| Rallabandi Kavitha Prasad | |
| Birth Date: | [1] |
| Birth Place: | Nemali, Gampalagudem mandal, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Birth Name: | Rallabandi Venkateswara Prasada Raju |
| Father: | Rallabandi Ramakoteeswararaju |
| Mother: | Rallabandi Ratnavardhanamma |
| Death Date: | [2] |
| Occupation: | Director of the Department of Culture (United Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana) |
Rallabandi Kavitha Prasad (born Rallabandi Venkateswara Prasada Raju)[3] was an Indian poet and Avadhani. He performed over 500 'Avadhanams,' which include satavadhanam (hundred-fold concentration) and dvisatavadhanam (double-fold concentration). Additionally, he has showcased his mastery in various avadhanas, such as navarasavadhanam (nine-fold concentration) and astadasavadhanam (eighteen-fold concentration), among others.[4] He achieved a Doctor of Philosophy from Osmania University through a rigorous exploration of the topic titled "Avadhana Vidya - Aaramba Vikaasaalu."[5] He was known by the title, "Avadhana RaaRaaju" (King of Kings of Avadhanam). He is survived by wife Nagini Devi and sons Ramakoteswara Raju and Samvaran Kashyap.
Rallabandi Kavitha Prasad was born in Nemali, Gampalagudem mandal of Krishna district (now NTR district) in Andhra Pradesh. He pursued his graduation in Sattupalli and later completed his B.Ed. from a college in Machilipatnam. He embarked on his career as a teacher, initially working in several private schools in the Bhadrachalam and Sarapaka areas. Eventually, he became a government teacher, where he demonstrated his commitment to promoting Telugu language and culture.[6]
During his tenure as a government servant, Rallabandi Kavitha Prasad's was selected for the Indian Information Service. He served as an Information Officer in Hyderabad. Subsequently, he successfully cleared the Group-I services examination, which led to his appointment as a Deputy Director in the Social Welfare Department. He further progressed in his career, eventually holding positions such as Regional Joint Director, Director of the Department of Culture in Andhra Pradesh,[7] [8] and an officer in the Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams[9] in the undivided Andhra Pradesh and later continued with his duties in newly formed Telangana.
Rallabandi Kavitha Prasad's contributions to Telugu language and literature are truly remarkable. He possessed an exceptional command over the Telugu language from the very beginning and showcased his mastery through various literary feats.[10] He excelled in forms such as Avadhanam, which involved spontaneous extempore composition and recitation. He performed Ashtavadhanam, Satavadhanam, and even introduced a new literary feat called Ashtadasa Avadhanam, comprising 18 pruchhakas. Throughout his career, he performed more than 500 literary feats (Avadhanam), astounding audiences with his linguistic prowess.[11]
His proficiency as an orator was equally notable. In the presence of renowned poet and Gyanpith awardee, Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, Rallabandi Kavitha Prasad presented 300 poems in the style of Kanda Padyam extempore, a rare feat. Dr. C. Narayana Reddy felicitated him and conferred upon him the title "Aasu Kavi Samrat" (King of Instant Poets). Furthermore, he organized the Live in Poem event, a captivating display of Telugu literature's beauty, in the presence of the presiding deity of Bhadrachalam temple, Lord Sitaramachandra Swamy.
In addition to his exceptional performances, Rallabandi Kavitha Prasad played a crucial role in organizing the fourth World Telugu Conference held in Tirupati in 2012.[12] This conference served as a platform for the promotion and development of Telugu language and literature.[13] [14]
He penned several collections of poems, with notable works including "Dhwani" and "Ontari Poolabutta," which received praise from readers. His other works such as "Agni Hamsa", "Kaadambini", "Avadhana Vidya - Arambha Vikasalu", "Padyamandapam", "Idi Kavisamayam" and "Saptagiridhama Srivenkateswara Swamy" further enhanced his popularity and reputation. Kavita Prasad was the author of "Avadhana Vidya - Arambha Vikasalu", "Padyamandapam", "Idi Kavisamayam", "Nooru teegala veena" (hundred stringed vena), "Sakti Upasana", "Dositlo Bhoomandalam", "Satavadhana kavita prasadam", "Dwisatavadhana kavita prasadam", .[15] [16]
Approximately a month before his death, Rallabandi suffered a severe cardiac seizure. Upon examination, doctors discovered blockages in three of his heart valves, and he was placed on a ventilator.[17] While medical professionals were considering a bypass procedure, both of his kidneys failed, leading to his deteriorating health. Unfortunately, he succumbed to multiple organ failure. He was 53 years old at the time of his demise.
Tragically, Rallabandi's case became entangled in bureaucratic complications, resulting in a delay in the release of funds for his medical treatment. However, upon realizing the urgency, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao intervened and expedited the process through a special order. Despite widespread praise for Rallabandi's contributions to Telugu culture and literature, his family reportedly faced difficulties in obtaining timely financial assistance for his medical care.[18]
Rallabandi Kavitha Prasad received several accolades and recognition for his literary accomplishments. The State Governor, ESL Narasimhan, honored him with an award in recognition of his literary achievements.