ANDHRA PRADESH

Stalwarts Of Literature Remembered

                                       M Venugopala Rao

SAHITHI Sravanti, in association with Sodhana of Sundarayya Vignana Kendram, conducted yet another novel programme  – Samalochana (sharing of thoughts)  – during August 26-28, 2005 at Sundarayya Vignana Kendram in Hyderabad.  The idea is to remember great people of letters, while at the same time listening to the thoughts and experiences of the younger generation.  Samalochana evoked good response, just as the earlier Janakavanam and Sahithyasala did. Many prominent writers, poets, critics and journalists attended the  programme.

On the first day, rich tributes were paid to Pablo Neruda whose birth centenary was observed very recently the world over.  Dr K Siva Reddy, well-known poet and Sahithya Academy awardee, depicted the multi-faceted contribution of Neruda.  The meeting also remembered Premchand on whom senior poet Jwalamukhi made a powerful presentation.  An exhibition on Premchand was also organised on the occasion, courtesy SAHMAT.  Senior poet and critic Dr A Rammohan Rao presided over the meeting.

Suravaram Pratapa Reddy, a prominent nationalist scholar and pioneering editor in the erstwhile Nizam state, and Makhdum Mohiyuddin, progressive Urdu poet and Communist leader  were remembered on August 27. While Dr K K Ranganathacharyulu presided over the meeting, M Narahari and poet Nikhileswar spoke about the above two stalwarts respectively.

Tributes were also paid to eminent poet, researcher and Marxist historian Arudra by Dr M Ravikumar on the morning of August 28.  He recalled how Arudra always stood for the ideas of scientific socialism in a creative manner,  both in form and content. Dr A Murali, professor of history and treasurer of Sundarayya Vignana Kendram presided over the session.

Later, about 25 young writers participated in a discussion “Myself and My writings”, narrating their entry into, and the encounter with, literature and writing.  They thanked the organisers for providing a rare opportunity to share their ideas.  The session was a rewarding and refreshing experience. 

Samalochana closed with the celebration of the birth anniversary of Gidugu Ramamoorty,  father of language reform in Telugu.   Professor  Ch Ramarao explained the contributions of Gidugu, both in language and reform, and also in the cause of Savara tribe in north coastal Andhra.  S Vinaya Kumar, editor of Prajasakti, presided over the session.

Telakapalli Ravi, state convenor of Sahithi Sravanti, coordinated the three-day programme.  Ravi explained how Sravanti has been serving as a broad forum of progressive and secular voices in Telugu literature.  He also announced that regular meets would be organised every month in association with Sundarayya Vignana Kendram.  C Sambi Reddy, secretary of Vignana Kendram, and K Laxmaiah, manager, Shithya Prasthanam, looked after the arrangements.  Coming as it was, after the recent ban on Virasam, a literary organisation,  Sravanti and many of those who participated in the meet condemned the ban.  Samalochana stood out as a promising attempt, enthusing the lovers of literature.