The World Telugu Consortium successfully hosted its Fourth Online International Conference, an event that celebrated the richness of Telugu language and culture. Held virtually, the conference brought together Telugu scholars, literary icons, and cultural enthusiasts from around the globe. The highlight of the event was an enlightening keynote address by renowned U.S.-based author Sharada Poornashanthi, who captivated the audience with her comparative discourse on the Ramayanas of Valmiki and Kamba.

A Global Celebration of Telugu Heritage

Organized to promote the Telugu linguistic and literary legacy, the virtual format of the conference allowed for participation from Telugu speakers across continents — including countries like the USA, Malaysia, and Mauritius. This inclusive format reinforced the global unity of the Telugu diaspora. The event featured:

• Literary panels
• Cultural performances
• Scholarly discussions on Telugu traditions and epic narratives

At its heart was a focus on the Ramayana, one of India’s most revered epics and a cornerstone of Telugu literary evolution.

Sharada Poornashanthi’s Keynote: A Literary Exploration

Acclaimed scholar Sharada Poornashanthi delivered a keynote that blended literary depth with cultural insight. Her focus: the Valmiki Ramayana (in Sanskrit) and the Kamba Ramayanam (in Tamil), both of which have deeply influenced Telugu adaptations of the epic.

Key Highlights from the Speech:

1. Valmiki Ramayana: The Original Epic

• Authored by Sage Valmiki, this epic comprises 24,000 slokas across seven kandas.
• Sharada emphasized Valmiki’s portrayal of Rama as a human hero, whose journey reflects timeless human values.
• Notable Telugu adaptation: Ranganatha Ramayanam by Gona Buddha Reddy, composed in the dwipada style — the first major Ramayana in Telugu.

2. Kamba Ramayanam: A Devotional Reimagining

• Written by the 12th-century Tamil poet Kambar, this version adds lyrical depth and bhakti (devotion) to the narrative.
• Telugu poets were inspired by its emotional richness, adapting its aesthetic and spiritual tone into regional poetry and drama.
• Characters like Sita and Hanuman are explored with greater emotional complexity.

3. Telugu Literary Enrichment

• The Ramayana inspired a wide spectrum of Telugu retellings, from classical to modern.
• Works like Viswanatha Satyanarayana’s Ramayana Kalpavrukshamu, which won the Jnanpith Award, exemplify the epic’s evolution in Telugu.
• Sharada underlined how these adaptations preserve local dialects and folk traditions.

4. Bridging Literary Traditions

• Her comparative analysis highlighted how Telugu adaptations bridge Sanskrit and Tamil literary traditions.
• The speech was widely praised for making ancient texts relevant and accessible to a contemporary global audience.

The Ramayana’s Place in Telugu Literature

The Ramayana has long been a cultural and literary cornerstone in Telugu. Its values of dharma, sacrifice, and devotion continue to influence:

• Classical poetry
• Folk performances
• Modern storytelling in cinema and television

Noteworthy Telugu renditions include:

• Ranganatha Ramayanam – A pioneering adaptation in native poetic form.
• Ramayana Kalpavrukshamu – A literary masterpiece blending poetic grandeur with philosophical depth.
• Oral traditions and folk plays that localize the epic for regional communities.

Why This Conference Matters

The Fourth Online International Conference stood out as a landmark event for multiple reasons:

• Global Reach: Participants joined from across continents, symbolizing the unity of the worldwide Telugu-speaking community.
• Cultural Preservation: By focusing on foundational texts like the Ramayana, it highlighted the need to preserve classical literature.
• Youth Engagement: Introduced younger generations to the literary richness of their heritage.
• Academic Exchange: Scholars and authors used this platform to foster dialogue and ignite new research directions.

The event continues the legacy of major global gatherings such as the World Telugu Conferences (since 1975), previously held in Hyderabad, Kuala Lumpur, and Tirupati.

TeluguTone: Supporting Telugu Culture

At TeluguTone.com, we are dedicated to celebrating and promoting Telugu language and heritage. Through:

• Cultural event coverage
• Literary features
• Diaspora stories

—we aim to create a vibrant digital space for Telugu enthusiasts across the world.

Conclusion

The World Telugu Consortium’s Fourth Online International Conference was a powerful tribute to the global Telugu identity. Sharada Poornashanthi’s compelling exploration of Valmiki and Kamba Ramayanas reminded audiences of the epic’s timeless relevance and its enduring impact on Telugu literature. As the Telugu community grows globally, such events ensure that its cultural and literary treasures remain alive and accessible for future generations.