India gets its 39th UNESCO World Heritage Site The 13th century Rudreshwara Temple in Warangal, Telangana is the latest addition to the list.

UNESCO continues to add old and historic monuments to its heritage list. The addition does not just mean better maintenance of the edifice but also more tourist flow to the destination. Travelers from the world over make a beeline to visit the heritage sites, thereby putting even some very remote locations on the tourist map. A quaint temple from the grand Kakatiya era is the latest to enter this prestigious listing.

The Rudreswara Temple also known as The Ramappa Temple, after its architect, is located in Mulugu district, Warangal, Telangana. This engineering marvel was built in the 13th century and is the 39th ancient monument in India to get the UNESCO World Heritage inscription.

The temple’s presiding deity is RamalingeswaraSwamy and was commissioned by Recherla, a general of Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva. The temple complexes of Kakatiyas have a distinct style, technology, and decoration exhibiting the influence of the Kakatiyan sculptor. The Ramappa Temple is a manifestation of this and often stands as a testimonial to the Kakatiyan creative genius. The temple stands on a 6 feet high star-shaped platform with walls, pillars, and ceilings adorned with intricate carvings that attest to the unique skill of the Kakatiyan sculptors.

Expressing happiness over the achievement, Prime Minister Modi said, "Excellent! Congratulations to everyone, especially the people of Telangana. The iconic Ramappa Temple showcases the outstanding craftsmanship of the great Kakatiya dynasty. I would urge you all to visit this majestic Temple complex and get a first-hand experience of its grandness."

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A delegation of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) and the South India Hotels & Restaurants Association (SIHRA) under the leadership of D V S Somaraju. Hon. Treasurer, FHRAI and Executive Committee Member, SIHRA met with the Principal Secretary, MAUD. Government of Telangana, Arvind Kumar, and Jayesh Ranjan, (IAS) Principal Secretary (I&C) & IT requesting for the Hospitality sector in the State to be granted Industry status. D.V.S. Somaraju submitted a representation on the subject. The apex Hospitality Association has also requested the Government to reduce the number of licenses for the Hospitality sector through the introduction of a single-window clearance system. The FHRAI has pleaded to the State Government to accord industry status to help revive and augment the hospitality sector’s growth.

“The Government of Telangana has been always on the forefront with progressive measures and policies aimed for socio-economic development in the State. Its pioneering efforts in Ease of Doing Business have shown the way forward for other States in the country to emulate. However, today the Hospitality industry is waging a battle for its survival amidst increasing requirements of working capital vis-a-vis negative cash flows, threats of insolvency, and millions of job losses. Under such circumstances, giving Hospitality the status of the industry will give it the much-needed support from the Government,” says D.V.S. Somaraju.