Lyricist and poet ‘Sirivennela’ Seetharama Sastry has suggested that a thorough research be done on the state of Telugu classical literature before Adikavi Nannaya to come to a conclusion whether the language existed at that time or not.
Addressing a two-day national seminar on ‘Millennium Telugu Literature’ at the Nannaya University here on Thursday, Mr. Sastry said in contemporary theory, both language and literature enjoyed equal importance.
He said language should be used not just to communicate something, but to convey inner feelings.
He stressed expression of unity in diversity not just in words but in deeds and literature was one of the instruments to exhibit it. He felt that all Indian languages were branches of the great Indian culture.
He said research should be conducted into the connection between the Telugu language and Indian classical culture. He urged people to respect all languages, but love one’s mother tongue more. Central University Telugu Professor G. Aruna Kumari suggested learning more than one language. She said Telugu should be used more in fields like medicine and journalism.
Popular littérateur Salaka Raghunatha Sarma recalled Nannaya’s writings which were highlighted by literary giant Viswanatha Satyanarayana, who called Nannaya second Valmiki.
‘A great lyricist’
Vice Chancellor M. Mutyala Naidu, lauding the achievements of Sirivennela, said the latter had managed to satisfy film-makers with contrasting styles such as Ramgopal Varma and K. Viswanath through his lyrics.
Professors Rani Sadasiva Murthy of the Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, Tirupati; and Yendluri Sudhakar of Nannaya Peetham in the Telugu University, Rajamahendravaram, spoke.
Prof. S. Teki, head of academics, presided over the function and seminar organiser Prof. Tarapatla Satyanarayana participated.
