Nikku Appanna, a retired botany professor from Srikakulam, has authored 'Naa Ramudu', a simplified retelling of the Ramayana in Telugu to help children connect with ancient values.

  • 84-year-old Nikku Appanna has authored 'Naa Ramudu', a simplified Telugu version of the Ramayana.
  • The book aims to bridge the gap between complex classical verses and young readers.
  • Appanna served as a botany professor at Loyola College for 35 years.

SRIKAKULAM, Andhra Pradesh: At an age when most people opt for a quiet retirement, Nikku Appanna has embarked on a mission to preserve cultural heritage. The 84-year-old retired botany professor from Buditi village has rewritten the epic Ramayana in simple Telugu, ensuring that the profound lessons of the Valmiki Ramayana are accessible to the younger generation.

His latest literary contribution, titled 'Naa Ramudu', meticulously covers the essence of the original epic. While the traditional Valmiki Ramayana consists of 24,000 complex verses spread across seven 'kandas' (chapters), Appanna’s version strips away the linguistic barriers. He believes that if children can grasp the values and ethics of Lord Rama in their own language, they will find a clearer path in life.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the accessibility of classical literature is a growing concern in the digital age. As language evolves, the gap between ancient texts and modern comprehension widens. By simplifying the narrative without losing its sanctity, Appanna is performing a vital service in maintaining the continuity of cultural and moral education in Andhra Pradesh.

The young generation will certainly understand all the points easily with the simplified writing style.

Born in 1942, Mr. Appanna's life has been dedicated to education and literature. He spent 35 years teaching botany at Loyola College, Vijayawada. Since his retirement, he has become a prolific author, having written works such as 'Bhava Tarangini', 'Geya Sudhabinduvulu', 'Vyasa Manjari', and 'Naa Janmabhoomi-Buditi'.

Historical Background

The Ramayana is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. Traditionally composed by Sage Valmiki, it serves as a guide to 'Dharma' (righteousness). The complexity of the original Sanskrit and the high-register classical Telugu often make it difficult for modern children to engage with the text directly, necessitating simplified retellings like the one provided by Mr. Appanna.

The book was recently released in Srikakulam in the presence of former MLA Gunda Lakshmi Devi and Indian Red Cross Society Chairman P. Jagan Mohana Rao. Both leaders lauded Appanna's dedication, noting that his work proves that age is never a barrier to contributing meaningfully to society.

Did You Know?: The Ramayana is structured into seven distinct sections known as 'Kandas', ranging from the Bal Kanda to the Uttara Kanda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the purpose of the book 'Naa Ramudu'?
Answer: It is designed to retell the Ramayana in simple Telugu so that children can easily understand the epic's values.

Question 2: Who is the author of 'Naa Ramudu'?
Answer: The author is Nikku Appanna, an 84-year-old retired botany professor from Srikakulam.