Visitors throng the Visakha Book Festival at the exhibition grounds behind the AU Convention Center on Beach Road in Visakhapatnam. | Photo credit: V. RAJU
Telugu literature was shaped by the intellectual and creative power of Uttarandhra, with Visakhapatnam emerging as a vital cultural centre.
The region produced influential writers who not only enriched the language, but also redefined its ideological and aesthetic direction. Figures like Gurajada Appa Rao, Sri Sri, Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry, Adibhatla Narayana Dasu, Srirangam Srinivasa Rao, Raavi Sastri and Patanjali Sastri broke away from rigid classical traditions and introduced progressive, socially conscious themes.
Their writings directly dealt with lived reality – addressing caste, class, gender and human dignity, thereby reshaping the very purpose of Telugu literature.
Against this rich literary backdrop, the Andhra University Visakha Book Festival, which runs till Friday (January 2), celebrates the legacy and vibrant spirit of Telugu literature. Organized by the Vijayawada Book Festival Society (VBFS) on the sidelines of the CITU Shramika Utsav, which has been promoting book reading for over 36 years, the exhibition affirms the idea that literature must remain accessible, dialogic and deeply rooted in society.
A book festival is about much more than selling books; it aims to bring writers and readers together and restore literature as a shared cultural experience.
“The festival encourages parents to consider books essential for a child’s emotional and intellectual growth. These festivals are no longer confined to elite urban spaces. They reach out to people across districts. A culture of reading that was once feared to fade is clearly reviving. Young readers in particular are actively seeking out classical and progressive Telugu literature,” said D. Uday Kiran, VBFS Coordinator.
Major works like Kanyasulkam, Mahaprasthanam, Jeevana Yatra and Chivaraku Migiledi are receiving renewed attention. Even novels published decades ago are finding a new audience today.
“The book exhibition witnessed an overwhelming response from readers across regions and ideological backgrounds,” said Mr. Uday Kiran.
Indira Parinika, student IV. class from Cambridge School, expressed her delight in buying storybooks and science fiction. She shared that reading gives her immense pleasure, especially when she feels stressed about her schoolwork. “Books help me relax and imagine new worlds,” she said.
The author (Gouthami Paltati) is an intern at The Hindu
Published – 01 Jan 2026 20:53 IST
