While defining the new frontiers in English teaching, it would be appropriate if we look at works on study of our culture and history and writings that reflect our rich traditions, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, L.V. Subrahmanyam has said.
Speaking at the valedictory of the 58 Annual English Teachers’ Conference, he said some of the recent Indian writings were imitations of the Western writings and would not stand the test of time. “It is important that we look at works that would go into the next century,” he added.
Earlier, Andhra University Vice-Chancellor G.S.N. Raju unveiled the portraits of two eminent former professors of English of the Department of English — L.S.R. Krishna Sastry and N. Krishna Rao — on the occasion. He urged scholars to focus on mastery of writing in simple English. The writings should be understood even by the semi-literate, he said.
Later, Prof. Raju felicitated Mr. Subrahmanyam, son of Prof. Sastry, and Director of School of Distance Education N.L. Narasimha Rao, son of Prof. Krishna Rao.
Mr. Subrahmanyam urged the scholars to live up to the standards of the two teachers and hoped that the students of Andhra University would draw inspiration from their lives and works.
Former Mayor D.V. Subba Rao termed the move as a finest tribute to the teachers of the university. Recalling his association with Prof. Sastry, he said it was a true interaction between the ‘Town and the Gown’. The department should live up to the legacy of the two eminent teachers, he added.
Former A.U. Rector A. Prasanna Kumar recalled his association with the two professors and lavished praise on them for their ability to endear themselves to their students and help them master the language.
President of Association of English Studies, India, Premanand Jha, said the three-day conference was well organised and noted that a number of senior professors had contributed to the scholarship with their participation in the deliberations.
The sessions saw some 350 research papers being presented by teachers of English from across the country.
Rector E.A. Narayana, Registrar K. Ramamohana Rao, Head of AU Department of English and local secretary of the conference T. Narayana, Principal of Arts College D. Prabhakara Rao, and noted physician Kutikuppala Surya Rao spoke.
