Sanjeev Dev : A multi-faceted genius

Sanjeev Dev : A multi-faceted genius
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Highlights

The centenary celebrations of the creative writer, artist, orator and man of letters which took place in Tenali recently was an ode to his unlimited...

The centenary celebrations of the creative writer, artist, orator and man of letters which took place in Tenali recently was an ode to his unlimited talent

Suresh Chiluvuru

Creative writer and artist with aesthetic imagery, Sanjeev Dev was a multi-faceted genius with knowledge in psychology, Eastern and Western philosophies and linguistics. Everything in nature was his subject. The centenary celebrations of this great personality who was well versed in poetry and prose took place in Tenali on July 3.

Former Chief Minister Nadendla Bhaskara Rao, noted artist Padmasri SV Rama Rao, president of Chaitanya Vedika Dr Patibandla Daskhina Murthy, Kadiyala Ramamohan Roy and Kommana Radhakrishna took part in the celebrations. The reception committee was headed by Dr Daskhina Murthy, N R Tapaswi and Rayana Giridhar Goud.

Nadendla Bhaskara Rao released 'Sanjeev Deva Jivanaragam,' the biography of Sanjeev Dev written by Prof Ravela Sambasiva Rao, former registrar of Acharya Nagarjuna University. Sanjeev Dev's wife Sulochana Devi was felicitated as part of the celebrations.

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Born on July 3, 1914, in Tummapudi village of Duggirala mandal in Guntur district, Sanjeev Dev was always a man on the move. He left his home while in school to explore the Himalayas. He interacted with several great people as a young boy. However, he never forgot his roots in his native village Tummapudi from where he pursued his literary and art activities. He studied in public libraries and enriched himself with invaluable knowledge. He mastered a number of languages including English, French, Bengali, Urdu and Hindi. He produced several volumes in English and Telugu.

Asit Kumar Halder, Viswakavi Ravindranath Tagore's grandson and the man who started the first art school in the country, dedicated his book to Sanjeev Dev who was the first Telugu person to receive such honour. 'Kantimayi,' 'Tegina Jnapakalu', 'Rasarekhalu', 'Smruti Bimbalu,' 'Tejorekhalu' were some of his noted works in Telugu. His works were his reflections on his life.

sanjeev3He had produced more than 200 essays on various issues which reflect his aesthetic sense. Some of his works reflect his literary grandeur while others speak of his love for nature. He even produced murals with the mix of various colours. In addition to writing essays, critiques and analyses intended to promote Fine Arts, he was also a man of letters. His letters touched recipients of his letters. He was a good orator too. His deep voice enthralled the audience during his creative and critical speeches.

The artist in Sanjeev Dev surfaced whenever a flower blossomed, a rainbow appeared on the horizon, a crane landed on the branch of a tree. These are all subjects of his artistic presentation. He used to enjoy nature watching the passing clouds and moving boats in the Buckingham Canal. He produced a number of pieces of art though he never underwent any formal training in art.

The unique thing about him was that he had never prepared a sketch for his painting. Most of his paintings were miniatures. Letters to his dear friends included a miniature painting too. Pictures like mountains at a distance with light emanating behind them and a camp fire at the foot of a hillock touched the heart of connoisseurs. Many eminent personalities visited his home "Rasa Rekha' in Tummapudi. Though he is physically not present now, he continues to live through his letters, literature and colourful paintings.

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