Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry’s Bronze Statue Unveiled by Trivikram Srinivas in Anakapalle

A bronze statue of legendary lyricist and Padma Shri awardee Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry was formally unveiled on Sunday in his hometown Anakapalle, marking a significant cultural milestone for Telugu literature and cinema. The statue was inaugurated by acclaimed filmmaker Trivikram Srinivas in the presence of Sastry’s family members and prominent dignitaries.

The statue has been installed at Gandhi Nagar, near the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, under the aegis of the TANA Literary Wing – TANA Global Literary Forum, with support from the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Anakapalle Sirivennela Kalapeetham. Former minister and Anakapalle MLA Konathala Ramakrishna presided over the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Konathala Ramakrishna said it was a moment of pride that the statue of Sirivennela Sastry—who was born and brought up in Anakapalle and later earned national and international acclaim—was being installed in the very locality that shaped his early life. He announced that the Sirivennela Kalapeetham plans to institute an annual literary award in Sastry’s name to honour distinguished writers.

Addressing the gathering, Trivikram Srinivas remarked that while many people pass through history, only a rare few continue to live on in people’s hearts through their thoughts and words. “Sirivennela Sastry is one such eternal presence. Statues like this ensure that future generations understand his legacy and draw inspiration from his life and work,” he said.

Following the unveiling, a commemorative meeting titled Sirivennela Mahotsavam was held at a convention hall in Pentakota, where speakers highlighted Sastry’s unmatched contribution to Telugu cinema, his poetic depth, humanistic values, and enduring influence on generations of writers and filmmakers.

The programme concluded with a felicitation of Trivikram Srinivas and Sastry’s family members. Later, the visiting guests were accorded a traditional welcome at the Sri Nookambika Ammavari Temple, where they received blessings and prasadam.