Gorantla Venkanna
Gorantla Venkanna Choudary (1871–1947) was a well-known philanthropist, lover and patron of Sanskrit language.[1]
Introduction
Gorantla Venkanna Chowdary was born in 1871 in a small village Timmasamudram in
Education
From an early age Venkanna showed inclination towards Sanskrit language and literature, Ayurveda and Yoga. Sanskrit scholar Achyutanna Srirama Sastri was instrumental in influencing the interests of Venkanna.
Venkanna made a large number of donations to Sanskrit schools, libraries and scholars. He established a high school and Oriental school (GVS High School) in Ongole and a Sanskrit school in Timmasamudram. All the students of these schools receive free accommodation and boarding facilities.[2] The well-known library in Vetapalem known as "Saraswata Niketanam" received substantial contributions from him.[1]
Venkanna also donated 268 acres (1.08 km2) of land to a trust meant for the encouragement of Sanskrit teaching and preparation of Ayurveda products.[1]
Freedom movement
Venkanna was an ardent follower of
Having given up his lands and property for the public good and Sanskrit language, he became an ascetic and led a life of austerity.[citation needed]
He died pn 21 November 1947.[1]
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f Bhavaiah Chowdary, Kotta (2005). కమ్మ వారి చరిత్ర (telugu book). Guntur: పావులూరి పబ్లిషర్స్. p. 227.
- ^ "Andhra Pradesh College – Sri Gorantla Venkanna Oriental College Profile". Archived from the original on 8 October 2007. Retrieved 23 July 2007.