Sankarambadi Sundaraachari

Sankarambadi Sundarachari
Statue of Samkarambadi Sundaracharya, Tirupati
Born	(1914-08-10)10 August 1914 Tiruchanur, Madras Presidency, British India
Died	8 April 1977(1977-04-08) (aged 62) Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
Occupation	Poet, writer
Nationality	Indian
Notable works	Ma Telugu Talliki
Spouse	Vedammal

Sankarambadi Sundarachari (Telugu: Shankarambāḍi Sundarācāri; born 10 August 1914 – died 8 April 1977) was an Indian writer and poet in the Telugu language, although of Tamil origin. He was the writer of the official state song of Andhra Pradesh, Ma Telugu Talliki (lit. 'To Our Mother Telugu').

Early life

Sankarambadi Sundarachari was born on 10 August 1914 in a Tamil family at Tiruchanur, near Tirupati Madras Presidency, British India. Though his roots are in Hindu religious traditions, he used to protest certain rituals he perceived to be superstitions. However, he liked to study Sanskrit and Telugu at TTD High school, Tirupati. While studying high school final (S.S.C), atheism had more of an influence on him. This antagonised his parents and in a conflict, came out of his house to live on his own. He spent his life in utter poverty with doing odd jobs.

Life

After moving out of his parents house, for sustenance, he worked as a waiter at a Hotel.

He got disillusioned with the petty jobs and wanted to test his luck at Andhra Patrika, a Telugu daily newspaper, whose editor was freedom fighter Kasinathuni Nageswara Rao. Kasinathuni was impressed with Sankaram and offered him a job. Sankaram joined the daily, but soon he could not continue there and resigned due to his overt independent attitude. He spend his last days at Ahobilam in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, at his relative’s house K P Ramesh.

Sankaram then decided to continue his education and completed B.A (Bachelor of Arts). He applied for 'Inspector of School education' and was selected for the post and the initial posting was in Chittor. His sincerity got him good name and popularity. However his profound love for Telugu language, poetry made him to focus more on it.

Literary career

In 1942, he penned Maa Telugu Thalliki, which became the state song for Andhra Pradesh later. At first, he penned this song for a Telugu Film Deena bandhu but for reasons not known, the director of the film didn't keep it in the film. So Sankaram got disheartened but HMV Gramphone company bought this song for a 116 Rupees. The music for the lyrics were composed by Tanguturi Suryakumari and S. Balasaraswathi. The album was released and it was overwhelmingly positively received by the public turning it as a great seller for the company.

He penned a different version of Ramayana by the name Sundara Ramayanam. Later on, he also wrote Sundara Bharatam, besides half-a-dozen other works. Unfortunately, none of his works are available for reprint, even with senior scholars, libraries or his relatives. With this, posterity is denied the opportunity of studying his great works. He wrote 'Buddhageeta' which was popular seller over 10000 copies.

He used to engage a renowned scholar of his time, Kapistalam Srirangachary in (friendly) literary duels and discuss politics with Madabhushi Ananthasayanam Ayyangar, former Lok Sabha speaker, both of whom resided in the same street.

His poetry was liked by all and in one such memorable moment, He was given a cheque of INR. 116/- and honoured by the then President of India, Rajendra Prasad and the Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru.

Personal life

When he went on a work to Kanchipuram, he came to know about the health conditions of the girl Vedammal from her parents whom he eventually married and started living at Tirupati. They were happy for some time, but later when she became ill (psychological imbalance) and soon after died. They had a daughter, but she also died at the age of 5. Having lost love of his life, Sankaram became unstable and led a wanderer life. He toured many places, written some books during this period and one such Buddha Geeta became popular and sold over 10000 copies. However, with his wayward and unstable life towards the end, he missed many opportunities and recognition in life. Thus remained an unsung hero who has not received due recognition and also monetary benefits. Forced to lead a poverty stricken life and ill health, Sankaram died in the year 1977.

Awards and felicitations

• Prasanna Kavi award, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati
• In the year 1975, on the occasion of 'World Telugu convention', he was honoured by the State government of Andhra Pradesh
• Tirupati Authority has installed a bronze statue in memory of him

Trivia

Faintly recalling Sankarambadi's death in the summer of 1977, another relative working in a bank has suggested to the Government to institute a chair in a university or a literary award in his memory.