HYDERABAD: Disputing with the established belief that Nannaya Bhattarakudu was the first Telugu poet, Telangana Jagruti president and TRS MP K Kavitha said that there were some Telugu literary works much earlier than Nannaya Bhattu’s time.So far, it has been believed that Nannaya, who lived in the 11th century, was the earliest known author in the Telugu language. But, a poem, carved on the rock of an ancient hillock, Bommallamma Gutta, in Karimnagar district, dates back to 947 BC, contradicting that belief.She made this remark in the backdrop of a growing clamour for declaring Pampadu, the Adi Kavi of Kannada language and a Telugu man, as the real first Telugu poet as the “Kanda padya” found on the Bommallamma Gutta was written by Pampadu and his brother Jeenavallabha.
“It was Palkuriki Somanatha (1289-1323) who was the first poet to write independent kavyas in Telugu and he should be treated as Adi Kavi (first poet) in Telugu literature,” she felt.“Basava Purana, produced by Somanatha in dwipada form (metrical couplets), is considered to be the first independent work in Telugu (without the influence of Sanskrit literature). The first compilation of a hundred poems in Telugu is Vrushaadhipa Satakam and the first illustrative book, Basavodaharanam, are attributed to Palkurki Somanatha who hailed from Palakurthi in present-day Jangaon district,” the MP said.
Kavitha addressed more than 100 international delegates, who came from 42 countries, on the last day of the World Telugu Conference.Like her father KCR, who has a good grasp of Telugu literature, she
made a presentation on the history of Telugu literature with special emphasis on Telangana’s contribution to the growth and enrichment of Telugu language.
“Telugu is a very ancient language. We find its evidence across Telangana. Gathasaptasati written in Prakrit by Salivahana King Hala in the 1st century BC was infused with Telugu words. Coins found at Kotilingala in Karimnagar district provide archaeological proof that Telugu language flourished in 3rd century BC. The inscribed coins belonged to Gobada, first Telugu King who ruled from Kotilingala,” Kavitha said.
A full story in a sentence? Nalgonda teacher sets record
Rajitha S @ Hyderabad: Is it possible to narrate a short story in one sentence, that too in Telugu language? A school teacher from Nidamanur of Nalgonda district made it possible, during the final day of World Telugu Conference, on Tuesday. Setting a record for longest sentence in Telugu language, teacher Karnati Srinu Kumar, has made a place for himself at Telugu Book of Records (TBR), set up to highlight talented Telugu people across the globe.
The sentence which put him on the record is of 136 words and narrates a story titled Arbhakuni Andalam. Interestingly, every word in the sentence begins with the first letter of the Telugu alphabet ‘Aa’. The single sentence also is grammatically correct and has all parts of speech. This is the second time that the 39-year-old headmaster of a government school in Nalgonda district, has attempted this. The record of the first longest sentence in Telugu also belongs to him. The first story is called Nade Pitta - Pittaladora Katha.
Kavitha’s presentation held everyone in awe
Much to the surprise and awe of the packed auditorium, Kavitha gave a short presentation on the history and evolution of great poets who belonged to Telangana region writings. It was a show of slides and comments, written by her in hand, brought to light interesting facts about Telugu.
TVV opposes World Telugu Conference, calls it brahmanical
Hyderabad: Telangana Vidyavanthula Vedika on Tuesday criticised State government for encouraging Brahmanical system through the just concluded World Telugu Conference. TVV president Gurijala Ravinder, at a press conference, said, “The list of poets invited reflects that the event is inclined at promoting Brahmanical ideas. Whereas poets like Gaddar, Andeshi and Vimalakka, who played an important part in Telangana struggle, have been ignored.”