Gidugukaadu Pidugu

‘Gidugukaadu Pidugu,’ (he is not Gidugu but a thunderbolt!) is how Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy is fondly addressed by his ardent fans. Known for his fire, tenacity and intense passion for language, this linguistic expert is regarded as a reformer of Telugu language

Two books –TondanaaduKatalu (40 Tamil and Telugu stories by different authors and compiled by Savem Ramesh and OtraPurushottam) and ‘Irula Doddi Batukulu’ by Nandyala Narayan Reddy were released on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary, celebrated a Lamakaan on the 28th of this month. Aadapaala Subbareddy the organiser shared that they pressurised the government to bring out a stamp of Sri Gurajaada Apparao and would be releasing a Gidugu stamp too, next year.

On the eve of Gidugu’s birth anniversary Saamala Ramesh Babu, President ‘Telugu Bhashodyama Samaakhya’ and a follower of Gidugu’s philosophy addressed the small gathering at Lamakaan, recalling Gidugu’s work, saying “It’s because of this flame lit by the great philanthropist and historian that colloquial Telugu language has survived several onslaughts on it”. Also present were Professor Jayadhir Tirumala Rao who served at Telugu University, Vedagiri Rambabu, Telugu Historian, Nandyala Narayan Reddy –writer Irula DoddiBatukulu, Otra Purushottam –writer.

Born into an orthodox Brahmin family, a staunch humanist that he is, Gidugu never hesitated to call a spade, a spade. Often misunderstood as abrasive it was this fierce love for humanity that made him stand against all odds and fight for the cause he lived—i.e., promoting the colloquial language and accepting a human being as he is. It is not surprising to hear that Gidugu learnt the ‘savara’ (an ancient tribe that lives in the northeast of India) language from Tavudu, a man from that tribe, despite the fact that the latter was an unkempt and uncivilised man from the forest, much to the dismay of his orthodox family. Such was his flair for languages and yearning to keep various beautiful dialects alive.

Insisting on the need to spread colloquial Telugu language usage, members of ‘Telugu BhashodyamaSamaakhya’ ‘educate’ people on the basics of ‘vyaavahaarikabhaasha’ with simple text book they have printed like Telugu Vani-Vaachakam. Several children are learning the language the easy way, through this book and also started teaching those who wish to read and write Telugu.

Saamala Ramesh Babu said that Telugu which is also known as ‘UtpattiBhaasha’ -one which generates many other languages, is on the verge of extinction as the Telugu medium schools are slowly disappearing and the language is not being taught in schools. It was apparent that these crusaders of language want to keep the language alive, but it would have been more effective if they had a plan in place to reach out to the youth, who need to see the real value in this mission. Bhoodevi, a singer offered song in her mellifluous voice about the sweetness of Telugu and the need to use English only as much as it is needed. After the book release other language experts also addressed the gathering, urging people present to put Telugu language to use.

All in all the motto of the event, ‘save thy language’, didn’t seem to have perpetrated well, as there were practically no youngsters at all present in the event. It would have been good if the organisers motivated children and youngsters and gave them a taste of the language. Also, it is said that Gidugu never perpetuated any anti-English feeling even during that time as he knew it wouldn’t be a wise idea to shun a language and love another. Hence the take away from the event is reviving your language and remembering your roots.

The celebrations would conclude tomorrow-29th August at 5.30 pm at SundarayyaVignanaKendram.