BOOK REVIEWS
ENGLISH
Sri Andal’s Tiruppavai: An English adapation by Dr. Pemmaraju
Venugopala Rao; Editor: V. Choudary Jampala; Publishers: Vanguri Foundation of
America, PB 1948, Stafford, TX 77497, USA (For copies in India: Sri
Krishnasramam, Peda Muttevi Post, via Challapalli, Krishna Dt., AP); US $ 100
(Donation)
This excellently and
lavishly got up adaptation in English of Sri Andal’s TIRUPPAVAI (in Tamil) by
Dr. Pemmaraju Venugopala Rao is a feast to the eye and a connoissuer’s pride.
What with multi-coloured illustrations by Bapu (whose lines speak more
eloquently than many a Mahakavi’s verses) for the title and the
individual pasurams; and Indraganti Srikantha Sarma’s article on Sri
Lakshmana Yatindra, who encouraged bringing out this version; as also an
introduction in Telugu (with an English translation) by that great and
multifaceted penman Mullapudi Venkataramana add great charm to this already
charming outpouring of Andal’s heart.
With the
uncompromising design and layout by Vanguri Chitten Raju, this work is a treat
to behold and read. With the art plates and high cost production, this book
belongs to the rare genre of classic productions which appear only once in a
while. A proud addition to any good library.
- Vemaraju Narasimha Rao
Metverse Muse (Bi-annual journal): Edited by (Mrs) Dr.H.Tulsi;
Publishers: 21-46/l, Kakani Nagar, N.A.D. Post Visakhapatnam - 530009; Price:
Rs.50. $7 5 Pounds (Sterling) pp. 112
When we think of
traditional English poetry the famous names such as Wordsworth, Keats, Shelly,
Byron, Shakspeare come to memory immediately as their poetry is immortal. As
the times changed metered verse also suffered a set back. Free verse which is
more suited to express poet’s feelings fully, effectively and more forcefully occupied
upper place. This is the case with every language without exception. However
inspite of several new trends and innovations in the arena of poetry the metred
poetry still occupies its pride and respectful place. There are umpteen number
of metred poetry loved throughout the world and in this regard India, has its
commendable share. A band of lovers of metred poetry started a bi-annual
journal devoted to metred verse entitled “Metverse Muse” from Visakhapatnam
with (Mrs) Dr. H. Tulsi as Editor cum Publisher. The insignia printed on the
cover page of the 4th Issue (July’97) projects in unequivocal terms the aims
and objects of the Publishers. It reads thus -
The time has come at last for re-installation of metred verse as king and for his coronation
just a few pages between him and the throne Once again his lost crown he soon
will own Let us on this long looked-forward-to occasion Promise him allegiance
of boundless duration Though the
Head Quarters of the journal is at Visakhapatnam it transcended all the
geographical barriers of the world. The popularity of the journal is truly
reflected in the fact that the contributors hailed from every nook and corner
of the country and also from several foreign countries. The contributors
include such stalwarts like Dr. Niranjan Misra, P. K. Majumdar, Hyder Nayab Dr.
(Mrs) Louella Lobo Prabhu, S. Chandrasekaran, N. N. Murthy, Dr. Eric Poersch
(Canada) Peter Geoffrey Paul Thompson (England). Even poems of many novices
also are refreshingly enchanting. The wide response of the readers is
startlingly great. Though the journal is devoted mainly to metred verse
sufficient space is allocated to articles and essays, Prosody and several other
features. Views and Reviews on the contents of earlier journals is a novel
feature. Naturally this helps enhance the quality of the contents. Photographs
of the contributors is an added attraction. The journal with rich content and
so many novel features is a feast to the palate of the poetry lovers. It is a
boon and an oasis in the wilderness for them. The Publishers and the Editor
deserve all praise for this excellent format and rich content.
- Dr. K. R. K. Mohan, Hyderabad
Vistas of Integral Vision: By Dr. P. Subba Rayudu; Pp. 107; Rs. 35.
For Copies: Seva Sadan C/o Srinivasan
Enterprises, 1-14-234, Balamrai,
New Vikas Nagar, Secunderabad 500003
The irony of the man
is that though he knows much better of what is outside, he knows pretty little
about his inner Self. He already stepped on the Moon and is zooming towards
other distant Planets. Yet except his Physiological organs and their functions
had almost does not know about his inner powers. All of us have five senses.
Could there not be sixth or some more senses? There is Anthropological evidence
to show that the Home-Sapiens once possessed extra powers to the nose. Even
today certain Cannibal tribes of African and Brazilian jungles could scent
humans from a distance of few Kilometres. As a species hounds do posses this
power even today. It is believed that even snakes have this power. What about
Telepathy? How to explain premonitions, Clairvoyance or ESP? Though all these
defy scientific explanation within the frame of well defined laws their
existence could not be denied. In recent times a new discipline of science
known as ‘Para Psychology’ emerged and is fast developing. This branch tries to
explain occult phenomena on rational lines. Dr. P. Subba Rayudu who is also a
double master evinced keen interest in the inner realms of Self and higher
dimensions of the mind. He made an in depth study of the subject and attempted
to explain several such phenomena which are still questions to the scientific
community. His observations and explanations are thought provoking and
convincing. The book offers a rewarding study even to the common reader. Dr. P.
Subbarayudu deserves kudos for taking up a less touched subject.
- Dr. K. R. K. Mohan, Hyderabad.
TELUGU
Telangana Jateeyalu: (Collection of Telugu idioms of Telangana)
by Vemula Perumallu; Raikal (V & M), Karimnagar Dt. 505 460; Rs.100/- pp.
265.
Sri Vemula Perumallu
has done a great service to the Telugu literature by bringing out this
compendium of idioms and proverbs in general use in the Telangana region of
Andhra Pradesh. It reflects the enormous effort put in by him in collecting, collating
and editing the various dialectical usages among the Telugu people in this part
of the country. Each of these entries vibrate with the rustic vigour and the
profound common sense of the Indian villager. Many of these may border on the
obscene superficially, but are not so considered from the rustic’s point of
humour and making a point directly without beating around the bush. He has also
given concise explanations for the entries, on the appropriateness and the
context in which these are used. This highly useful reference work should find
a place in every library and be available to the readers and the writers alike.
- Vemaraju Narashimha Rao
TELUGU BLOOMS FROM THE STATES
1. America Telugu Kathanika
- Aidava Sankalanam (Nutana Kathalu); Edited by: Dr. Pemmaraju Venugopala Rao,
Pp. Not printed Price: 10$
2. America Telugu Kavita -
(Modati Sankalanam); Edited by: Dr. Pemmaraju Venugopala Rao; Pp. 115 Price: 10
US $
3. Metamorphosis (Telugu
Rachana Sankalanam) By Veluri Venkateswara Rao; Pp.71 Price: 10 US $
For Copies of all the books; Vanguri Foundation of America P.O. Box
1948 Stafford TX 77497 U.S.A
A popular quotation
from the epic Ramayana states that mother and motherland are superior to Heaven - Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargadap Griyasi. This axiom is amply proved in the efforts of Vanguri Foundation of
America. In the States the largest contingent of N.R.I. Scientists is from
Andhra Pradesh only. Many hold very high positions even some acting as advisers
to the President Bill Clinton on some important matters. There the Indians are
known for their hard work and intellect. Despite the fact that they find little
time to devote their attention to extra curricular activities, especially in
literary and cultural fields some enthusiastic people are working with devotion
to keep the image of Telugu language and culture high on the foreign soil.
The situation in the
States and for that matter in any other advanced country for the outsiders is
peculiar. They do not find much time to speak in their mother tongue. The first
generation of NRIs know Telugu fully well. The second generation especially
those born and brought up there is apt to know little Telugu which is spoken in
their homes. In any case the words used in day to day domestic life do not exceed
a hundred. In the outside as the society is a mixed one the common language for
communication is English only. The medium of education also is naturally
English. In the Weekends people are busy with shopping and meeting friends and
relations. With this scenario inspite of the fact that the N. R. Telugus wish
to keep alive their language it turns very hard to translate this into action.
However the situation saw a sea change with the emergence of Electronic media.
Internet and Website are there on which one could have access to Telugu papers,
books etc., The Software developed for Telugu printing made it possible to
publish Telugu books from America.
With such encouraging
situation a young and dynamic NRI Engineer Vanguri Chitten Raju took up the
lead in propagating Telugu literature and culture there, in America. He
established ‘Vanguri Foundation of America’ at Houston (Texas) and published a
series of books the latest being “America
Telugu Kavita”, “America Telugu
Kathanika” and “Metamorphosis.”
The former two were edited by the Bhismacharya of N. R. Telugus of America Dr. Pemmaraju
Venugopala Rao. The third one is an Anthology of Short stories by Veluri
Venkateswara Rao.
In this connection the
services of Dr. Pemmaraju Venuopala Rao deserve to be remembered. During 1971
he started a monthly entitled “Telugu Bhasha Patrika” from America. Though the
name suggested language or literature in reality it devoted maximum space to
science. As there was no scope for Telugu printing in America in those days he
got the magazine printed in Andhra while those working in the States
contributed the matter. It ran for about five years and faced infantile
mortality for obvious reasons. The same Venugopala Rao edited the books “America Telugu Kathanika” and “America Telugu Kavita” in which Patrika
he conducted story competitions relating to science fiction. That is why I
consider him as Bhishmacharya of N. R. Telugus.
With a view to
encourage the talents of N. R. Telugus Vanguri Foundation has been conducting
competitions in Telugu short story and poetry every year for the last three
years. The response was overwhelming. Besides the prize won entries, many other
write ups also were quite good. Hence the foundation decided to publish
selected ones in book form and the result is the emergence of the above
mentioned books. The development of Telugu Software made it possible to publish
the books from the States. The book entitled “America Telugu Kavita” contains sixty free verses including the six
prize won poems. All these poets though rooted in American soil didn’t forget
their mother tongue. They kept it refreshingly alive. Almost all of them are
quite good and fare fairly well with those written by native Telugu poets.
In the poem entitled “Om...Bhuuh” K. V. S. Rama Rao
amalgamates science with poetic flavour. The poem is about the Earth. In this
he describes the scientific truths-thus.
In a corner amidst the
infinite number of stars there
is a small Star (Sun) around which a group of Planets is rotating. Among the Planets
there is a very ordinary body called ‘Prithvi’ (Earth) which is
nothing but an infinitely small particle in the Ocean of Space. He renders this
meaning in beautiful Telugu.
In another poem
entitled “Moksham” (Salvation) G. V.
R. Sarma states that the concept of God is a myth.
Man only is the
creator of a mythical God. He installed him supposedly for his safety and
fulfilment of desires. If we openly say it amounts to self defame.
In her poem “Archana” (Worship) Rajyalaksmi Penumaka
highlights the concept of “Manava Sevee
Madhava Seva” (Service to humanity is serving God) She feels that God could
be found any where and everywhere in this beautiful nature. Some of the poems
written by others are really heart rending.
The book entitled “America Telugu Kathanika” contains
thirteen stories (not caring for the igneous number 13 though working under
western culture). The first prize won story entitled “Adrustavantudu” (Lucky
fellow) is a satire on the greed of some N.R.I.s who care only for amassing wealth
and riches. It has a sprinkle of subtle humour.
The second prize won
story entitled “Hundi” by Syam
Somayajula is an offbeat story. It has an excellent technique which only an
adept could carve. A day time robbery takes place in a Bank at Tirupati. The
cashier Bhakta hands over the bundles of notes at gun point. While giving the
last bundles he switches on the
wireless transistor which looks just like a notes bundle, secretly and mixes it
with the other bundles. It sends the wireless signals by which the police could
trace the thieves in no time. While leaving in a hurry the thieves leave some
bundles in the room. Bhakta the cashier who is otherwise honest gets the
temptation of pocketing them, thinking that the blame would fall on the heads
of the thieves. The police catch the culprits but for one. The fourth one is a
devotee of Lord Venkateswara and places half of his booty in the Hundi. Knowing
about this the police hatch out a plan to catch him red handed when he goes to
the temple at Suprabhatam time. Bhakta fears that if they catch him they would
find the shortage of other bundles which ultimately lead to further enquiries
in which his offence might come out. So he decides to place those bundles in
the Hundi. He watches the movements of the thief who just pours out the bundles
into the Hundi when police catch him. As the cash was already poured down which
mixes with other bundles no body comes to know even if de did not place the
bundles brought by him. What he does at that moment is a suspense which has to
be interpreted by the reader according to his line of thinking. Syam Somayajula
can become a very good writer if he pays serious attention.
Like this many of the
stories in the book are quite interesting, and the entire book is a good treat
to the reader.
The book “Metamorphosis” contains 17 stories and
articles put together written by Veluri Venkateswara Rao. All the stories are refreshingly
humourous. The first story entitled “Metamorphosis” is about a typical coastal
Andhra who migrates to the States changing (metamorphosing) as a ultra modern
American. The earlier part of the story brings to memory the travails suffered
by Barrister Parvatesam in connection with his voyage to England.
In the articles
section there are nine in total. Two are about Chalam and Sri Sri while others
are for time pass. The entire book gives an interesting reading.
Vanguri Foundation
deserves all praise for their commendable efforts. However absence of page
numbers in “America Kathanika” is an eye sore.
Vanguri Chitten Raju’s
“Danta Vedantam Katha” is hilarious.
He talks humourously and his pen also writes humour. In Telugu the word “Pallu”
means both fruits and dents. Referring to a Dentist he describes that near his
house Dr. Mathew’s “Palla Dukanam”
is there. Similarly he refers to the greedy doctor Dr. G. Reed as Dr. Greed. He
writes that an Arabian lady fixed dentures like those of a horse. (Arabia is
known for high breed horses). Like this there are many witticisms.
Satyam Mandapati’s “Turpu Padamara” is a thought provoking
story. In India the higher castes observe outcast system and untouchability.
Same treatment is meted out to them in the States by fundamental whites. The narration
and presentation are quite good.
- Dr. K. R. K. Mohan
TAMIL
Tiruppavai: V. S. Parthasarathy Iyengar, Kalai Arangam,
N/5 Adyar Apartments, Kottur Gardens, Chennai 600085; pages xiv + 137; Rs. 135.
This is a collection
of hymns of Andal, the Vaishnavite poetess of the Bhakti Movement of Tamil
Nadu. It contains the lyrics in Tamil with translation and detailed
commentaries in English. But, more importantly, the songs are set to music with
notations in Tamil by the late Shri Parthasarathy Iyengar. What distinguishes
this publication from others on Andal is the fact that the songs are in ragas
different from what one has been hearing in concerts for a long time. In
the fifties of this century, the trustees of the Andal Temple in Srivilliputtur
in Tamil Nadu requested the late Ariyakkudi Ramanuja Iyengar, the then doyen of
Carnatic music, to set Andal’s lyrics to music. Obviously they were not aware
of the traditional rendition, which had been almost forgotten. All these years
most of the musicians have been following the varnamettus as set by
Ariyakkudi. It appears that there had been another musical version, brought out
by Shri Chetalur Krishnamachari around 1907, which was based on the traditional
way of singing Andal’s Tiruppavai. Parthasarathy Iyengar followed this
version mostly in twenty out of the thirty songs in the publication. In the
cast of ten he changed the Ragas in order to avoid repetition. Thus he
may be said to have attempted the revival of an earlier tradition in the rendition of Tiruppavai.
The ragas of
Tiruppavai in the publication are different from those of Ariyakkudi’s as could
be seen from a sample of the more popular of the hymns.
Song Ariyakkudi
Parthasarathy
Margazhi Nattai
Bilahari
Mayanai Sri Todi
Thoomani Hamir Kalyani Mohanam
Orutti Makanai Behag Sankarabharanam
Male Manivanna Kuntalavarali Arabhi
Vanga Kadal Surati Surati
There is a saying: “Adi
Natta, Antya Surata.” (“Start a
concert with Nattai and end with Surati.”) This is the principle Ariyakkudi
followed for the first and the last songs of Tiruppavai, viz., Margazhi
and Vanga Kadal, which are also the first and the last in the list above. In
the publication Surati is retained for the last song but Bilahari takes
the place of Nattai for the first lyric. The change in the raga is
not inappropriate for two reasons. My guru, the late Veenai Vidwan Shri
Devakottai Narayana Iyengar, used to say that ragas with antara
gandhara are suitable for beginning a concert. Like Nattai, Bilahari also
has antara gandhara in its swaras. The song calls the gopis to
hurry up for their morning bath. It is appropriate to set it to a morning raga
like Bilahari. The songs are in different talas, some with eduppus
( starting points) other than from sama. All the 30 songs are meant
to be sung one after the other in the month of Margasirsa. One could
speculate whether Ariyakkudi would have undertaken to prepare the varnamettus
for Tiruppavai had he known that there was one already in existence.
Carnatic music is, however, richer by the availability of two versions of
rendering Andal’s immortal lyrics.
The proof of the
pudding is in the eating of it. At my request, Shri Srinivasan Rangaswami, the
publisher, sent me a couple of cassettes the rendering of all the songs by a
group of students of the late Ramapriya Rangaswami, who had learnt them from
Shri Parthasarathy Iyengar himself. The concert was held in the Indian Fine
Arts Society during the Music Festival in Chennai in December 1998. It won an
Award in the category of ‘best devotional music’. Normally, when one is used to
hearing songs in one set of melodies, it becomes a little difficult to
appreciate them, if rendered in a different set. In this instance, the flow of
songs in the concert is smooth and one hardly remembers the difference between
it and the way the songs have been rendered in recent times
under the Ariyakkudi paddhati. The musical enjoyment is complete.
The commentaries in
English are well written by Prema Nandakumar, a linguistic scholar. They bring
out the spiritual and philosophical content of the pasurams besides
giving their meanings in a simple manner easily accessible to the lay reader.
The songs exemplify the philosophy of saranagati (total surrender to the
Lord) and are also illustrative of Bhakti Sringara. Hence they are
popular with the dancers of Bharatanatyam. The English translation of the hymns
by Shri Bangaruswami is apt and captures the essence of the original. The book
is enriched by the Publisher’s Note, the Foreword by Vidwan V.
Viraraghavachariar and an Introduction as also by the inclusion of Varanamayiram from Andal’s Nachiar
Tirumozhi and Periazhwar’s Tiruppalandu.
The publication has an
attractive cover in glossy paper with the picture of Andal offering flowers to
Lord Ranganatha. It is generally free of errors and the quality of printing
is good. Each song is preceded
by an illustration which looks like a
Tanjavur painting. The only minor point I would like to make is that there
could have been an explanatory note on the symbols used in the notations (e.g.
underlining. semi-colon, etc.) for swaras and the beats of talas. Of
course, they are the standardised ones which could be obtained from other books
on music but their inclusion would have made the publication self-contained.
Andal is to Tamil Nadu
what Meera is to the North. While Meera has become a household word in Tamil
Nadu thanks to M. S. Subbulakshmi, Andal is practically unknown outside her
region with the exception of Sribhashyam Appalacharyulu’s Telugu work on the
hymns, artists in the fields of music and dance and students of Hindu religion
and philosophy. One hopes that the concerts of Tiruppavai will be held
in different parts of India with the active support of music sabhas. All
those concerned with the propagation of the traditional version should be
congratulated and thanked for the signal service they have rendered to Carnatic
music in popularising the efforts of Shri Parthasarathy Iyengar to make known
to the world the rendition of Tiruppavai that was reported to have been
in vogue at the turn of the century.
- A. Seshan, Mumbai.