Telugu literature of ‘Kalingandhra’ region continues to be a major cultural link between Odia and Telugu populace, said experts at a symposium organised in Berhampur on Sunday by Sahitya Akademi in association with cultural organisation Vikasam.
The symposium was attended by Telugu literary personalities from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, especially from the border regions. Convener of Telugu advisory board of Sahitya Akademi N. Gopi and Akademi regional secretary S. P. Mahalingeshwar attended the symposium as guests. Prof. Gopi praised the Telugu literature of ‘Kalingandhra’ region, which, according to him, was rich and unique. According to him, the poetic language even in prose and apt use of metaphors related to day to day life of common men was unique to literature of this region.
Most of the speakers were of the opinion that translations and exchanges of literary creations can be a major catalyst for enhancing bond between both the States. It was felt that themes of literature of ‘Kalingandhra’ region have links with life of common mass of both bordering States.
Turlapati Rajeswari described the primitivity of Telugu in this region.
Secretary of Vikasam and an eminent Telugu poet from Odisha, Vijaychandra, remembered Gidugu Ram Murthy Pantulu, who had hailed from Paralakhemundi, now in Gajapati district of Odisha, and played a major role in transforming language of Telugu literature so that it could become more acceptable for common mass.
Mr Vijaychandra also added that ‘Kalingandhra’ was always cradle for people’s movements during pre-Independence era as well as peasants’ uprising after Independence. These movements had their impact on the literature of the region to make it more people-centric.
