With duplicity and fraudulent nature proliferating among people, the study of Gurajada Appa Rao’s (1862-1915) works has acquired more relevance now.
“The theme of his epochal play, Kanyasulkam , is different and dealt with an evil prevalent at that time. But characters like manipulative Girisam in the guise of being a reformer or the wily Ramappa Pantulu abound in today’s society. “There is a Girisam in every street, whereas a Saujanya Rao Pantulu is hard to come by,” says Gurajada Venkata Ravindrudu, a third generation descendent of the Gurajada family. He is the president of the Indian chapter of the Gurajada Foundation (America). The foundation, dedicated to spread the message and philosophy of Gurajada Appa Rao, was set up by his great granddaughter Aruna Gurajada, who lives in Texas, two years ago.
The India chapter began its activities last year with a function at Vizianagaram in Gurajada Memorial House and felicitated noted writer Kalipatnam Rama Rao and S. Rami Naidu of Velugu Association.
It organised essay-writing competitions for college and school students to celebrate the 153{+r}{+d}birth anniversary of the writer on Sunday. Mr. Ravindrudu says the younger generation should understand the significance of Gurajada’s writings and his message of universal brotherhood, cutting across the barrier of caste.
With child marriages still taking place, Purnamma ’s story is still relevant. Another aspect is the importance of language. Gurajada contributed to the simplification of bookish Telugu. But now, dilution of linguistic values is taking place, Mr. Ravindrudu says. The youth are now influenced by the TV lingo. It is for parents to start the change at home and for teachers to continue it, he says. The US Foundation organised ‘Gurajada Spoorthi Utsav’ with 400 children from various cities participating .
people like Girisam and Ramappa Pantulu ,
who are manipulative and wily, are there in every street today
Gurajada Venkata Ravindrudu
