Communication skill and knowledge of English play an important role in today’s competitive world but not at the cost of the regional language. The younger generation should be exposed to contemporary literature by encouraging the habit of reading. These were a few points underlined by a group of experts at the ninth-edition of Loknayak Foundation’s award presentation programme at Kala Bharathi Auditorium here on Friday.
This year, it was awarded to US-based Telugu poet and multi-faceted artiste Vanguri Chitten Raju for his outstanding contributions to Telugu literature. Apart from the literary contributions he has also worked for the disadvantaged group in India by collecting funds from the US.
With an aim to promote Telugu literature and bring glory to the City of Destiny by recognising litterateurs, the award was presented for the last nine years, said chairman of AP State Hindi Academy Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad. He shared his experience in literature world during his younger days. Sharing similar experiences, Chief sub-editor of Eenadu Sankar Narayana charmed the audience with his humorous notes. A cash award of Rs.1.25 lakh was awarded to Vanguri Chitten Raju for his contribution and promotion of Telugu literature in the US by Governor of Bihar Devanand Konwar. This year, the cash prize was supported by a donor Sagar.
Classical dance
A book authored by Vanguri Chitten Raju ‘Ameri Comedy Kathalu’ was released by Justice Nooti Ramamohan Rao of the AP High Court on the occasion and a manuscript that consists of poetry written from the age of Nannaya to Narayana Reddy was given to the dignitaries and invitees. Adding to the spirit of celebrations, ‘Nrutyakshari’ a classical dance ballet was staged by a team of 17 classical artistes which was directed by cine choreographer K.V. Satyanarayana.
President of GITAM University M.V.V.S. Murthy, chairman of Official Languages Committee Mandali Buddha Prasad, film actor Gollapudi Maruti Rao, vice-president of Vignan Educational Institutions L. Rudramma Devi of, MP Sabbam Hari and others also participated.
