Hyderabad: In a time when many ancient languages are fading away, Tammara Subramanyam Sharma, known as Susharma, is determined to revive and promote Telugu literature. His efforts aim to keep the beauty and richness of the language alive for future generations.
Susharma was born into a Vedic Pandit family in Tammarabandapalem, a culturally rich village in the Suryapet district, known as a center for Vedic studies. Now 50 years old, he works as a government school Telugu pundit and combines traditional knowledge with modern approaches to preserve the language. An enthusiastic reader and writer, he has taken on the unique task of creating biopics about legendary Telugu literary figures. His current project, a biopic on the renowned writer Kavi Samrat Viswanatha Satyanarayana titled “Vishwanatha – Oka Kalpavriksham”, is in the scripting phase.
Once the script is ready, Susharma plans to focus on assembling a team of actors and crew members to bring his vision to life. His passion for Telugu extends well beyond teaching in the classroom.
Susharma leads the Sharada Sahithi Samakhya, a literary group that brings together Telugu authors, poets, and scholars. This collective includes Telugu school pundits and retired lecturers who are encouraged to write and contribute to the preservation of Telugu literature. The group organizes workshops, seminars, book launches, and conferences in the old Nalgonda district, fostering a vibrant and thriving literary community.
“Visual media is a powerful tool in today’s fast-paced world,” Susharma says. He believes that creating biopics about celebrated Telugu writers, such as Tripuraneni Ramaswamy, Palakurti Somanatha, Potturi Vijayalaxmi, Papineni Shivshankar, and Bammera Pothana, can inspire people to explore and appreciate the depth and beauty of Telugu literature.
Susharma’s efforts have gained widespread recognition. At the 6th World Telugu Writers Mahasabhalu in Andhra Pradesh, he presented papers highlighting the challenges facing the Telugu language. During the event, he met Andhra Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh to share the initiatives of the Sharada Sahithi Samakhya and to advocate for increased support for Telugu heritage.
His visionary work has also been appreciated by prominent leaders. Former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao praised Susharma’s dedication during the 2017 World Telugu Conference in Hyderabad. His innovative approach and tireless advocacy serve as an inspiration to many.
Through his biopics and continuous efforts, Susharma is not just preserving the Telugu language. He is breathing new life into its rich legacy, ensuring that it remains relevant and celebrated in the modern world.
