The birth anniversary of noted Telugu writer Raavi Sastry (Rachakonda Viswanatha Sastry) was observed on Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. Speakers recalled his literary contributions and concern for the underprivileged.

NTR Vaidya Seva chairman Seethamraju Sudhakar paid floral tributes to the writer’s statue and said Raavi Sastry’s works reflected the lives and struggles of ordinary people. Sishtla Srinivasa Murthy (Vasu), founder of the Raavi Sastry Foundation, said that the organisation was striving to introduce the author’s literary legacy to younger generations. Raavi Sastry’s son, R.V. Kumar, said the foundation was organising literary events, book introduction programmes and social service activities inspired by his father’s ideals.

Separately, the Department of Telugu, Andhra University, organised the writer’s 104th birth anniversary celebrations on the campus. Head of the Department Jarra Apparao paid floral tributes to Raavi Sastry’s portrait and described him as a people’s writer whose works championed the cause of the marginalised. Speakers, including A. Ramakrishna, S. Sanyasi Rao, D. Venkata Surya Rao and Velamala Simmanna, highlighted the enduring social relevance of his writings and their contribution to Telugu literature.

An Akshara Rally, organised by students of Gayatri Vidya Parishad MLBT School, was flagged off as part of the celebrations. The rally proceeded from the school to Raavi Sastry’s statue via VUDA Park, with lawyers, students, teachers and literature enthusiasts taking part.