Who Is Dokka Seethamma Garu Fondly Called As Annapurna?

The previous generation was familiar with Dokka Seethamma Garu for the humanitarian work she did. She was fondly called Annapurna as no one goes empty stomach from her house. All her life she continued the same and provided food for as many people as possible. Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan often talks about her. Before the elections, he said that Dokka Seethamma canteens would be set up in the state. After coming to power he suggested the Government start Dokka Seethamma canteens too.

The alliance government honored Dokka Seethamma by naming the mid-day meal scheme after her in the state. With the government taking the decision everyone is talking about the great personality and the good work she did. Let us have a look at her journey of becoming Annapurna.

Seethamma was born in Mandapeta in 1841 and moved to Lankala Gannavaram after her marriage. Noted writer T.V.S. Sastri in his literature said that Seethamma’s father Shankaram is called Buvvanna as he is known for feeding others. Seeing her father doing that, Seethamma also developed the quality of feeding others.

It is said that she put a condition of allowing her to feed people at the in-law's house. After coming to Lankala Gannavaram she started feeding people who came to her house and she continued till her last days, Her children also took forward the tradition.

Her husband Dokka Joganna supported her noble cause and the Annadanam at her house continued without a break. As an example of her service, she once went to a famous temple, and on mid way, she heard a family telling their children that they could have food at Dokka Seethamma’s house which is very close.

Hearing this she went back home and prepared food by the time the family reached there. This was her commitment to feed others. Even the Britishers were amused by her work. For all her work she is hailed as Annapurna.