Lok Nayak Foundation award for Olga

Visakhapatnam: Well-known progressive Telugu writer Olga has been selected for the prestigious Lok Nayak Foundation Annual Award in literature for 2014, according to Prof. Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, founder of the foundation.

Olga (Mrs Popuri Lalitha Kumari) has participated in various Telugu Writers’ and revolutionary movements. She has written several novels, short stories, poetry, besides taking up literary criticism, and plays, making a mark in Telugu literature. Chalam and Kodavatiganti Kutumba Rao have influenced her, but the writer has developed her own style.

She has also made three feature films which won critical acclaim and awards.
Olga visited China, the USA and other countries and attended the World Women’s Conferences and Women’s Human Rights Workshops. According to Prof. Prasad, the award will be presented here on January 18.

Jaya Bachchan, Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, Justice N V Ramana and a judge of the Madras High Court Justice Sudhakar will attend.

Soure: http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2013-11-24/Lok-Nayak-Foundation-award-for-Olga-77754

Call to promote regional language - Chitten Raju honoured with Loknayak Foundation award

Communication skill and knowledge of English play an important role in today’s competitive world but not at the cost of the regional language. The younger generation should be exposed to contemporary literature by encouraging the habit of reading. These were a few points underlined by a group of experts at the ninth-edition of Loknayak Foundation’s award presentation programme at Kala Bharathi Auditorium here on Friday.

This year, it was awarded to US-based Telugu poet and multi-faceted artiste Vanguri Chitten Raju for his outstanding contributions to Telugu literature. Apart from the literary contributions he has also worked for the disadvantaged group in India by collecting funds from the US.

With an aim to promote Telugu literature and bring glory to the City of Destiny by recognising litterateurs, the award was presented for the last nine years, said chairman of AP State Hindi Academy Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad. He shared his experience in literature world during his younger days. Sharing similar experiences, Chief sub-editor of Eenadu Sankar Narayana charmed the audience with his humorous notes. A cash award of Rs.1.25 lakh was awarded to Vanguri Chitten Raju for his contribution and promotion of Telugu literature in the US by Governor of Bihar Devanand Konwar. This year, the cash prize was supported by a donor Sagar.

Classical dance

A book authored by Vanguri Chitten Raju ‘Ameri Comedy Kathalu’ was released by Justice Nooti Ramamohan Rao of the AP High Court on the occasion and a manuscript that consists of poetry written from the age of Nannaya to Narayana Reddy was given to the dignitaries and invitees. Adding to the spirit of celebrations, ‘Nrutyakshari’ a classical dance ballet was staged by a team of 17 classical artistes which was directed by cine choreographer K.V. Satyanarayana.

President of GITAM University M.V.V.S. Murthy, chairman of Official Languages Committee Mandali Buddha Prasad, film actor Gollapudi Maruti Rao, vice-president of Vignan Educational Institutions L. Rudramma Devi of, MP Sabbam Hari and others also participated.

Rs 1.25 lakh was awarded to Chitten Raju for promotion of Telugu in US

His book ‘Ameri Comedy Kathalu’ was released

Soure: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/call-to-promote-regional-language/article4322337.ece

Author Janamaddi Hanumath Sastry receives the Lok Nayak Foundation Award in Visakhapatnam.

Need to protect Telugu language and its culture stressed.

A galaxy of eminent personalities on Saturday, 21-January-2012 underlined the need to protect Telugu language, culture, and the love and affection associated with the rich Telugu traditions. They were felicitating octogenarian Janumaddi Hanumath Sastry, who is synonymous with the uniqueness of Telugu language and its cultural heritage at the 'Sahithya Puraskar' organised by the Lok Nayak Foundation at Kala Bharathi Auditorium here.  Supreme Court Judge Justice Jasthi Chalameshwar observed that not many Telugus got the prestigious 'Gnanapeth Award' due to lack of unity among the community. Referring to actor Manchu Mohan Babu's regret that he could not speak much in Parliament due to his inability to speak in English and Hindi, the Supreme Court Judge asked why should one feel odd at speaking in his mother tongue in Parliament when others were speaking without inhibitions in their own language.

Githam University Chairman M.V.V.S. Murthy, who was the chairman of the evening event, described Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad as the champion of Telugu literature and culture.

Parents blamed

A.P. High Court Judge Justice Goda Raghuram blamed the parents for encouraging their children to learn English language at the cost of Telugu. Mr. Mohan Babu shared touching experiences of association with NTR and the values he stood for. Later, cash awards were presented by Justice Chalameshwar to literary artist Hanumath Shastry and social worker Sunkapalle Rajyalakshmi. Former Minister Mandali Buddha Prasad praised the contribution of Lok Nayak Foundation for furthering the cause of Telugu language and culture. Jaggi Reddy Troupe from Mahabubnagar enthralled the audience.

Soure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRfxv857TA0

Subbanna Satavadhani presented Loknayak Foundation award

Rosaiah recalls his association with the litterateur

Eminent Telugu and Sanskrit scholar, ‘Avadhana Pitamaha' and ‘Swarnakireetadhari' Cuddapah Venkata Subbanna Satavadhani was presented the seventh Loknayak Foundation award at a glittering function here on Tuesday.

Former Chief Minister K. Rosaiah honoured the scholar while chairman of Dolphin Dairy M. Appa Rao handed over a cheque for Rs.1.25 lakh as part of the award, described as ‘Gnanapith award in Telugu land'.

Replying to the felicitation, the 85-year-old Dr. Subbanna who was accompanied by his wife, said he rated the award higher than the over 10 kanakabhishekams to him. It was next only to the honour bestowed on him by Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham Mahaswami late Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi who made him ‘Aasthana Sathavadhani' of the Peetham after his scintillating show there. He had given performances for nearly half a century and had planned to quit after producing a 100 Avadhanis in the State, the scholar who continues to write a book every year even in his ripe age, said. Dr. Rosaiah recalled his association with the litterateur and said the latter was incomparable. GITAM University president and former MP MVVS Murthy presided. Earlier, Dr. Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, chairman of Loknayak Foundation, welcomed the gathering and said that the award was being given away every year to great literary personalities on the occasion of the death anniversary of N.T. Rama Rao and Harivansrai Bachchan. NRIs Kaja Rama Rao and Nadendla Gangadhar, former Minister Mandali Buddha Prasad, and Gumma Sambasiva Rao spoke.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/subbanna-satavadhani-presented-loknayak-foundation-award/article1101983.ece

‘Somasundar an inspiration to many writers’

Lok Nayak Foundation Award presented

VISAKHAPATNAM: “Avantsa Somasundar is a committed writer. He has fought against tyranny. He is a poet, novelist, literary critic, essayist and his works enriched Telugu literature. Equality to all is the buzz word for him. His literary works crossed the boundaries of caste, creed, and religion.
A nonagenarian, he is the spokesman of modern Telugu literature,” said speakers at the Lok Nayak Foundation Award for Literature function here on Monday.
The prestigious Award, instituted by former MP Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad in 2005, was conferred on noted poet and the author of ‘Vajrayudham’ Avantsa Somasundar this year. The award was given on January 18 of every year to mark the death anniversary of N.T. Rama Rao and Harivamsa Rai Bachchan.
The speakers included, Chairman of AP Legislative Council A. Chakrapani, Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University Beela Satyanarayana, former Minister M. Buddha Prasad, Gitam University chairman M.V.V.S. Murthy, literary critic and retired professor Chandu Subba Rao, senior journalist A. Krishna Rao and vice-chairperson of Vignan Educational Institutions Lavu Rudrama.

In his opening address, Dr. Lakshmi Prasad, referred to the importance of north Andhra, which had produced literary giants like Gurajada, Sri Sri, Puripanda, Ronanki and asserted that he was committed to making the ‘city of destiny’ the cultural capital of the State. January 18 should be remembered as the day of literary jamboree, he said.

Describing Somasundar as the spokesman of modern literature, Prof. Subba Rao recalled the revolt against injustice and tyranny, commitment to the down-trodden, and humanism in all his works. His works virtually declared a war on fanaticism and narrow mindedness, Prof. Subba Rao said.

Mr. Murthy said the satisfaction of honouring our own people was more than getting Jnana Peeth Award.

Mr. Buddha Prasad said the objective of literature should be universal good and Somasundar’s works did that. He was an inspiration to many a modern writer, he said.

‘Greatness of Telugu’

Recalling the greatness and sweetness of Telugu language, Mr. Chakrapani observed that a leader with love for literature and fine arts would make a better ruler and administrator and recalled the rule of Sri Krishnadevaraaya as an example. He also called upon literati to make efforts to remove misunderstanding among people of different regions. He also advocated research into Telugu language and literature. Responding to the felicitations, Mr. Somasundar, referred to the Jnana Peeth Award which was set up in 1961 and asserted “I am not pining for the Jnana Peeth Award and even if it is given to me, I will reject it.” He said the praise that was lavished by speakers was for his works and not for him personally. He said he would not use the award money, Rs.1.25 lakh, for his personal use but spend it for people’s welfare. Secretary of the foundation Babayya proposed a vote of thanks.

Soure: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/somasundar-an-inspiration-to-many-writers/article686586.ece

‘Kara Mastaru’ to receive Lok Nayak Foundation award

Award to be conferred by Union Minister
VISAKHAPATNAM: Noted short story writer Kalipatnam Rama Rao will receive the fourth annual Lok Nayak Foundation award for litterateurs at the AU Ambedkar Assembly Hall here on Friday morning.

Informing this to media persons here on Thursday, president of LNF and former MP Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad said the award, instituted on the lines of the prestigious Gnanapeeth award carrying Rs.1 lakh in cash and a citation, was being given on the occasion of the death anniversaries of N.T. Rama Rao and Harivanshrai Bachchan on January 18. “This year, Union Minister of State for Human Resources Daggubati Purandareswari will give away the award to Kara Mastaaru, who hails from Srikakulam and penned hundreds of stories besides setting up a library in the name of Kathanilayam. The earlier recipients of the award were Malati Chandur, Boyi Bheemanna and Vasireddi Sitadevi. Chief Justice of Assam High Court J. Chalameswar will preside over the function while State Minister for Animal Husbandry Mandali Buddha Prasad, MP Mallu Ravi and former MP MVVS Murthy will attend,” he said.

He also said there were plans to increase the cash component of the award to Rs.2 lakhs next year and up to Rs.5 lakhs in the future to honour great Telugu writers.

Soure: http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/18/stories/2008011851030300.htm

Kalipatnam Ram Rao receives Lok Nayak Award

Visakhapatnam, Jan 18 (UNI) Telugu short story writer Kalipatnam Ram Rao received the Lok Nayak Foundation Award at a function here today. Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development D Purandeswari, while giving the award, appreciated the efforts of Mr Rao and said his work would go beyond the current generation and continue to guide many persons in achieving recognition for their literary work. Lok Nayak Foundation Founder President and former parliamentarian Y Lakshmi Prasad said the award instituted on the lines of the prestigious 'Gnanapeeth' Award is given away every year. The award, comprising Rs one lakh cash and a citation, is given on the death anniversaries of N T Rama Rao and Harivanshrai Bachchan falling on January 18, he added.

Source: http://news.oneindia.in/2008/01/18/kalipatnam-ram-rao-receives-lok-nayak-award-1200661531.html

Click here to read the Speech by the then Speaker of Lok Sabha on 18th January 2008
Address At the Function to Felicitate Shri Kalipatnam Rama Rao, Visakhapatnam, 18 January 2008.

Vasireddy Sita Devi feted - Lok Nayak Foundation award presented to the writer

The award carries Rs.1 lakh in cash and citation.
'Gender bias inspired me to take to writing'

VISAKHAPATNAM: Journalist Kuldip Nayar has regretted that the benefits of freedom were yet to reach the common man nearly six decades after India attained Independence.

Participating as chief guest at a function organised to honour renowned Telugu writer Vasireddy Sita Devi with the Lok Nayak Foundation Award, here on Thursday, he lamented that many villages still do no have access to basic amenities like safe drinking water. The growth rate of 10 per cent to 15 per cent, which was being talked about, reflected only the development of the privileged few at the top. He suggested that a study should be made to find out who had benefited after the implementation of economic reforms 15 years ago. "If this is the state of affairs, we have not only betrayed the Mahatma but also our Independence," he said.

Clashes

Referring to the clashes between Hindus and Muslims, he said that `tolerance' and `secularism' which had held Indians together for centuries and helped it in the path of progress, was slowly giving way to intolerance and hatred. He felt that intolerance of any kind be it in the name of region, religion or caste would fragment the country and hinder its progress.

Mr. Kuldip Nayar expressed concern at the media and the judiciary tilting towards the establishment and felt that it would halt the progress of the nation. He said that social justice should be achieved through peaceful means and efforts should be made to realise Gandhiji's dream of providing minimum standard of living to every citizen of the country.

Former Karnataka Governor V.S. Rama Devi described Vasireddy Sita Devi as one among the few great Telugu writers who had contributed immensely to Telugu literature in a career spanning over four decades.

Former Mayor Rajana Ramani said that in her very first novel `Adavi Malle', Vasireddy had depicted the sufferings of the poor and her second one `Samata' had won the AP Sahitya Akademi Award. Founder president of the Lok Nayak Foundation Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad briefed about the objective of the foundation. The award carries Rs.1 lakh in cash and a citation.

Replying to the felicitation, Ms. Vasireddy Sita Devi felt that a writer should contribute to the progress of society through literature. The gender discrimination she had seen as a child had inspired her to take to writing to reflect on contemporary social issues. She said that she regarded the foundation award as `Gnanapeeth Award'.

Former MP M.V.V.S. Murthy, Avanigedda MLA M. Buddha Prasad, former Mayor Sabbam Hari and Chairman of Vignan Educational Institutions L. Rathaiah were among those who spoke.

Soure: http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/19/stories/2007011917850300.htm

Loknayak Foundation © 2014