Criticism must be transparent: Prof. Surya Dhananjay

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Whether it is a review or a critique, it must be transparent and impartial, said Prof. Surya Dhananjay, Vice-Chancellor of Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University and a renowned writer. On Tuesday, Prof. Surya Dhananjay unveiled Aamlaana: Kavitha Vimarsaa Vyaasaalu (Essays on Poetry Criticism), authored by Shailajamitra. The book introduces contemporary poets, analyses their poetry, and presents an overview of their literary journeys.

Prof. Surya Dhananjay said that it was both interesting and gratifying to read analytical essays examining the poetry of so many contemporary poets. She appreciated Shailajamitra’s efforts and described her contribution as commendable. She also emphasized the need to introduce poets, writers, and women writers who have been actively engaged in literary creation since 1990. Referring to the changing reading habits of society, she recalled the words of the eminent poet C. Narayana Reddy (C. Na. Re.), who observed, “In an age when book culture has given way to look culture, books of this kind are greatly needed.”

The book features critical essays by Shailajamitra on the poetry of 33 Telugu poets. She noted that the inclusion of poets living abroad, along with poets of the present generation, was a noteworthy aspect of the collection. She further observed that reading the analysis of each poem revealed the depth with which the author had studied and engaged with the poets’ works. Prof. Surya Dhananjay also expressed her appreciation for Shailajamitra, stating that she had been observing her literary journey for nearly 35 years and commended her sustained contribution to literature over the decades.

Expressing her gratitude to Prof. Surya Dhananjay for recognizing her as a writer and according her a distinguished place on the university campus, Shailajamitra said that the unveiling of the book at the university was a matter of immense pride for both her and the poets featured in the volume. The program was attended by University Registrar Gaddam Mallesham, Officer on Special Duty Dr.G. Vijayalakshmi, Swathi Akanksha Reddy, Personal Secretary to Prof. Surya Dhananjay, and Shailajamitra’s husband, Satyamitra, among others. Following the event, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Surya Dhananjay felicitated Shailajamitra and her husband, Satyamitra, in recognition of their literary and personal contributions.