125th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Shri Viswanatha Satyanarayana

News: The Vice President has inaugurated the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Viswanatha Satyanarayana.

Facts:

• Viswanatha Satyanarayana(1895-1976): He was a 20th century Telugu writer.He was the first writer to impart a true Teluguness to the Ramayana.His works included poetry, novels, dramatic play, short stories and speeches, covering a wide range of subjects.
• Significance: Through his works, he had highlighted the importance of imparting learning in the mother tongue, preserving culture and protecting nature.
• Important works:
  • In 1970, he was awarded the prestigious Jnanpith Award for his seminal work, Ramayana Kalpavruksham.He was the first Telugu writer to receive this award.
  • His novel Veyipadagalu was also translated into Hindi by former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao as Sahasraphan.
  • Other works include Ramayana Kalpavruksham (Ramayana the wish-granting divine tree), Kinnersani Patalu (Mermaid songs).