People's Democracy

ANDHRA PRADESH

Sahiti Sravanti Forges Ahead

                                                                         M Venugopala Rao

SAHITI Sravanti, a broad forum for progressive writers in Telugu is forging ahead in the state, emerging as an important rallying point for writers, poets and other literary people with more than 300 programmes in various places and also about 20 publications to its credit. It is also successfully running a quarterly ‘Sahithya Prasthanam’ from the year 2003.

Sahiti Sravanti held its first ‘Karyasala’ (workshop) at Khammam recently. More than 200 writers and booklovers attended the meeting. Karyasala was a continuation of earlier Sahitya Sala (conducted in three places) which mainly concentrated on the trends in the Telugu literature.

Presiding over the Karyasala, Sahiti Sravanti convenor Telakapalli Ravi briefly presented an overview of the Telugu literary scene. He recalled how the efforts undertaken by the Sravanti won acclaim and support from all those concerned. He also narrated how opposition to imperialist globalisation, commercialism and communalism emerged as the main trends in Telugu literature. 

The ongoing debate on the need for   recognition of Telugu as a classic language found its echo in the meet. The accepted opinion was that all Indian languages should get equal encouragement from the central government and the misgivings in this regard should be removed. Mother tongue is an inevitable part of the process of democracy, it was felt.

Eminent writer and Kendra Sahitya Academy awardee Ampasayya Naveen, who inaugurated the Karyasala, congratulated the Sravanti for taking various initiatives. He observed that in general literary activity is on the rise in Telugu. Depth and diversity in the literary creation are also much better, he felt.

‘Gummam’(door), an anthology of the poets of the Khammam district,  was released  on the occasion by Dr Addepalli Rammohan Rao, a  senior critic and poet. Speaking on the occasion, he lambasted US imperialism for endangering the world peace and independence. He also deplored the cultural imperialism. The book was brought out in honour of Dr Chekuri Ramarao, noted critic, linguist and another national awardee. Receiving the book Dr Ramarao recalled his association with the progressive movements in the district of Khammam, which happens to be his home town.

Another book on the woes of the tribal people on the verge of submersion under the proposed Polavaram project ‘Jeevanmaranam’(life and death) was released by Tammineni Veerabhadram, CPI(M) central committee member and local legislator. It is an anthology of various forms of writing contributed by the poets and writers after touring the affected areas. Veerabhadram congratulated the attempt and also briefly touched upon different aspects of the issue.

Dr Harish, chairman of the reception committee, Ravi Marut, chief patron of the meet Dr Y Radhakrishna Murthy, former MP, and several others spoke on occasion. Senior poet and freedom fighter Ravella inaugurated the photo exhibition of famous writers.

The opening session was followed by a discussion of the Sravanti activists. S Venkatrao presided and T Ravi presented the report. A general discussion on the literary scene of the state took place. After that six commissions were formed and met separately. They dealt with various aspects of activities to be undertaken in future, i.e., the magazine, training, publications, meetings, seminars, educational sphere and new programmes. While appreciating the activity undertaken so far, the need to improve the quality and understanding the theories of literature and society was stressed repeatedly. The need to reach out to new sections, particularly the students, youth, women and dalits also figured in the discussion.

Jana kavanam, a ‘mushaira for people’, was also held on this occasion. Khammam municipal chairperson Afroj Sameena declared it open and senior poet Jeevan presided. More than 70 poets participated in three sessions and M Subbarao and Sadhana conducted the other two sessions. Meaningful and appealing poems were recited on the occasion.  Dr M.Baburao CPI(M) Lok Sabha member, Yakub, Laxmi, Dilavar, Jatasri and  others  participated in the programme. K Anandachary, secratary of the district unit of Sahiti Sravanti, coordinated the arrangements.

The two-day programme was appreciated by everybody and also drew the attention of the media in a big way. Sahiti Sravanti resolved to go ahead as a broad forum with new programmes attracting hitherto untouched sections and areas.