Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday released Abhinava Vimarsaku Margadarshi Cattamanchi, a critical study of literary scholar Cattamanchi Ramalinga Reddy by Velamala Simmanna, former Head of the Department of Telugu, Andhra University, at an event organised by Vignan Educational Institutions, Timmapuram.

Speaking 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 Andhra University’s emergence as an institution of international standing as “unparalleled”. He commended the book as a scientific and authoritative work of criticism, noting that it was Simmanna’s 100th publication, coming months after Andhra University marked its centenary in April. Mr. Naidu referred to Ramalinga Reddy’s works, including Musalamma Maranam and Artha Sastramu, and appealed for wider efforts to preserve and promote the Telugu language.

Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, writer, who presided over the event, said the volume would benefit students preparing for competitive examinations 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 Ramalinga Reddy had applied Western critical theory to Telugu literature after studying classical Indian rhetoricians such as Bharata, Dandin and Mammata.

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