The Centenary Celebrations of Sri. N. Raghava Rao (Annayya)

The Centenary Celebrations of Sri. N. Raghava Rao (Annayya) (April 2004 - April 2005)

This was a very ambitious project that was undertaken by the sangham. A committee consisting of all eminent personalities was constituted to plan the event. There was a great interest generated in members not only in our state or country, but also abroad. Many NRI associations in USA have celebrated the event by organizing many cultural shows and also many other activities.

Mrs. Kameswari Jandhyala and Sri. Purnachandra Rao Malapaka acted as coordinators for this event.

Everyone who has attended the events or functions praised the efforts of Balanandam committee. They were unanimous in saying that they had not seen such an event in recent times.

The yearlong festivities were as follows in chronological order:

13TH April 2004

Launched the centenary year along with Jawahar Balbhavan at Indira Priyadarshini Hall.

2nd August 2004

A group singing competition in “Annayya’s songs” was conducted in Balanandam Hall. Nearly 75 children’s organizations have participated.

5th and 6th September 2004

Competitions in Dramas written by Annayya were conducted in NTR Kalamandiram. 25 children’s organizations took part.

30th and 31st October 2004

A two day work shop was conducted for the children of twin cities in “how to draw cartoons” in the city central library hall with the help of many well known cartoonists of Andhra Pradesh. Nearly 250 children attended the workshop.

From 21st November 2004 to end of January 2005

Competitions were held for children in various disciplines of Fine Arts every Sunday. Nearly 800 children competed in different events.

7th December 2004

A violin symphony concert by 30 children was held at Lalitha Kala Thoranam.

2nd January 2005

A Theatre workshop was conducted in Balanandam Hall with the help of well known theatre personalities. Demonstrations, practical training on different aspects of Drama were the key topics. 75 selected children participated.

12th and 13th March 2005

A state level conference of writers of children’s literature was held at Balanandam Hall. Many well known writers from all over the state attended to discuss various aspects of children’s literature and the further improvement.

30th and 31st October 2004

The Concluding Event

The concluding event was held on 23rd of April 2005 at Ravindra Bharathi. Many ex child members from twin cities and from all over India and abroad have come together to celebrate the event. Many celebrities participated enthusiastically. On this occasion we have released the following.

Release of a “First Day Cover” which the central Government has kindly agreed to by the Post Master General.
Release of Annayya’s Biography published by “Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad”.
Release of a Silver coin to commemorate the event.
Release of a book consisting stories, dramas and songs written by Annayya for children named “Balanandam”.
Release of Two audio cassettes and CDs full of children’s songs sung by children for children.
Release of reprints of the First children’s magazine in Telugu “BALA” which was the brain child of Annayya and Akkayya.
Release of a book named “ Bala Kathalu”, stories written by Annayya
Release of a book named “Ankitham”- children’s stories written by different authors, dedicated to Sri. Annayya.
Release of the Souvenir