The four-day national seminar on the theme, ‘Bharathiya Samskrithika Parirakshana—Viswanatha Sahityam’, aimed at deliberating the role of Telugu legendary littérateur, Viswanatha Sathyanarayana on the Indian ethos and values, got off to an enthusiastic start here on Wednesday with Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan as chief guest.
Rich contributions
Describing the renowned poet who was the first to get the prestigious Jnanpith Award for a Telugu literary work, as the “Emperor of Telugu Poetry” (Kavi Samrat), the Governor sought to recall the rich contributions he had made to Telugu literature through his numerous works, especially his great novel “Veyi Padagalu” and more importantly, the ‘Ramayana Kalpavriksham’ which in fact got him the Jnanpith Award.
Narasimhan addressed the gathering in Telugu, much to the surprise and excitement of the scholars and literary personalities who were attending the meet being jointly organised by the TTD’s Annamacharya Project, Purana Ithihasa Project and Viswanatha Sahitya Peetham, Hyderabad.
Traditional values
The Governor said ‘Viswanatha Varu’ was known for the utmost respect and importance he used to attach to the traditional values of Telugu literature, language and the culture of the country as a whole.
He stood as one of the most popular literary icons in the field of literature in 20th century in the entire country, he said and described him as the personification of Bhakti, Karma and Gnana Yoga—a rare combination in any person.
TTD’s Executive Officer, L.V. Subramanyam addressing said the through his literary works the ‘Kavi Samrat’ not only brought global acclaim to Telugu literature and the Telugus as a whole, but also provided an insight into the Indian cultural values, for those outside A.P and India.
He said the best way the students could pay their tribute to the legendary poet would be by reading his great works which would not only enrich their knowledge but would also inspire them.
Chairman of the TTD Trust Board, K. Bapi Raju also spoke. TTD’s Jt. E.O. (Tirupati) said the main objective behind the literary fete was to inspire students and ignite their literary zeal through Viswanatha’s great works.
Among other speakers were the Annamacharya Project Director Dr. Medasani Mohan, TTD’s CVSO G.V.G. Ashok Kumar.
