the support of every other caste.
Though speakers like Murali Mohan echoed this universal spirit in their speeches, some went off course and ended up as laughingstocks.
Satyavani is one such speaker who started well but faltered by mentioning "Kamma Vaaram" (a special week in the name of Kammas), claiming someone had suggested it. She also said something on the lines that Kamma is not a caste but a University to learn. The problem is that any small expression of pride in one's caste can be looked down upon by other communities.
"Many people irrespective of their caste respect Satyavani for her speeches and nice words. Not many know about her caste until yesterday. The moment she appeared in this caste meeting, she downsized herself", said a netizen.
There is talk that TANA (Telugu Association of North America) is behind this KGF meeting. Let’s discuss the loyalty of Kammas towards their caste. Many TANA members are marrying their children to non-Kammas.
Film producer Ashwini Dutt, who takes pride in being a Kamma, has been revived by his son-in-law Nag Ashwin, who is a Reddy. Ashwini Dutt, who had lost everything in the film business and was almost forgotten by the new generation, is seeing some success again thanks to his non-Kamma son-in-law.
There are many well-known Kammas who have married their children to individuals from other communities and are thriving with their support. If they had strong caste feelings, the question is, why did they not confine themselves to their own caste?
Participating in caste meetings often speaks more about the identity crisis of those people than about pride. People like Murali Mohan, Satyavani or Jeevitha Rajasekhar don’t need to associate with such individuals facing identity crises. They have their own identity and success in their lives. They attend to such meetings like any other meeting either due to obligation or for their delight in speaking on dais.
It is often the unknown faces with no personal achievements who try to assert themselves through their association with caste groups. All they do is act as marriage brokers or stand behind political candidates during elections. Other than that, they do nothing.
Moreover, a community like Kamma no longer needs support from within their own caste. They have grown in many facets and are in a position to uplift the communities around them if they wish to. They should focus on such activities rather than these kinds of KGF meetings that diminish the image of Kammas and those who speak at such gatherings, in the minds of other communities.
Kiran Sharma