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{{Short description|Indian poet (1944–2022)}}
{{Short description|Indian poet (1944–2022)}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Multiple issues|
{{sources|date=January 2021}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2021}}
{{Like resume|date=January 2021}}
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{{Overly detailed|date=January 2021}}
{{Overly detailed|date=January 2021}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = Asavadi Prakasarao
| name              = Asavadi Prakasa Rao
| image              = Asavadi Prakasa Rao.jpg
| image              = Asavadi Prakasa Rao.jpg
| alt                = <!-- descriptive text for use by speech synthesis (text-to-speech) software -->
| alt                = <!-- descriptive text for use by speech synthesis (text-to-speech) software -->
| caption            = Prakasarao releasing a book in 2017
| caption            = Prakasa Rao releasing a book in 2017
| birth_name        = Aasadi Prakasam
| birth_name        = Aasadi Prakasam
| birth_date        = {{Birth date|1944|08|02|df=y}}
| birth_date        = {{Birth date|1944|08|02|df=y}}
Line 17: Line 17:
| death_date        = {{Death date and age|2022|02|17|1944|08|02|df=y}}
| death_date        = {{Death date and age|2022|02|17|1944|08|02|df=y}}
| death_place        = [[Penukonda]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], India
| death_place        = [[Penukonda]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], India
| nationality        = Indian
| other_names        =  
| other_names        =  
| occupation        = Poet, Writer, Sanskrit scholar
| occupation        = Telugu lecturer
| years_active      =  
| years_active      =  
| known_for          =  
| known_for          = Writer, poet, critic, scholar and speaker
| notable_works      =  
| notable_works      =  
| spouse            = Vaduguru Lakshmidevi
| spouse            = Vaduguru Lakshmi Devi
| mother            = Kullaayamma
| mother            = Kullaayamma
| father            = Teacher Pakkiirappa
| father            = Teacher Pakkiirappa
| awards            = [[Padma Shri]], (2021)<br> [[Kala Ratna]]
| awards            = [[Padma Shri]] (2021)<br> [[Kala Ratna]]
}}
}}
'''Asavadi Prakasarao''' (2 August 1944 – 17 February 2022) was an Indian poet, critic, translator and scholar, who is known for his poetry and prose works. He is noted for his significant contribution to [[Telugu literature|Telugu]] and [[Sanskrit literature]]. In January 2021, he was awarded India's fourth-highest civilian award the [[Padma Shri]] in the Arts and Literature category.<ref name=Timesofindia>{{cite news |title=Three from Andhra Pradesh get Padma Shri |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/three-from-ap-get-padma-shri/articleshow/80454719.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=26 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Andhra CM YS Jagan congratulates four Telugu Padma Shri award recipients |url=https://www.telugubulletin.com/andhra-cm-ys-jagan-congratulates-four-telugu-padma-shri-award-recipients-112112 |publisher=Telugu Bulletin |date=26 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sarma |first1=U Atreya |title=Dr. Asavadi Prakasa Rao - A Literary Luminary with a Fund of Goodwill |url=https://www.boloji.com/articles/49404/dr.-asavadi-prakasa-rao |publisher=Boloji |date=6 November 2016}}</ref> As Ashtavadhani, he has given 170 performances and has written and published 50 books across various genres.<ref>{{cite news |title=Four artistes from Telugu states honoured with Padma Shri |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/four-artistes-telugu-states-honoured-padma-shri-142169 |publisher=[[The News Minute]] |date=26 January 2021}}</ref> His most notable literary contribution is his performance of [[Avadhanam]] – a literary performance.<ref name=Timesofindia/> He has received an honorary [[D Litt]] from [[Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University]] and a Distinguished Teacher award from the Department of Higher Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh.<ref name=setumag>{{cite news |title=Asavadi Prakasa Rao |url=https://www.setumag.com/2017/08/Author-Asavadi-Prakasa-Rao.html |publisher=Setumag.com}}</ref>
'''Asavadi Prakasa Rao''' (2 August 1944 – 17 February 2022) was an Indian [[poet]], [[critic]], [[translator]] and [[scholar]], who is known for his poetry and prose works. He is noted for his significant contribution to [[Telugu literature|Telugu]] and [[Sanskrit literature]]. In January 2021, he was awarded India's fourth-highest civilian award the [[Padma Shri]] in the Arts and Literature category.<ref name=Timesofindia>{{cite news |title=Three from Andhra Pradesh get Padma Shri |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/three-from-ap-get-padma-shri/articleshow/80454719.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=26 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Andhra CM YS Jagan congratulates four Telugu Padma Shri award recipients |url=https://www.telugubulletin.com/andhra-cm-ys-jagan-congratulates-four-telugu-padma-shri-award-recipients-112112 |publisher=Telugu Bulletin |date=26 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sarma |first1=U Atreya |title=Dr. Asavadi Prakasa Rao – A Literary Luminary with a Fund of Goodwill |url=https://www.boloji.com/articles/49404/dr.-asavadi-prakasa-rao |publisher=Boloji |date=6 November 2016}}</ref> As Ashtavadhani, he gave 170 performances and wrote and published 50 books across various genres.<ref>{{cite news |title=Four artistes from Telugu states honoured with Padma Shri |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/four-artistes-telugu-states-honoured-padma-shri-142169 |publisher=[[The News Minute]] |date=26 January 2021}}</ref> His most notable literary contribution is his performance of [[Avadhanam]] – a literary performance.<ref name=Timesofindia/> He received an honorary [[D Litt]] from [[Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University]] and a Distinguished Teacher award from the Department of Higher Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh.<ref name=setumag>{{cite news |title=Asavadi Prakasa Rao |url=https://www.setumag.com/2017/08/Author-Asavadi-Prakasa-Rao.html |publisher=Setumag.com}}</ref>


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Asavadi Prakasarao was born to Kulayamma and Fakeerappa on 2 August 1944 in [[Korivipalli]]. His teacher Nanduri Ramakrishnamacharya changed his name to the optimist Prakash Rao.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|title=Noted poet, Padma Shri awardee Asavadi Prakasa Rao passes away|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2022/feb/18/noted-poet-padma-shri-awardee-asavadi-prakasa-rao-passes-away-2420926.html|access-date=18 February 2022|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Born into a Dalit family, he spent his childhood in the villages of [[Beluguppa]] and Sirpi. He did his primary education in the social welfare schools in those villages. He was educated at Potti Sriramulu Municipal Boys' School and Rajendra Municipal High School in [[Anantapur|Anantapuram]] between 1953-1959. He completed [[Pre-university course|PUC]] at Government Arts College, Anantapur between 1960-61. He also completed [[Bachelor of Arts|B. A.]] in 1962-65 from the same college. Special Telugu reader.  
Asavadi Prakasarao was born to Kulayamma and Fakeerappa on 2 August 1944 in [[Korivipalli]]. His teacher Nanduri Ramakrishnamacharya changed his name to the optimist Prakash Rao.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|title=Noted poet, Padma Shri awardee Asavadi Prakasa Rao passes away|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2022/feb/18/noted-poet-padma-shri-awardee-asavadi-prakasa-rao-passes-away-2420926.html|access-date=18 February 2022|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Born into a Dalit family, he spent his childhood in the villages of [[Beluguppa]] and Sirpi. He did his primary education in the social welfare schools in those villages. He was educated at Potti Sriramulu Municipal Boys' School and Rajendra Municipal High School in [[Anantapur]]am between 1953 and 1959. He completed [[Pre-university course|PUC]] at Government Arts College, Anantapur, between 1960 and 1961. He also completed [[Bachelor of Arts|B. A.]] in 1962–65 from the same colleger.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}


He later worked for a few days in Eluru as a Lower Divisional Clerk after passing in the [[Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission|APPSC]] Group-4 examination. He left that job as an obstacle to his progress and worked as a Telugu scholar in Venkatadripalle, Y. Rampuram, Kanekal, Kurli Zilla Parishad schools between 1965-68. He did [[Master of Arts|M. A.]]Telugu Linguistics from Anantapur PG Center (affiliated to [[Sri Venkateswara University]], [[Tirupati]]) between 1968-70. Since 1970 he has worked as an Andhra lecturer in Government Junior College, [[Rayadurg|Rayadurgam]], Government Degree Colleges in Anantapur, Guntakallu, Nagari, Punganur and Penukonda. He served as the Principal of Penukonda Government Degree College and retired in 2002.
He later worked for a few days in Eluru as a lower divisional clerk after passing in the [[Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission|APPSC]] Group-4 examination. He left that job as an obstacle to his progress and worked as a Telugu scholar in Venkatadripalle, Y. Rampuram, Kanekal, Kurli Zilla Parishad schools between 1965 and 1968. He earned a [[Master of Arts|M. A.]] in Telugu Linguistics from Anantapur PG Center (affiliated to [[Sri Venkateswara University]], [[Tirupati]]) between 1968 and 1970. Starting in 1970, he worked as an Andhra lecturer in Government Junior College, [[Rayadurg]]am, Government Degree Colleges in Anantapur, Guntakallu, Nagari, Punganur and Penukonda. He served as the Principal of Penukonda Government Degree College and retired in 2002.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}


== Career ==
== Career ==
Prakasarao was accepted as a teacher in [[Avadhanam]] Education. He made his first Avadhanam in 1963 at the age of 19.<ref name=":0" /> He was regarded as the only Dalit Avadhāni in Andhra literature. He performed 171 Avadhanams, a double octave, not only in Andhra Pradesh but also in other parts of India such as Taruttani, Arakkonam, Pallipattu, Hosur, Bengaluru, Bellary, Donimalai, Delhi etc. His observations were also broadcast on television and radio. He also gave some [[Impromptu]] performances.{{cn|date=January 2021}}
Prakasarao was accepted as a teacher in [[Avadhanam]] education. He made his first Avadhanam in 1963 at the age of 19.<ref name=":0" /> He was regarded as the only Dalit Avadhāni in Andhra literature. He performed 171 Avadhanams, a double octave, not only in Andhra Pradesh but also in other parts of India such as Taruttani, Arakkonam, Pallipattu, Hosur, Bengaluru, Bellary, Donimalai, Delhi etc. His observations were also broadcast on television and radio. He also gave some [[Impromptu]] performances.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}


== Death ==
== Death ==
Prakasarao died from cardiac arrest at his home in [[Penukonda]], on 17 February 2022, at the age of 77.<ref>{{Cite news|title=ప్రముఖ సాహితీవేత్త ఆశావాది ప్రకాశరావు మృతి పట్ల పలువురి సంతాపం.. నేత్రదానం చేసిన ఆశావాది!|url=https://m.ap7am.com/flash-news-735913/famous-poet-asavadi-prakasa-rao-passes-away|access-date=19 February 2022|work=ap7am.com|language=Telugu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Anantapur: Telugu poet Asawadi passes away|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/anantapur-telugu-poet-asawadi-passes-away-729921|access-date=18 February 2022|work=[[The Hans India]]|language=en}}</ref>
Prakasarao died from cardiac arrest at his home in [[Penukonda]], on 17 February 2022, at the age of 77.<ref>{{Cite news|title=ప్రముఖ సాహితీవేత్త ఆశావాది ప్రకాశరావు మృతి పట్ల పలువురి సంతాపం.. నేత్రదానం చేసిన ఆశావాది!|url=https://m.ap7am.com/flash-news-735913/famous-poet-asavadi-prakasa-rao-passes-away|access-date=19 February 2022|work=ap7am.com|language=Telugu|archive-date=19 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219054205/https://m.ap7am.com/flash-news-735913/famous-poet-asavadi-prakasa-rao-passes-away|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Anantapur: Telugu poet Asawadi passes away|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/anantapur-telugu-poet-asawadi-passes-away-729921|access-date=18 February 2022|work=[[The Hans India]]|language=en}}</ref>


== Literary works ==
== Literary works ==
*''Pushpanjali'': This book, published in 1968, contains poems recited by optimist Prakash Rao about the poetic glory of his teacher when he went to the attention meetings along with Dr. CV Subbanna Shatavadhani.
* ''Pushpanjali'' (1968)
*''Varadarajasathakam:'' An arrow pointing at the inequalities in society. Vanadhija Manoj! There are 108 poems with a crown called Varadaraja. Announced in 1969.
* ''Varadarajasathakam'' (1969)
*''Niryoshthya Krishna Shatakam:'' The Asavadi Prakasarao wrote a pamphlet on this Shatakam written by Raptati Obireddy. Released in 1972.
* ''Niryoshthya Krishna Shatakam'' (1972)
*''Vidyabhushan'': This is a biography of Bhogishetti Jugappa, IAS (retired) who contributed to his development. Announced in 1973 on behalf of Rayakalgoshti Anantapur.
* ''Vidyabhushan'' (1973)
*''Merupu Teegalu'': A Collection of Poems. Avvari Sahitya Parishad, published in 1976 on behalf of [[Bukkarayasamudram]]. Dedicated to his teacher Nanduri Ramakrishnamacharya, the book contains poems on the great scholars of his life.
* ''Merupu Teegalu'' (1976)
*''Orchestra'': This is a collection of poems edited by him. 1979 Royal Symposium Publication.
* ''Orchestra'' (1979)
*''Chellappillaraya Charitramu'': This is a Yakshaganam written by Tallapaka Annamayya. The theme is the wedding story of Bibi Namchari. The book, which was printed in palm leaves, was edited by the optimist Prakash Rao and published by Bhuvanavijaya Saradapith (Guntakallu) in 1982. Wrote an elaborate preface to it. Determined poets.
* ''Chellappillaraya Charitramu'' (1982)
*''Sri Raptati Parichaya Parijatamu'': A short book describing the life literature of the wonderful poet Raptati Obireddy who is unknown. Printed in 1986.
* ''Sri Raptati Parichaya Parijatamu'' (1986)
*''Sahayachari Sahiti Sahacharyamu'': This article by optimist Prakash Rao was published as a pamphlet in 1986 in the book Sayilila Guchchamu by Nadithoka Mrityunjaya Sahayachari.
* ''Sahayachari Sahiti Sahacharyamu'' (1986)
*''Potana Bhagavatamu - Third Skandhamu'': This book, written as a simple prose translation of Bhagavatam Third Skandhamu as part of their Potana Bhagavatham project, Tirumala Tirupati Temple, has received several editions since 1986.
* ''Potana Bhagavatamu – Third Skandhamu'' (1986)
*''Antaranga Taranagalu'': This collection of poems contains 52 passages. The book was published by Navyasahiti Samithi Proddatur in 1988. Some of its poems have been translated into Hindi.
* ''Antaranga Taranagalu'' (1988)
*''Prahalada Charithra - A Comparative Study of Erranna-Potana'': Published in 1989 by the same organization, which won a prize in the Theoretical Books Competition organized by Erna Peetha in Ongole. Dr. G. Chennayya is the co-author.
* ''Prahalada Charithra – A Comparative Study of Erranna-Potana'' (1989)
*''Jyotissuprabhatamu'': Kemunireddi verses, written in Sanskrit, were translated into Telugu by Asavadi Prakasarao. Announced by Brahmajnana Jyothi Ashram, Thiruthani in 1989.
* ''Jyotissuprabhatamu'' (1989)
*''Hanumat Stotramanjari'': Compiled by Asavadi Prakasarao, this book was published in 1989 by Dornadula Chinnavaradaraju.
* ''Hanumat Stotramanjari'' (1989)
*''Subramanya Stotrakadambamu'': Compiled by Asavadi Prakasarao, this book was published in 1990 by Dornadula Chinnavaradaraju.
* ''Subramanya Stotrakadambamu'' (1990)
*''Lokalilasooktamu'': Published by Bhuvanavijaya Saradapith (Guntakallu). Released in 1990.
* ''Lokalilasooktamu'' (1990)
*''Deevasesalu'': The book contains optimistic poems (55 verses + 2 verses) that are a message of blessing to the newlyweds. Announced in 1992.
* ''Deevasesalu'' (1992)
*''Avadhana Chaatuvulu'': This book published by the Anantapur branch of the Andhra Poetry Symposium contains details of 24 observations made in the Kadapa and Chittoor districts. It contains a total of 153 poems. Printed in 1993.
* ''Avadhana Chaatuvulu'' (1993)
*''Ramakatha Kalasham'': An [[Impromptu]] short story of 35 verses. These poems were recited by the Asavadi on the occasion of the completion of [[Shashti Poorthi|shashti poorthi]] of Dornadula Chinnavaradaraju. Announced in 1993.
* ''Ramakatha Kalasham'' (1993)
*''Avadhana Deepika'': Published in 1998 on behalf of Anantha Kalapeeth. This is a collection of 21 observations made in Anantapur town. The book is dedicated to his parents, Kullayamma and Teacher Pakkirappal.
* ''Avadhana Deepika'' (1998)
*''Domavadhani Sahitikunjara Murtimatvamu'': This is an essay made by Doma Venkataswamy Gupta Sahitya Peetha (Kadapa) on the occasion of receiving their award. Published by Vaishyaprabodhi Publications, Kadapa in 1998.
* ''Domavadhani Sahitikunjara Murtimatvamu'' (1998)
*''Avadhana Kaumudi'': An anthology of 33 observations by Asavadi Prakasarao in coastal, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi etc. There are a total of 253 poems. Srikalamanjari Shadnagar published this book in 2000.
* ''Avadhana Kaumudi'' (2000)
*''Avadhana Vasantham'': Published by Srilekha Sahitya Warangal in 2001, this book contains 28 observations made in Kurnool district.
* ''Avadhana Vasantham'' (2001)
*''Subodhini Vyakaranam'': Grammar, rhyme and rhetoric are taught in this book for the use of various examinees. Co-author C. Subbanna. Published in 2003.
* ''Subodhini Vyakaranam'' (2003)
*''Parvatishatakamu'': It contains 108 Thetagiti poems. First published in 2003. 'Parvatimatha! Jagadek Bhavyacharita! ' In later editions of the crown 'Parvatimatha! Aasritaparijatha! ' J. Neelakanthanayudu is its publisher.
* ''Parvatishatakamu'' (2003)
*''Avadhana Kalathoranam'': With the exception of the town of Anantapur, the book covers 65 attractions throughout the district. There are 448 poems. Published by CV Subbanna Shatavadhani Kalapeetham (Proddatur). The book is dedicated to the 'Rayala Kalaghoshti'.
* ''Avadhana Kalathoranam'' (2003)
*''Pratyusha Pavanaalu'': Akashwani Ananthapuram, Kadapa Kendras from the optimist Prakash Rao's speech Suktimuktavali, Vinadagumatala embedded in this book. The book was published by Inugurti Manohar in 2006.
* ''Pratyusha Pavanaalu'' (2006)
*''Nadichepadyam Nanduri'': Nanduri Ramakrishnamacharya, his poetry teacher, has compiled and compiled 154 poems with emotional beauty from various works. The book was published by Nanduri Shobhanadri in 2006 for poetry reading competitions for students.
* ''Nadichepadyam Nanduri'' (2006)
*''Prasarakiranalu'': The book contains 15 speeches from [[All India Radio]], Anantapur, Kadapa and Warangal stations. The book was published by Srilekha Sahitya in 2007.
* ''Prasarakiranalu'' (2007)
*''Samaradhana'': Wrote the introduction of five writers in this book. It was printed by Palle Seenu in 2007.
* ''Samaradhana'' (2007)
*''Atmatattva Prabodhamu'': In this book published in 2007, Ramakoti Ramakrishnananda Swamy, the dean of Sripurakshetra, composed a poem on sentiments P. Keshavareddy is its publisher.
* ''Atmatattva Prabodhamu'' (2007)
*''Bhagavata Saurabhamu'': Eleven articles on Bhagavata are in this collection. All these are papers submitted at various conferences. It was published in 2008 by former minister Kottapalli Jayaram.
* ''Bhagavata Saurabhamu'' (2008)
*''Sameeksha Sravanthi'': This book contains prefaces, prefaces, opinions, and reviews written for 86 books by 58 authors. Published in 2008.
* ''Sameeksha Sravanthi'' (2008)
*''Suvarnagopuram'': This book is an essay of the speeches given on various occasions. Published in 2008.
* ''Suvarnagopuram'' (2008)
*''Avadhana Vinodham - Fun Speech'': This includes verbal answers given to irrelevant speech aficionados in his focus. There are 171 super-intriguing answers in this book. Launched in 2008.
* ''Avadhana Vinodham – Fun Speech'' (2008)


== Awards and honours ==
== Awards and honours ==
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* Jashuva Padya Kavita Puraskaram from Telugu Academy<ref name="setumag" />
* Jashuva Padya Kavita Puraskaram from Telugu Academy<ref name="setumag" />
* [[Padma Shri]] from [[Government of India]]<ref name="Timesofindia" />
* [[Padma Shri]] from [[Government of India]]<ref name="Timesofindia" />
*[[Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University]] - Honorary Doctorate (D.Litt) Awarded
*[[Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University]] – Honorary Doctorate (D.Litt) Awarded
*Loknayak Foundation, Visakhapatnam - Avadhana Shiromani Award
*Loknayak Foundation, Visakhapatnam – Avadhana Shiromani Award
*Worship Cultural Institution Hyderabad - Life Achievement Award
*Worship Cultural Institution Hyderabad – Life Achievement Award
*Bharti Sahitya Samiti, Guntakallu - Kandukuri Veeresalingam Centenary Award
*Bharti Sahitya Samiti, Guntakallu – Kandukuri Veeresalingam Centenary Award
*Andhra Sangh, Hosur - Sri Krishnadevarayala Coronation Award
*Andhra Sangh, Hosur – Sri Krishnadevarayala Coronation Award
*[[Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University]] - Karyamapudi Rajamannar Dharmanidhi Award
*[[Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University]] – Karyamapudi Rajamannar Dharmanidhi Award
*Sri Doma Venkataswamy Gupta Sahityapeeth, Kadapa - Shatavadhani Award
*Sri Doma Venkataswamy Gupta Sahityapeeth, Kadapa – Shatavadhani Award
*Department of Higher Education, Government of India - Best Faculty Award
*Department of Higher Education, Government of India – Best Faculty Award
*T. Subbaramireddy Foundation, Vijayawada - Kalabandhu Award
*T. Subbaramireddy Foundation, Vijayawada – Kalabandhu Award
*Department of Telugu Language, University of Bangalore - Joshua Dharmanidhi Award
*Department of Telugu Language, University of Bangalore – Joshua Dharmanidhi Award
*Arunabharati, Banaganapally - Ugadi Literary Award
*Arunabharati, Banaganapally – Ugadi Literary Award
*Kalakaumudi, Rajampeta - Centenary Poets Award
*Kalakaumudi, Rajampeta – Centenary Poets Award
*Daggubati Venkateswara Rao, Visakhapatnam - Aatmeeyapuraskaram
*Daggubati Venkateswara Rao, Visakhapatnam – Aatmeeyapuraskaram
*Andhra Pradesh Official Language Society - Linguist Award
*Andhra Pradesh Official Language Society – Linguist Award
*Erranna Peethamu, Ongolu - Best Theoretical Writing Award
*Erranna Peethamu, Ongolu – Best Theoretical Writing Award
*AMP Sahitya Akademi, Hyderabad - Silver Jubilee Award
*AMP Sahitya Akademi, Hyderabad – Silver Jubilee Award
*'Daivajnasekhara' GVR Raju, Bellary - Saptati Award
*'Daivajnasekhara' GVR Raju, Bellary – Saptati Award
*Harijan Sevak Sangh (MP), Vijayawada - Gandhian Poet Award
*Harijan Sevak Sangh (MP), Vijayawada – Gandhian Poet Award
*Tenugubharathi Sahitya Parishad, Uyyuru - Best Literary Award
*Tenugubharathi Sahitya Parishad, Uyyuru – Best Literary Award
*Kallepu Sagara Rao, Hyderabad - Spiritual Award
*Kallepu Sagara Rao, Hyderabad – Spiritual Award
*American Telugu Association Regional Conferences, Hyderabad - New Year's Award
*American Telugu Association Regional Conferences, Hyderabad – New Year's Award
*'Kaviratna' Paladi Lakshmi Kanthanshreshti, Kadapa - Sashtipurti Award
*'Kaviratna' Paladi Lakshmi Kanthanshreshti, Kadapa – Sashtipurti Award
*Bhagyalakshmi Foundation, Badwell - Distinguished Literary Service Award
*Bhagyalakshmi Foundation, Badwell – Distinguished Literary Service Award
*Friendship Forum of India, New Delhi - India Excellence Award
*Friendship Forum of India, New Delhi – India Excellence Award
*Sahitya Gaganmahal, Penukonda - Anantha Animutyalu Award
*Sahitya Gaganmahal, Penukonda – Anantha Animutyalu Award
*Lalithakala Parishad, Anantapur - Mandala Manikyalu Award
*Lalithakala Parishad, Anantapur – Mandala Manikyalu Award
*Sardardji Friends Association, Proddatur - Best Literary Producers Award  
*Sardardji Friends Association, Proddatur – Best Literary Producers Award  
*Kalajyoti, Dharmavaram - Sahitya Saraswati Award
*Kalajyoti, Dharmavaram – Sahitya Saraswati Award
*Nanduri Ramakrishnamacharya Sahityapeeth, Hyderabad - Nanduri Memorial Annual Award
*Nanduri Ramakrishnamacharya Sahityapeeth, Hyderabad – Nanduri Memorial Annual Award
*Anantha Kalapeetham, Anantapur - Poetry Award
*Anantha Kalapeetham, Anantapur – Poetry Award
*Department of Culture, Government of India - Rashtrakavi Award
*Department of Culture, Government of India – Rashtrakavi Award
*Rapaka Ekambaracharyas, Hyderabad - Retirement Award
*Rapaka Ekambaracharyas, Hyderabad – Retirement Award
*Pushpagiri Mahasansthanam, Kadapa - Sankranti Poet Award
*Pushpagiri Mahasansthanam, Kadapa – Sankranti Poet Award
*AMP First Harijan Mahasabha, Hyderabad - Telugu Velugu Award
*AMP First Harijan Mahasabha, Hyderabad – Telugu Velugu Award
*Akkiraju Ramapathirao Hyderabad - Birthday Spiritual Award
*Akkiraju Ramapathirao Hyderabad – Birthday Spiritual Award
*Sri Rajarajanarendra Andhra Language Institute, Hanmakonda - Centenary Award
*Sri Rajarajanarendra Andhra Language Institute, Hanmakonda – Centenary Award
*Gauturaju Hanumantrao, Hyderabad - Gauturaju Literary Culture
*Gauturaju Hanumantrao, Hyderabad – Gauturaju Literary Culture
*Keasvatthayya, PENUKONDA - Gold gandapendera honor
*Keasvatthayya, PENUKONDA – Gold gandapendera honor
*Kshirasagara Sahitya, Hyderabad - Kanakabhishekam
*Kshirasagara Sahitya, Hyderabad – Kanakabhishekam
He was honored by [[Babu Jagjivan Ram]], Bejwada Gopalareddy, [[Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy]], [[N. T. Rama Rao]], [[Nara Chandrababu Naidu]], [[Konijeti Rosaiah]], Nedurumalli Janardhanareddy, Mandali Buddhaprasad, PVRK Prasad, Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, [[Gollapudi Maruti Rao]] etc.
He was honored by [[Babu Jagjivan Ram]], Bejwada Gopalareddy, [[Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy]], [[N. T. Rama Rao]], [[Nara Chandrababu Naidu]], [[Konijeti Rosaiah]], Nedurumalli Janardhanareddy, Mandali Buddhaprasad, PVRK Prasad, Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, [[Gollapudi Maruti Rao]] etc.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}


== Books ==
== Books ==


* Kalyanavani - Shanthi Narayana (Editor)
* Kalyanavani – Shanthi Narayana (Editor)
* Asavadi Prakasarao Sahityamu - Anushilana - Mankala Ramachandran - Ph.D. Theoretical text
* Asavadi Prakasarao Sahityamu – Anushilana – Mankala Ramachandran – Ph.D. Theoretical text
* Aksharakireeti Asavadi - P. Ramasubbareddy (Editor)
* Aksharakireeti Asavadi – P. Ramasubbareddy (Editor)
* Avadhanacharya Asavadi - Madabhushi Ananthacharya
* Avadhanacharya Asavadi – Madabhushi Ananthacharya
* Asavadi Kavithatarangam - Y. Shantamma
* Asavadi Kavithatarangam – Y. Shantamma
* Asavadi Rachana Drukhpatham - Y. Shantamma
* Asavadi Rachana Drukhpatham – Y. Shantamma
* Asavadi Granthavalokanam - R. Rangaswamy Gowda (Editor)
* Asavadi Granthavalokanam – R. Rangaswamy Gowda (Editor)
* Asavadi Antaratarangalu - An Observation - N. Hemawati (M.Phil. Theoretical Essay)
* Asavadi Antaratarangalu – An Observation – N. Hemawati (M.Phil. Theoretical Essay)
* Hiranmayi - Special edition on the Asavadi Literary Golden Jubilee
* Hiranmayi – Special edition on the Asavadi Literary Golden Jubilee{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[List of Padma Shri award recipients (2020–2029)]]
* [[List of Padma Shri award recipients (2020–2029)]]
== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{Authority control}}{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Literature & Education}}
{{Authority control}}{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Literature & Education}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Asavadi, Prakasarao}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Asavadi, Prakasarao}}
[[Category:1944 births]]
[[Category:1944 births]]
[[Category:2022 deaths]]
[[Category:2022 deaths]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri]]
[[Category:Indian Sanskrit scholars]]
[[Category:Indian Sanskrit scholars]]
[[Category:Indian writers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian writers]]
[[Category:Indian poets]]
[[Category:Indian poets]]
[[Category:People from Anantapur district]]
[[Category:People from Anantapur district]]
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[[Category:Poets from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Poets from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Kala Ratna]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Kala Ratna]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in literature and education]]

Latest revision as of 06:45, 29 January 2026


Asavadi Prakasa Rao
Prakasa Rao releasing a book in 2017
Born
Aasadi Prakasam

(1944-08-02)2 August 1944
Korivipalli, British Raj
Died17 February 2022(2022-02-17) (aged 77)
Penukonda, Andhra Pradesh, India
OccupationTelugu lecturer
Known forWriter, poet, critic, scholar and speaker
Spouse(s)Vaduguru Lakshmi Devi
Parents
  • Teacher Pakkiirappa (father)
  • Kullaayamma (mother)
AwardsPadma Shri (2021)
Kala Ratna

Asavadi Prakasa Rao (2 August 1944 – 17 February 2022) was an Indian poet, critic, translator and scholar, who is known for his poetry and prose works. He is noted for his significant contribution to Telugu and Sanskrit literature. In January 2021, he was awarded India's fourth-highest civilian award the Padma Shri in the Arts and Literature category.[1][2][3] As Ashtavadhani, he gave 170 performances and wrote and published 50 books across various genres.[4] His most notable literary contribution is his performance of Avadhanam – a literary performance.[1] He received an honorary D Litt from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University and a Distinguished Teacher award from the Department of Higher Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh.[5]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Asavadi Prakasarao was born to Kulayamma and Fakeerappa on 2 August 1944 in Korivipalli. His teacher Nanduri Ramakrishnamacharya changed his name to the optimist Prakash Rao.[6] Born into a Dalit family, he spent his childhood in the villages of Beluguppa and Sirpi. He did his primary education in the social welfare schools in those villages. He was educated at Potti Sriramulu Municipal Boys' School and Rajendra Municipal High School in Anantapuram between 1953 and 1959. He completed PUC at Government Arts College, Anantapur, between 1960 and 1961. He also completed B. A. in 1962–65 from the same colleger.[citation needed]

He later worked for a few days in Eluru as a lower divisional clerk after passing in the APPSC Group-4 examination. He left that job as an obstacle to his progress and worked as a Telugu scholar in Venkatadripalle, Y. Rampuram, Kanekal, Kurli Zilla Parishad schools between 1965 and 1968. He earned a M. A. in Telugu Linguistics from Anantapur PG Center (affiliated to Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati) between 1968 and 1970. Starting in 1970, he worked as an Andhra lecturer in Government Junior College, Rayadurgam, Government Degree Colleges in Anantapur, Guntakallu, Nagari, Punganur and Penukonda. He served as the Principal of Penukonda Government Degree College and retired in 2002.[citation needed]

Career[edit | edit source]

Prakasarao was accepted as a teacher in Avadhanam education. He made his first Avadhanam in 1963 at the age of 19.[6] He was regarded as the only Dalit Avadhāni in Andhra literature. He performed 171 Avadhanams, a double octave, not only in Andhra Pradesh but also in other parts of India such as Taruttani, Arakkonam, Pallipattu, Hosur, Bengaluru, Bellary, Donimalai, Delhi etc. His observations were also broadcast on television and radio. He also gave some Impromptu performances.[citation needed]

Death[edit | edit source]

Prakasarao died from cardiac arrest at his home in Penukonda, on 17 February 2022, at the age of 77.[7][8]

Literary works[edit | edit source]

  • Pushpanjali (1968)
  • Varadarajasathakam (1969)
  • Niryoshthya Krishna Shatakam (1972)
  • Vidyabhushan (1973)
  • Merupu Teegalu (1976)
  • Orchestra (1979)
  • Chellappillaraya Charitramu (1982)
  • Sri Raptati Parichaya Parijatamu (1986)
  • Sahayachari Sahiti Sahacharyamu (1986)
  • Potana Bhagavatamu – Third Skandhamu (1986)
  • Antaranga Taranagalu (1988)
  • Prahalada Charithra – A Comparative Study of Erranna-Potana (1989)
  • Jyotissuprabhatamu (1989)
  • Hanumat Stotramanjari (1989)
  • Subramanya Stotrakadambamu (1990)
  • Lokalilasooktamu (1990)
  • Deevasesalu (1992)
  • Avadhana Chaatuvulu (1993)
  • Ramakatha Kalasham (1993)
  • Avadhana Deepika (1998)
  • Domavadhani Sahitikunjara Murtimatvamu (1998)
  • Avadhana Kaumudi (2000)
  • Avadhana Vasantham (2001)
  • Subodhini Vyakaranam (2003)
  • Parvatishatakamu (2003)
  • Avadhana Kalathoranam (2003)
  • Pratyusha Pavanaalu (2006)
  • Nadichepadyam Nanduri (2006)
  • Prasarakiranalu (2007)
  • Samaradhana (2007)
  • Atmatattva Prabodhamu (2007)
  • Bhagavata Saurabhamu (2008)
  • Sameeksha Sravanthi (2008)
  • Suvarnagopuram (2008)
  • Avadhana Vinodham – Fun Speech (2008)

Awards and honours[edit | edit source]

  • Kala Ratna Award from Government of Andhra Pradesh[5]
  • Jashuva Padya Kavita Puraskaram from Telugu Academy[5]
  • Padma Shri from Government of India[1]
  • Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University – Honorary Doctorate (D.Litt) Awarded
  • Loknayak Foundation, Visakhapatnam – Avadhana Shiromani Award
  • Worship Cultural Institution Hyderabad – Life Achievement Award
  • Bharti Sahitya Samiti, Guntakallu – Kandukuri Veeresalingam Centenary Award
  • Andhra Sangh, Hosur – Sri Krishnadevarayala Coronation Award
  • Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University – Karyamapudi Rajamannar Dharmanidhi Award
  • Sri Doma Venkataswamy Gupta Sahityapeeth, Kadapa – Shatavadhani Award
  • Department of Higher Education, Government of India – Best Faculty Award
  • T. Subbaramireddy Foundation, Vijayawada – Kalabandhu Award
  • Department of Telugu Language, University of Bangalore – Joshua Dharmanidhi Award
  • Arunabharati, Banaganapally – Ugadi Literary Award
  • Kalakaumudi, Rajampeta – Centenary Poets Award
  • Daggubati Venkateswara Rao, Visakhapatnam – Aatmeeyapuraskaram
  • Andhra Pradesh Official Language Society – Linguist Award
  • Erranna Peethamu, Ongolu – Best Theoretical Writing Award
  • AMP Sahitya Akademi, Hyderabad – Silver Jubilee Award
  • 'Daivajnasekhara' GVR Raju, Bellary – Saptati Award
  • Harijan Sevak Sangh (MP), Vijayawada – Gandhian Poet Award
  • Tenugubharathi Sahitya Parishad, Uyyuru – Best Literary Award
  • Kallepu Sagara Rao, Hyderabad – Spiritual Award
  • American Telugu Association Regional Conferences, Hyderabad – New Year's Award
  • 'Kaviratna' Paladi Lakshmi Kanthanshreshti, Kadapa – Sashtipurti Award
  • Bhagyalakshmi Foundation, Badwell – Distinguished Literary Service Award
  • Friendship Forum of India, New Delhi – India Excellence Award
  • Sahitya Gaganmahal, Penukonda – Anantha Animutyalu Award
  • Lalithakala Parishad, Anantapur – Mandala Manikyalu Award
  • Sardardji Friends Association, Proddatur – Best Literary Producers Award
  • Kalajyoti, Dharmavaram – Sahitya Saraswati Award
  • Nanduri Ramakrishnamacharya Sahityapeeth, Hyderabad – Nanduri Memorial Annual Award
  • Anantha Kalapeetham, Anantapur – Poetry Award
  • Department of Culture, Government of India – Rashtrakavi Award
  • Rapaka Ekambaracharyas, Hyderabad – Retirement Award
  • Pushpagiri Mahasansthanam, Kadapa – Sankranti Poet Award
  • AMP First Harijan Mahasabha, Hyderabad – Telugu Velugu Award
  • Akkiraju Ramapathirao Hyderabad – Birthday Spiritual Award
  • Sri Rajarajanarendra Andhra Language Institute, Hanmakonda – Centenary Award
  • Gauturaju Hanumantrao, Hyderabad – Gauturaju Literary Culture
  • Keasvatthayya, PENUKONDA – Gold gandapendera honor
  • Kshirasagara Sahitya, Hyderabad – Kanakabhishekam

He was honored by Babu Jagjivan Ram, Bejwada Gopalareddy, Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy, N. T. Rama Rao, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Konijeti Rosaiah, Nedurumalli Janardhanareddy, Mandali Buddhaprasad, PVRK Prasad, Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, Gollapudi Maruti Rao etc.[citation needed]

Books[edit | edit source]

  • Kalyanavani – Shanthi Narayana (Editor)
  • Asavadi Prakasarao Sahityamu – Anushilana – Mankala Ramachandran – Ph.D. Theoretical text
  • Aksharakireeti Asavadi – P. Ramasubbareddy (Editor)
  • Avadhanacharya Asavadi – Madabhushi Ananthacharya
  • Asavadi Kavithatarangam – Y. Shantamma
  • Asavadi Rachana Drukhpatham – Y. Shantamma
  • Asavadi Granthavalokanam – R. Rangaswamy Gowda (Editor)
  • Asavadi Antaratarangalu – An Observation – N. Hemawati (M.Phil. Theoretical Essay)
  • Hiranmayi – Special edition on the Asavadi Literary Golden Jubilee[citation needed]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Three from Andhra Pradesh get Padma Shri". The Times of India. 26 January 2021.
  2. ↑ "Andhra CM YS Jagan congratulates four Telugu Padma Shri award recipients". Telugu Bulletin. 26 January 2021.
  3. ↑ Sarma, U Atreya (6 November 2016). "Dr. Asavadi Prakasa Rao – A Literary Luminary with a Fund of Goodwill". Boloji.
  4. ↑ "Four artistes from Telugu states honoured with Padma Shri". The News Minute. 26 January 2021.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Asavadi Prakasa Rao". Setumag.com.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Noted poet, Padma Shri awardee Asavadi Prakasa Rao passes away". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  7. ↑ "ప్రముఖ సాహితీవేత్త ఆశావాది ప్రకాశరావు మృతి పట్ల పలువురి సంతాపం.. నేత్రదానం చేసిన ఆశావాది!". ap7am.com (in Telugu). Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  8. ↑ "Anantapur: Telugu poet Asawadi passes away". The Hans India. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
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