Sri City & Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam Pay Soulful Homage to Devout Poetess Tarigonda Vengamamba  

It was a enchanting blend that celebrated her achievements in literature through musical homage

The literary heritage of Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba, a celebrated poetess deeply devoted to Sri Venkateswara, took center stage during a vibrant literary and musical session organized collaboratively by Srivani, Sri City’s Spiritual & Literary Forum, and Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (SPMVV), Tirupati on Saturday at the SPMVV campus. The captivating fusion of literary appreciation and musical homage included insights into Vengamamba’s life, works, and musical renditions. The event featured renowned personalities and scholars, marking a captivating blend of literary appreciation and musical homage dedicated to honouring the great poetess. 

Dr. Ravindra Sannareddy, Founder Managing Director, Sri City, extended a warm welcome to distinguished guests and expressed joy at Srivani’s initiative, which has broadened its reach beyond Sri City. 

Prof. Depuri Bharati, Vice Chancellor, SPMVV, who presided over the programme thanked Sri City for arranging a musical homage to Tarigonda Vengamamba at SPMVV and shared her perspectives on the Devout Poetess. The chief guest of the event, Prof. Kolakaluri Madhu Jyothi, Vice Chancellor, Dravida University, Kuppam, highlighted the profound blend of artistic expression and devotion evident in the vivid illustrations of Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba. 

While Notable speakers, including Prof. Bhumana Kusuma Kumari, former Vice Chancellor of Sri Krishnadevaraya University; Mr. Bhuman (Sri Subrahmanyam Reddy), former Director of SVETA discussed the poetess’s life, literary contributions, and unique traits, Dr. Saikrishna Yachendra, a scholar, composer, singer, and Chairman of TTD’s Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel, led a mesmerising musical homage, captivating the audience with renditions of Vengamamba’s compositions.

Prof. Bhumana Kusuma Kumari emphasized Vengamamba’s simplicity, clarity, and profound devotion in works like ‘Venkatadri Mahima’ and ‘Dwipada Bhagavatham’. She highlighted the enduring faith in Lord Venkateswara, evident in the ritual ‘Muthyala Harati’ at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Mr. Bhuman portrayed Vengamamba as a social reformer, lauding her courage in challenging orthodoxy and advocating progressive ideas like gender equality and the rejection of caste-based discrimination.

Mr. Gandham Basava Sakara Rao, a researcher on Vengamamba, provided insightful analyses of each song. The singers included Malladi Anusha, Sushma, Siva Sravan and Naresh.  Babu, Partha Sarathy, Nataraj, and Chillara Subramanyam gave excellent support on percussion instruments. Nanda Nandana, Aadene Sivudu, Vanaruha lochana, Saranu Saranu Namdakumara, Nandanandana Te nomo namo, Ambudhi Sayana, Jagadeeswarudu vachchenu were some of the kirtanas rendered.

The enchanting fusion of recognising literary achievements and paying musical tribute showcased the program as a beacon of inspiration, attended by distinguished invitees and prominent figures from various fields. Dr. Subhashini, Incharge Telugu Department, SPMVV and Mr. Palleti Balaji, PRO, Sri City coordinated the programme. Mr. Ravindranath, PRO Sri City proposed vote of thanks.

Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba (1730–1817), who dedicated her life to Lord Venkateswara, remains an enduring inspiration for aspiring poets and a source of comfort for devotees. Her life and works highlight the transformative power of devotion and the ability of art to bridge the human and the divine. Through captivating verses and unwavering faith, Vengamamba continues to illuminate hearts and minds, solidifying her place as a literary and spiritual luminary.