Rich tribute paid to ‘Mahakavi' Sri Sri

Poet Sri Sri's daughters Manjula, Mala and Mangala, with Kalyana Rao and Vara Vara Rao
HYDERABAD: The birth centenary of ‘Mahakavi' Sri Sri aka Srirangam Srinivasa Rao was celebrated with fanfare in city on Friday with his fans going all out to relive the poet/writer's extraordinary literary works.
A series of programmes were held in different parts of the State too. Abhyudaya Rachayitala Sangham (Arasam) organised a programme on Tank Bund here, where floral tributes were paid at the statue of the popular poet. The 31st re-print of his epic-work ‘Mahaprasthanam' was released on the occasion. Praja Natya Mandali organised another fete in Ravindra Bharati.
Speakers at different programmes recalled how Sri Sri transformed into the first modern Telugu poet, whose writings reflected the contemporary issues confronting the day-to-day to life of common man. They also referred to how ‘Mahaprasthanam', an anthology of poems published in 1950, rocked the Telugu literary world.
Chief Minister K. Rosaiah led the State in paying tributes at a function in Jubilee Hall here to the outstanding poet terming him as one of the top litterateurs of 20 {+t} {+h} century. He referred to the exceptional talent of the popular writer, who penned his first poem at the age of eight years. Recalling the sensational ‘Mahaprasthanam', Mr. Rosaiah said the epic work brought name and fame to Sri Sri leading to the title of ‘Mahakavi'. Much to the surprise and delight of the audience, the Chief Minister recited a portion of the popular work.
He said the poem ‘Maro Prapancham, Maro Prapancham' inspired lakhs of people. This was evident from the fact that ‘Mahaprasthanam' had gone for over 30 re-prints. The Chief Minister also spoke about lyrics penned by Sri Sri for Telugu films. Later Mr. Rosaiah released a compilation of ‘Sri Sri Prathana Thriyam'. Praja Rajyam President K. Chiranjeevi also graced the occasion. Sri K.R.K.M. Memorial Academy of Fine Arts Mahakavi gave away Sri Sri awards here.