This thread is on caste associations in Andhra. Vysyas were the first to form a caste association in colonial Andhra in 1907, followed by Kammas in 1910 and Reddys in 1914. Subsequently, Telagas (in 1920) and other castes followed.
https://twitter.com/nag_vasireddy/status/1375142436704382980
It was 'woke' elites in various castes - especially non-brahmin upper castes - who organised such associations with the aim of liberating their castes from backwardness and lead them to modern, progressive thinking. It was essentially a positive approach.
For eg, in early years, Telaga leader Nanjappa spoke on the need for women education, removal of child marriage & dowry system. Kadapa Koti Reddy decried Kanyasulkam & Varasulkam as having derived from traditionalists. Kamma leaders exhorted their community to focus on education.
At Kamma meeting at Nidubrolu in Guntur dist in 1919, Ratakonda Venkitaswami Naidu 'gave a thought-provoking speech' 'on women education, hostels for students, widow marriages, dev'ment of agri & animal husbandry, promotion of swadeshi, Telugu language, cleanliness etc.
Caste associations formed to reform from within as well as to assert identity. Also, caste associations helped the reforms sweeping the early 20th century - limited to Brahmins until then - spread among non-brahmin castes.
Interesting to note that regional Brahmin associations formed much later because in colonial India they were already at the top of the social ladder.
Finally, nothing wrong with caste associations by themselves. What is hypocritical & dangerous is to sport Che Guevara T-Shirts but walk with casteists, communalists & fascists.
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