Book Review: తెలుగు పసిడి

Telugu literary and cultural heritage

P.V.L.N.RAO

TELUGU PASIDI: Mandali Buddhaprasad, Guttikonda Subbarao, Dr. G.V. Purnachand — Editors; Immadisetty Akkeswararao Charitable Trust, Singarajuvari Street, Kothapeta, Vijayawada-520001. Rs. 300.

THIS VOLUME published by the Krishna District Writers' Association to commemorate the golden jubilee of the formation of Andhra Pradesh comprises 112 essays in 14 sections which provide a panoramic view of the state's progress in various fields such as language (20), literature (30) and culture and so on.

In the introductory write-up, Nanduri Ramamohanrao observes that Andhra (the term appeared in the Aitareya Brahmanam 1500 B.C.) and Telugu are synonymous although their connotations differ at times.

Tracing the evolution of the language, B. Krishnamurthy stresses the need of reforms for adoption of the mother tongue in administration, education and other societal transactions. R.V.S. Sundaram regrets the negligence of a potential international language with the Telugu University lagging behind in research and development. The literary scenario looks brighter. Soliloquies of R.Bhardwaj, P.Jagannatham, J.Hanumatsastri, S.Veeraraju and T. Janakirani inspire the younger generation. Giant strides are made in poetry, short story and novel. Neo-classical, romantic and modern streams embellish Telugu poetry.

While the first Jnanapith award winner Viswanatha was a multifaceted colossus, the second C. Narayana Reddy excels in creativity and innovation. Rayaprolu, Devulapalli, Sri Sri, Jashua and Prasadaraya Kulapati are master trendsetters with a large following.

Popular magazines provide a platform to short stories and novels enabling writers to explore the cultural, social and political ramifications of life. Chalam, Palagummi, Gopichand, Kalipatnam, Madhurantakam, Ravisastry and Butchibabu are comparable to the best writers of this genre. Y. Lakshmiprasad sums up the pivotal contribution of Andhras in national development — three presidents, three Lok Sabha speakers and one prime minister. Quite a few Telugu leaders headed national parties such as the Congress, BJP and Communist. In journalism earlier stalwarts like C.Y.Chintamani, M.Chalapatirao, K. Iswaradutt and G.K. Reddy became motivators with their intrepid writings. With excellent contributions to performing arts like drama, music, dance and folk arts, many Telugu scholars enriched the cultural heritage.

This volume is an invaluable asset to research scholars, students, professors and politicians.

Courtesy: The Hindu