A literary genius nonpareil

Bhadrachalam: A teacher-turned-Group-I services administrative officer who excelled in all major forms of Telugu literature, accomplished many feats including Avadhanam, and took the glory of Telugu literature to dizzying heights. This sums up the illustrious journey of late Rallabandi Kavita Prasad, whose contribution to the promotion of Telugu language is unparalleled.

During his stint as Group-I officer, he rendered yeoman service to promote Telugu language and was part of several crucial policy decisions taken by the State government to promote Telugu language.

He was born in Kanchikacharla, Krishna district. He pursued his graduation in Sattupalli and completed B Ed from a college in Machilipatnam. He worked as a teacher in many private schools in Bhadrachalam and Sarapaka areas. Later, he became a government teacher.

During his stint as a government servant, he was selected for Indian Information Service and posted in Hyderabad as Information Officer. Later, he was successful in clearing Group-I services and was posted as deputy director in the social welfare department.

He later became regional joint director. He also worked as director, department of culture, AP. He worked as an officer in the Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams. His services to Telugu language, culture and fine arts are memorable.

With is grip over Telugu, right from the word go, he displayed his complete mastery of the language. He performed Ashtavadhanam, Satavadhanam and even invented a new literary feat of Ashtadasa Avadhanam with 18 pruchhakas.

He performed Satavadhanam in Machilipatnam and Dwisatavadhanam in Vijayawada. He performed more than 300 literary feats (Avadhanam). He was also an eloquent speaker.

In the presence of Gyanpith awardee Dr C Narayana Reddy, Rallabandi Kavita Prasad belted out 300 poems in the style of Kanda Padyam extempore, performing a rare feat. Dr C Narayana Reddy felicitated him and conferred on him the title Aasu Kavi Samrat.

Earlier, he successfully conducted to the delight of lovers of Telugu literature Live in Poem in the presence of presiding deity of Bhadrachalam temple Lord Sitaramachandra Swamy.

He played a crucial role in conducting the fourth World Telugu Conference that was held at Tirupati in 2012. His literary style has left an indelible mark on many and his disciples are following in the foot-steps of their mentor and contributing their bit for development of Telugu language.

One of his disciples, Chigurumalla Srinivas of Bhadrachalam, has so far authored 50 Satakams (a collection of 100 poems). Recently, State Governor ESL Narasimhan honoured him with an award in recognition of his literary accomplishments.

Dr Rallabandi Kavita Prasad penned several collections of poems. Important among them is ‘Dhwani’, which has found favour with the people. Telugu University presented him with an award for the work ‘Ontari Poolagutta’. Other works like ‘Agni Hamsa’, ‘Kaadambini’ and ‘Saptagiridhama Srivenkateswara Swamy’ made him more popular.

By PV Satyanarayana