Logo

The University, right from its inception, has been focusing upon the important objective of promoting inter- linguistic integration. Emphasis on the inter-lingual activity is doubled during the last one year by starting independent departments of all the four major Dravidian languages with emphasis on Translation Studies. In furtherance of one of its chief objectives, the University has started two important wings-inter-related but independent in character and function- Prasaranga and anusruJana. While Prasaranga is the general publication and extension services wing, anusruJana is designed not as a Department but as a Bureau of Translation with the chief motto of introducing the genius of one language speakers to the others involving all the professionals and senior translators in all the Dravidian languages both at home and abroad. Annamayya (1424-1503) is now a household name, thanks to the missionary zeal of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in popularizing Annamayya’s lyrical contribution among all sections of Telugu people by encouraging several scholars to undertake research and supporting renowned artists to spread the glory of Annamayya’s lyrics through their mellifluous voice. It all started with Sri Veturi Prabhakara Sastry and Sriman Rallapalli Ananthakrishna Sarma and Sri Gouripeddi Subba Rama Sarma some seven decades ago as the TTD entrusted them with the work of editing the large corpus of Annamayya’s Padams inscribed over several thousands of copper plates and preserved separately in the temple premises. They have done excellent work and laid foundations for textual criticism relating to the editing of the great lyrical heritage of the Telugus. Sriman Rallapalli Anantakrishna Sarma who has equal authority over literature and music gave tunes to several Krutis like ‘Brahma Kadigina padamu’ etc. Though stalwarts like Padma Bhushan Sri Mangalampalli Bala Murali Krishna participated in the ‘Yagna’ of popularizing the lyrical heritage of Annamayya, it is the immortal voice of Subbalaxmi whose name is synonymous with Bhakti in performance that made Annamayya’s lyrics reach the common man, closely followed by Annamacharya’s Project singers in multiple ways. Sri Mallik, Sri Rajaneekanta Rao and a host of other singers have given further shape to the rendering of Annamayya Padams.