Date:03/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/03/stories/2007120361050400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Telugu varsity eyes Europe

Seeks to introduce Telugu in European Universities

Multi-lingual scholar B. Ramaraju gets lifetime award
Rs. 1.5 cr. allocated for cultural academies in State

HYDERABAD: Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University is now eyeing a few European universities to introduce Telugu language courses in Europe. The authorities are in talks with two universities in Europe and have sought financial help from the Government to fructify the proposal.

The Telugu University is already going ahead with its plans to introduce Telugu courses in Hebrew University, Israel from February next.

These details were shared by University Vice-Chancellor A. Manjulatha during the 22nd Foundation Day celebrations on Sunday.

Highest award

Renowned multi-lingual scholar and folk-researcher Dr. Biruduraju Ramaraju was presented with ‘Visistha Puraskaram’, the highest award of Potti Sree Ramulu Telugu University as part of the celebrations.

Revival of academies

The award, carrying a citation of Rs. 50,000 cash, is given for lifetime achievement in arts and literature.

Minister of Culture Anam Ramanarayan Reddy who presented the award to the eminent scholar, said that the Government was allocating Rs. 1.5 crore towards revival of cultural academies in the State.

“These academies would go a long way in reviving dance, drama and music. We are also working towards processing the 10,000 applications we have received from various artists for pensions,” Mr. Reddy said.

Minister for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Mandali Budha Prasad recalled several anecdotes of Dr. B. Ramaraju during his formative years.

“Despite lack of proper transport in those days, he single-handedly visited all the villages to record folklore and folktales.

Contribution

He is well known for his contribution in the freedom struggle and Telugu University should feel honoured in felicitating him,” he said.

Several writers, artists, senior journalists, researchers, past Vice-Chancellors and registrars from the university were present in the 22nd Foundation Day celebrations of the Telugu University.