Mysore Maharaja Praises Installation of Poet Molla’s Statue in Vijayawada
On September 14, 2024, Maharaja Yaduveer Krishna Dutta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the Maharaja of Mysore, commended the unveiling of a bronze statue honoring the renowned poet Atukuri Molla at Tummalapalli Kshetrayyavari Kalakshetram in Vijayawada. The ceremony, which featured the inauguration of the Telugu poet known for her work on the Ramayana, was described by the Maharaja as an auspicious event that would ensure the poet’s legacy remains eternal.
Popularly known as Kummara Molla due to her caste, the poet wrote the Ramayana in simple Telugu during the 16th Century under the patronage of Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya. Prior to Molla’s rendition, the epic had only existed in Sanskrit, making her translation a crucial step in making this revered tale accessible to the common people. The Maharaja expressed concerns over the diminishing regional languages in the face of modernization, stressing the importance of preserving these linguistic treasures that are deeply tied to the nation’s culture, traditions, and values.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage Stressed
The event was organized by the Andhra Pradesh Kummara Salivahana Sangham, led by former MLC Ailapuram Venkaiah. Notable attendees included Minister Kollu Ravindra, MLAs Mandali Buddha Prasad, Gadde Rammohan, and Yarlagadda Venkatarao, as well as MLCs Lakshman Rao and Rama Rao. Former MLCs and presidents of the Andhra Pradesh Kummara Salivahana Sangham, Ailapuram Venkaiah and Ailapuram Raja, were also present to pay tribute to the poet’s enduring contribution.
The ceremony highlighted the significance of regional languages and their role in preserving the diverse cultural tapestry of the nation. The Maharaja emphasized that the Ramayana, a revered ancient epic, serves as a cornerstone of these cultures, connecting people through shared narratives steeped in tradition.
Championing Linguistic Diversity
In a world increasingly shaped by globalization, there is a critical need to safeguard and promote regional languages that form the bedrock of our cultural identity. Through initiatives like the installation of Molla’s statue and the celebration of her literary legacy, communities are reminded of the rich heritage embedded in their linguistic traditions.
It is through such endeavors that the essence of our collective history and values are preserved for future generations, ensuring that the tapestry of cultural diversity remains vibrant and resilient against the tide of modernization that threatens to erode these invaluable linguistic treasures.
Empowering Local Narratives
As we celebrate the contributions of poets like Molla, who paved the way for the democratization of ancient epics by translating them into vernacular languages, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing and preserving the rich tapestry of narratives that define our cultural landscape.
By honoring figures like Molla and recognizing the transformative power of language in shaping our shared identity, we not only pay homage to our past but also lay the foundation for a future where linguistic diversity thrives as a testament to the resilience and richness of human expression.
Published – September 15, 2024 08:27 am IST