Dr. Viswanatha Satyanarayana
Dr. Viswanatha Satyanarayana (1895-1976), was the first recipient of Jnanapeeth award among Telugu writers, the highest honor at the central government level. He was honored as poet laureate at the State level, several other awards and honors, the list is endless. He is considered an institution in some ways.
Commenting on the unique talent of Viswanatha Satyanarayana, his son Pavani Sastri said that in Telugu Literature he was a” Sampradaya kavi”(a traditionalist), who believed in the authenticity and true heritage of Andhra people ,as evident in his twelve novels, published as a series, “Puranavairagrandhamala” (works elaborating on the antagonism of puranas). In these novels, he brought out a critical analysis of the western perception of Indian history, referring to the birth of Jesus Christ contextually. Dr Viswanatha logically argued that our Indian history has originated nineteen and a half million years ago per Hindu Almanac, and with quotations from ancient astronomical calendars.
Pavani Sastri referred to the numerous characters the author
has created in his other major works, particularly in “ Veyipadagalu.”
(Thousand hoods) and mentioned that this epic novel presented many types of
relationships including ideal marriage, divorce, homosexual relationships, etc.
Summarizing Sri Viswanatha’s traditional, metaphysical, poetic and prose
literature, Pavani Sastry said that these abilities qualified him to be a Yugapurusha,
a visionary with immense knowledge, a missionary of Indian philosophy, and a
scholar with varied viewpoints and a strong advocate of ancient Hindu dharma.
Last year, complete works of Sri Viswanatha Satyanarayana, library edition in 30 volumes, have been released at the 8th International ATA Conference in Chicago.
For further details on Satyanaranayana’s works, please contact Dr. Saradapurna
Sonty, saradapurna@yahoo.com.
