The 999th birth anniversary of Acharya Ramanuja was observed in the House of Commons by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence. Hosted by Bob Blackman MP, the celebrations saw members of 20 different community, spiritual and cultural organisations attending the event. Marking the occasion, a 300 hundred year old Telugu text highlighting the life of Acharya Ramanuja transcribed by Ragasudha Vinjamuri was released in the presence all diginatries. The text was present on 70 palm leaf folios in British Library since 1942, some lightly readable and some damaged.
Informative and electrifying speeches by eminent speakers Executive Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Dr M. Nanda Kumara-, former MP of upper house of Indian Parliament and twice Sahitya Academy awardee Padma Bhushan Dr Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, Secretary of National Council for Hindu Temples UK Shri Satish Sharma, Pandit Madhava Turumella, and Minister for Coordination from High Commission of India- Mr A.S Rajan have given insights into Ramanuja’s contributions to the religious and social philosophy of India.Adding to this, Satish Sharma, also representing British Board of Hindu Scholars, highlighted that Ragasudha's years-long efforts in bringing out old texts to public awareness had demonstrated her perseverance and commitment to heritage and culture. Lord and Lady Dholakia who were present on the occasion have also expressed their appreciation for the work done.
Ragasudha gave an account of her 3 year journey spent on transcribing the text and filling up the missing content, during which she had extensively researched and held discussions with scholars and historians in India to ascertain the author. One of the last folios contained author’s father’s name, scholar Illindala Venkatacharyulu leading to ascertaining the author as Illindala Paravastu Ramanujacharyulu who lived near Tirupathi area.
Annamacharya kirtana dedicated to Ramanuja Gatulanni khilamaina was sung by Sirisha Jammi. Sushil Rapatwar and Sakshi Vishwesh introduced the elite speakers to the audiences. Shri Ram Makloori from Jeeyar Ashram in Shamshabad, Hyderabad has concluded the event with a prayer in reverence to Ramanuja.
