A recent literary event at IIMC College in Lakdi-Ka-Pul beautifully combined literature and devotion. Organized by Navya Sahiti Samiti, Yuvabharathi, and IIMC College, the event honored legendary Telugu women poets with the stage presentation of “Sarada Vijayam.”
About Navya Sahiti Samiti
Founded in 1952, Navya Sahiti Samiti has been a key promoter of Telugu literature in India. The organization, known for hosting Kavi Sammelans, Avadhanams, and All India Writers' Conferences, brought together literary enthusiasts once again for an evening celebrating poetic excellence and cultural heritage.
The Highlight: Sarada Vijayam
The centerpiece of the event was “Sarada Vijayam,” a literary play conceptualized by Ogeti Indira. The play imagines a celestial gathering where renowned Telugu women poets—Mollā, Muddupalani, Rangajamma, Madhuravani, and others—ascend to Sathyalokam (the divine realm) to meet Goddess Saraswati.
Prominent literary figures brought these poetesses to life:
– Srimati Gadicherla Sneha Ram Chander as Goddess Sharada
– Dr. Uppalapati Kusuma Kumari as Ramabhadramba
– Srimati Mankala Lakshmi Manasa as Madhuravani
– Dr. G.L.K. Durga as Muddupalani
– Srimati Manchinilla Saraswati Ramasharma as Mollā
– Srimati Valluri Srimani as Rangajamma
– Srimati Sri Valli Phanindra as Tallapaka Timmakka
A Celebration of Poetic Talent
In the divine realm, the poets engaged in Chandhobhashanam (a metered poetry discussion), displaying their expertise in Telugu chandassu (poetic meters). They also participated in Samasya Puranam, a poetic challenge where participants complete verses creatively—an integral part of the ancient Telugu tradition of Avadhanam.
The event concluded with a mangala harati, symbolizing the blessings of Goddess Saraswati on the gathering.
Book Launch: Satha Jayanthi Sahiti Moorthulu
After the play, the audience witnessed the release of Satha Jayanthi Sahiti Moorthulu, a book by literary critic Prof. S.V. Rama Rao. The book highlights the contributions of iconic Telugu literary figures.
Honoring Telugu Poetesses Through History
The event paid tribute to remarkable women poets who shaped Telugu literature:
– Tallapaka Timmakka (15th century): The first recorded female Telugu poet, known for her devotional epic Subhadra Kalyanam in Dwipada style.
– Atukuri Molla: A poet from a marginalized caste who composed Molla Ramayanam despite societal opposition.
– Ramabhadramba: A court poet of the Nayaka dynasty, celebrated for her multilingual expertise and intricate poetry.
– Madhuravani: A scholar in Sanskrit and Telugu, known for works like Ramayana Saaram and Kumarasambhavam.
– Rangajamma: A court poet of Vijayaraghava Nayak, known for contributions to Prabandha literature and Yakshagana compositions.
– Muddupalani: Famous for her bold and poetic masterpiece Radhika Santvanam, which explored themes of love and desire.
A Legacy of Literary Initiatives
Navya Sahiti Samiti has a long history of promoting Telugu literature. It organized India’s first All India Telugu Writers Conference in 1960 and the All India Women Writers Conference in 2002. Other milestones include the 2nd All India Writers Conference in 1994 (Vijayawada) and the All India Women Writers Conference in 2002 (Hyderabad).
The organization continues to celebrate and preserve Telugu literary culture, inspiring future generations of writers and poets.
