Andhra Pradesh: Annamacharya in Birmingham

Tirupati, Oct 29: The contributions of the 15th century Telugu Saint-Poet Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya to music, literature and spiritualism was fittingly remembered by the European Telugu Association (ETA) at Birmingham, very close to the birthplace of the greatest English Poet William Shakespeare, in the United Kingdom.

According to a release from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the ETA had taken the lead to conduct 600th birth anniversary celebrations of Annamayya at Stourbridge Town Hall in the UK with the co-operation of TTD and Department of Culture in Andhra Pradesh.

In his address, ETA President Rajasekhar Reddy said Annamayya's spirtual message was universal and timeless. The youth of the present generation should imbibe the essence of his values to develop into universal citizens and lead a useful life.

He also informed that the ETA was taking all steps to introduce great saint poets of Andhra Pradesh to the European audiences, especially the NRI Telugus to strengthen their bonds with their native culture.

TTD Chairman B Karunakar Reddy, who was the Chief Guest said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy had directed the TTD to take all steps for the dissemination of spiritual message of Annamayya all over the world.

The contribution of Annamayya to literature, music and bakthi philosophy was incalculable and his importance to the world of letters was comparable to that of great English poets like Shakespeare and William Wordsworth.

TTD Executive Officer K V Ramanachary said as part of the anniversary celebrations of Annamayya, the TTD planned to conduct 'Annamayya Sapthaswara Geethalapana' Programmes not only in India but also in other countries with the cooperation of various NRI Associations.

Earlier, the event started with Nagarasakeethana at Stour Bridge Town Hall.

Later, the Birmingham Balaji Temple priests conducted Sreevari Kalyanam amid hundreds of devotees from European countries.

TTD Annamacharya Project Director Medasani Mohan explained the relevance of Annamayya Kirtis to the audience.

UNI