Bhagya Reddy Varma (22 May 1888 – 18 February 1939), born as Madari Bagaiah[1][2] was an Indian political leader, social reformer and activist known for fighting against untouchability in Hyderabad State[3] and for the abolition of the Jogini and Devdasi systems.
In 1906, he formed a group called Jagan Mitra Mandali, which involved Dalits and Malas, and started telling stories using Harikatha (popular folklore).
Varma also campaigned on many social issues, e.g. child marriage, black magic, women’s education, alcohol prohibition, etc.
His work spread to the neighboring states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra; from there some well-known people joined and followed the revolution.
In an historical speech in 1930 he announced bringing Dalit issues to British notice in the upcoming All India Round Table Conference at Lucknow in the same year.
Nizam Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII praised Varma for his social work, and recognized it with an award.