Activities and Initiatives of Prasanna Bharathi Trust
1. Publication of the Journal
The publication of the quarterly journal Prasanna Bharathi is the primary activity of the Trust. Since October 1993, this journal has been published every quarter without interruption.
2. Publication of Books
Prasanna Bharathi has published various books under the banner Prasanna Bharathi Grandha Mala. Below is a list of notable publications, including compilations from articles published in Prasanna Bharathi:
- Sangeeta Ratna Trayamu
- Prasanna Bharathi Kavita Vahini – A collection of poems on Goddess Saraswati by poets from Andhra Pradesh
- Kadha Kadambamu – Short stories by Sri Kondepudy Subba Rao
- Swami Vivekananda’s Lectures in America
- Sanchari Prasangamulu
- Geeta Gowri Rekha
- Hanumadvijayamu – Drama
- Saraswati Samrajyamu – Drama
- Swatantra Bharatamu – Drama
- Jeeva Karunyamu
- Padya Rachana
- Naa Jeevana Yatra – Autobiography of Sri K. Subba Rao
- Sahitya Surabhalu – By Sri Appalla Someswara Sarma
- Aadhunika Andhra Rachayitalu
- Sumathi Satakamu
- Sarada Mani Manjeeramu
- Ramayana Sangrahamu
All books are published under the Prasanna Bharathi Grandha Mala series.
3. Competitions for Students
Prasanna Bharathi Trust organizes various competitions to encourage interest in Telugu literature among students:
- Essay Writing and Recitation Competitions
Open to school students from the 6th to 10th standards, with prize distribution held during a public function. - Free Book Distribution
Books are distributed to children to foster interest in the Telugu language and literature. - Debating and Elocution Competitions
Conducted for college students to develop public speaking and literary appreciation. - Prize Distribution
Held at public functions, coinciding with the Prasanna Bharathi awards ceremony.
4. Literary Awards
The Prasanna Bharathi Trust announces annual literary awards with the following categories and rules:
- Kondepudy Subba Rao Sahitya Puraskaram (Poetry)
Cash Award: Rs 5116/-
Instituted in 2011, this award recognizes poetic works in classical style adhering to prosody and grammar, including Padya Kavyam, Prabandham, or collections of poems by a single author. Criteria include word usage, imagery, and adherence to traditional values. - Kondepudy Subba Rao Sahitya Puraskaram (Literary Criticism)
Cash Award: Rs 5116/-
Instituted in 2011 for works on literary criticism, focusing on authors or poets in classical style, or on Telugu literature, language, and culture. Works derived from Ph.D. theses are not accepted. - Vemu Lakshmi Kantamma Smaraka Puraskaram (Padya Satakam)
Cash Award: Rs 3000/-
Instituted by Prof. V.L.S. Bhima Sankaram in 2016, this award honors Satakam poetry—a collection of 100 verses in a consistent meter. There are no subject restrictions, but classical style with nuances of Sataka Sahityam is required. - Other Sponsored Awards
Additional awards depend on sponsorships and have previously included:- Vedula Venku Sodemma Award – Best Literary Essays (research-based)
- Vedula Chiranjeevi Smaraka Award – Assistance for publication of poetic works
- Velamakanni Bharadwaja Smaraka Puraskaram
General Rules for All Awards
- Only published books, not manuscripts, are eligible, and must have been published in the previous calendar year.
- Entries are due by 31st August annually, with results published in the October issue of Prasanna Bharathi.
- If entries do not meet the minimum literary standards, the award may be withheld.
- Past award winners in a category are not eligible for the same award again.
- Judges’ decisions are final, and no correspondence is entertained.
- Sponsors may submit works on behalf of authors with their consent.
- Send two copies of the book to:
The Editor, Prasanna Bharathi,
D No. 47-10-5, 2nd Lane Near Diamond Park,
Dwarakanagar, Visakhapatnam – 530016