Madugula Nagaphani Sarma
Madugula Nagaphani Sarma | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 8, 1959 Kadavakollu, Putlur mandal, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation(s) | Sanskrit scholar, Avadhani |
| Known for | Reviving and popularising Avadhanam |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2025) |
Madugula Nagaphani Sarma (born 8 June 1959) is an Indian Sanskrit scholar, poet, and renowned Avadhani. He is widely credited with reviving and promoting the traditional Indian literary performance art known as Avadhanam.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Sarma was born on 8 June 1959 in Kadavakollu village, Putlur mandal, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. He completed his early education locally and pursued classical Sanskrit learning in Tirupati. He earned the Sahitya Shiromani degree from the Oriental College in Tirupati, followed by a POL (Prak-Sanskrit Oriental Learning) degree from Andhra University. He completed his M.A. from the University of Mysore, Shiksha Shastri from Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan in New Delhi, and Ph.D. from Rashtriya Vidya Peetham, Tirupati.[2]
Career
[edit]Sarma began his career as a Sanskrit lecturer at Ramakrishna Junior College in Kadapa (1985–1990), and later served as Additional Secretary in the Dharma Prachar Parishad of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (1990–1992).[3]
Over the years, he has conducted hundreds of Avadhanams across India and abroad. His literary feats in Shatavadhanam and Sahasravadhanam earned him numerous titles. He has also delivered lectures and participated in spiritual and cultural discussions on Indian heritage.[4]
Recognition
[edit]On 25 January 2025, Sarma was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, for his contribution to literature and education.[5][6] He received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at a civil investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 28 April 2025.[7]
Views and public presence
[edit]In addition to his literary contributions, Sarma is known for expressing views on cultural and political issues. He has spoken on topics such as national integration and the spiritual significance of Amaravati as a capital region.[8][9]
References
[edit]- ^ "Honoured With Padma Shri, Dr Madugula Nagaphani Sarma: The Scholar Who Revived Avadhanam". Zee News. 26 January 2025. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Brahmasri Madugula Nagaphani Sarma honored with Padma Shri for reviving the art of Avadhanam". The Tribune. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Padma Shri awardee Madugula Nagaphani Sarma felicitated at NSU in Tirupati". The Hindu. 6 May 2025. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Dr Madugula Nagaphani Sarma Honored With Padma Shri". Business Standard. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Padma Awards 2025 announced". Press Information Bureau. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Padma Awards 2025 Notification" (PDF). Padma Awards Portal. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Balakrishna bags Padma Bhushan; four others from AP get Padma Shri". The Hindu. 26 January 2025. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Madugula Nagaphani Sarma about Amaravati". Eenadu (in Telugu). Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Amaravati will become a world-class city under Chandrababu's leadership: Nagaphani Sarma". AP7AM. 4 February 2025. Retrieved 18 June 2025.