Venkaiah Naidu praises Cattamanchi’s contribution to Telugu literary criticism

Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday released Abhinavu Vimarsaka Margadarshi Cattamanchi, a critical study of literary scholar Cattamanchi Ramalinga Reddy by Velamala Simmann, former head of the Department of Telugu, Andhra University, at an event organized by Vignan Educational Institutions, Timmapuram.

On the occasion, held on Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Mr. Naidu described Cattamanchi Ramalinga Reddy as a pioneer of Telugu literary criticism and described his contribution to the establishment of Andhra University as an institution of international stature as “unparalleled”. He praised the book as a scholarly and authoritative work of criticism, noting that it was Simmann’s 100th publication, following months after Andhra University celebrated its centenary in April. Referring to the works of Ramalinga Reddy, including Musalamma Maranam and Artha Sastrama, Mr. Naidu appealed for wider efforts to preserve and promote the Telugu language.

Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, a writer who presided over the event, said the volume would be beneficial for students preparing for competitive exams and urged the institution to hold a monthly lecture on language and literature. Vignan Educational Institutions CEO Srikanth also spoke.

Jerra Apparao, Head of the Telugu Department, recalled that Ramalinga Reddy served two terms as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, from 1926 to 1930 and from 1936 to 1949. Mr. Simmanna said that Ramalinga Reddy applied Western critical theory to Telugu literature after studying classical Indian rhetoricians such as Bharadin Mamata.

Principal Purnima delivered the welcome address and Nalla Satyanarayana proposed the vote of thanks. Students, researchers and literary enthusiasts from the city participated.

Published – 04 Sep 2026 21:39 IST