Madugula Nagaphani Sarma

Dr. Madugula Nagaphani Sarma is a renowned Sanskrit and Telugu Avadhani, poet, scholar and singer known primarily for his unparalleled contribution to propagate and popularize the art of Avadhanam. He is the first and only Dwisahasravadhani in the country to have performed Avadhanam in Sanskrit and Telugu (having performed Avadhanam with 2,116 Pruchchakas for 37 days in Hyderabad). His Avadhanams have acquired cult status over the years and have won over numerous stalwarts ranging from politicians, seers, scholars and the common man. He is the Founding Chairman of Avadhana Saraswathi Peetham in Hyderabad. He also serves as the Chairman of I-SERVE, an organization dedicated to Vedic research.
Over the course of his stellar career, Dr.Sarma has performed 1,250+ Avadhanams all over the world winning rave reviews and plaudits for his unique style that comprises a delectable mix of literature, poetry, music, wit and humour to create exquisite slokas, poetry and songs. He served as the Chairman of the Official Language Commission, Government of Andhra Pradesh (undivided). He has made a yeoman contribution to the fields of Art,Indian culture &Literature besides disseminating the essence of Vedas, scriptures, epics and Indian spirituality to the common man through his literary works, songs and discourses. He was bestowed with titles like TarunTapasvi (by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee), AvadhanaSahasraphani (by Shri N.T. Rama Rao) and is fondly referred to as Saraswathi Putra (son of Goddess Saraswathi) for his superhuman memory and intellect.
== Early life ==
Dr.Madugula Nagaphani Sarma was born to a family of Vedic scholars and poets in the village of Kadavakolanu near Tadipadtri in Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh. Right from a tender age, Dr.Sarma was inclined towards Vedic literature, poetry and music. Under the tutelage of his father, he quickly gained mastery in Vedic philosophy, Puranas, Itihasaas and spiritual wisdom. Ignited by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Dr.Sarma rigorously picked up the art of Avadhanam, an art form that involves the concentration of the mind and systematically collecting the thoughts to a particular situation. By the age of 14, Dr.Sarma had performed his first Avadhanam, making him the youngest Avadhani in the country.
After completing his primary and higher secondary education, he pursued Sahitya Shiromani from Sri Venkateshwara University, Tirupathi.He then pursued M.A (Masters of Arts) in Sanskrit from University of Mysore, Karnataka.Further, he pursued doctorate (Ph.D.) in Sanskrit from the Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Tirupati.https://new.bhu.ac.in/Site/UnitHomeTemplate/1_115_689_Faculty-of-Arts-Telugu
== Professional experience ==
His professional experience started in the field of research and then he was ready to manage it on a larger scale. Some of his experiences have been summarised below:
*Chairman, Official Language Commission (Cabinet Rank), Government of United Andhra Pradesh, 1999-2002
*Additional Secretary, Dharma Prachara Samiti, Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam, Tirumala, A.P.
*Research Scholar – Critical edition project of Srimad Bhagavatam, Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam, Tirumala, A.P.
*Chairman and Managing Trustee – Avadhana Saraswathi Peetham, Hyderabad, Telangana
*Chairman and Managing Trustee – Institute of Scientific Research on Vedas, Hyderabad, Telangana.
Further, former Prime Ministers of India P.V. Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former President Shankar Dayal Sharma has appreciated the work of Dr. Sarma done in the field of Avadhanam.
== Avadhanams ==
* 1985 - “Samskritandhra Dasagunita Astavadhanam” with 80 scholars at Anantapur in year 1985 which was the first of its kind and received huge applause from the scholars.
* 1987 - “Samskritandhra Satavadhanam” with 116 scholars at Rajahmundry, A.P. in year 1987.
* 1989 - “Sampoorna Sanskrit Satavadhanam” with 108 learned pandits in the auspicious presence of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Bharathiteertha Swamy of Sringeri at Shankara Mutt, Hyderabad in year 1989. 
* 1990 - “Samskritandhra Satavadhanam” with 108 scholars at Warangal in year 1990 receiving thunderous applause from eminent scholars and pandits.
* 1991 - “Sanskrit Astavadahanam” in Tirupathi, in the presence of Shri Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, the then President of India in year 1991.
* 1992 - “Samkritandhra Satavadhanam” with 116 scholars at Kakinada, A.P. in year 1992.
* 1994 - “Maha Satavadhanam” with 153 learned scholars at Visakhapatnam in year 1994.
* 1995 - “Dwisatavadhanam” with 225 scholars at Hyderabad in year 1995 in the presence of Shri N.T. Rama Rao, the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
* 1996 - “Maha Sahasravadhanam” with 1116 scholars for 24 days in year 1996 at Hyderabad. This magnificent event was graced by Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao, the then Prime Minister of India. 
* 1997-1998 - “Brihat Dwi Sahasravadhanam” with 2116 scholars for 37 days in year 1997-98 at Hyderabad in the presence of Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
* 1999 - “Ekadina Satavadhanam” at New Jersey, the USA with 116 scholars within one day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in year 1999.
* 2000 - “Millenium Mahavadhanam” with 125 scholars at A.P. Bhavan, New Delhi in 2000. Highly impressed by the event, the then Prime Minister of India Shri A.B. Vajpayee had conferred the title ‘Tarun Tapasvi” on Dr. Sarma. “Sanskrit Satavadhanam” with 108 scholars in Sampurnananda Sanskrit University at Varanasi in year 2000.
* 2001 - “Amanilo Avadhanam” with 225 scholars at Avadhana Saraswathi Peetham, Hyderabad in 2001. “Satavadhanam” in Oxford University, U.K. It is a one its kind event which had 108 Prucchakas (questioners) from 108 different countries in year 2001.
* 2002 - Prekashakulanta Pruchakkule” - a Satavadhanam in the U.S.A. with each-one of the audiences as a Prucchaka (questioner) in year 2002.
* 2003 - “Pancha Satavadhanam” with 516 scholars at Hyderabad in year 2003.
* 2005-2006 - Many Satavadhanams and Astavadhanams in the U.S.A. during 2005 and 2006.
* 2008 - “Samskritandhra Satavadhanam” with 108 scholars at Avadhana Saraswathi Peetham, Hyderabad in year 2008.
* 2009 - “Samkritandhra Satavadhanam” with 116 scholars at Avadhana Saraswathi Peetham, Hyderabad in year 2009.
* 2013 - “Avadhana Vijayini” – a Dwi Satavadhanam with 207 Scholars at Avadhana Saraswathi Peetham, Hyderabad in year 2013. This event was conducted in co-ordination with Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam, Tirumala, with the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara.
* 2014 - “Avadhana Raajadhani” – Dwi Satavadhanam with 225 Pandits at FICCI Auditorium, New Delhi in year 2014. 
* 2014 -“Vagvardhini” – a Sanskrit Astavadhanam at Sringeri Sanskrit Kalashala in year 2014.
* 2015 - “Sanskrit Astavadhanam” conducted on the occasion of Sri Sri Sri Vidhu Sekharendra Bharathi Swamiji taking charge as Uttaraadhikari at Sringeri Peetham in year 2015. 
* 2019 - “Avadhana Jaitrotsavam” – a Satavadhanam with 116 scholars at Avadhana Saraswathi 2019 Peetham, Hyderabad in 2019.
== Books published ==
* “Vishwabharatam” – A Sanskrit Mahakakavyam with over 2600 Slokas has been hailed as a masterpiece which speaks about the greatness of our country, culture and heritage
* “Sri Annavaram Satyanarayana Swamy Suprabhatam” – he has authored the suprabhatam which is rendered every day in the service of Satyanarayana Swamy at Annavaram Temple. He feels fortunate to have been able to create this eternal work
* “Swarnamukhi” – he has made a marvellous commentary on “Kalahasteeswara Satakam”, an ancient script of the great poet Dhurjati. This book has received wide spread appreciation from scholars and was published in coordination with Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam
* “Sri Manidweepa Mahima” – a commentary on the salience of Manidweepam
* “Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Pooja” – edited and published Satyanarana swamy vrat katha and procedure
* “Pancha Sookta Vivaranam” - a commentary in Telugu on Pancha Sooktas published by Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam
* “Dwishatavadhana Padya Sanchika” - Anthology of own Avadhana poetry
* “Pancha Satavadhana Padya Sanchika” - Anthology of own Avadhana poetry
* “Sahasra Seersha” - Anthology of own Avadhana poetry
* “Dwi Saharsra Seersha” - Anthology of own Avadhana poetry
* “Sundarkanda” – a commentary on aspects of Maharshi Valmiki Ramayan
* “Padya Pravaham” – edited and published a compilation of legendary poems which encapsulate the grandeur of Telugu language and cultur
* “Rishi Charitram” - a compilation of over 400 poems has a tribute to the legacy of our renowned sages.
* “Lakshmi Naarasimha Prabhuvu” - a compilation of 108 poems in Telugu in reverence of Lord Shri Lakshmi Naarasimha Swamy
* “Satyameva Jayate” - a novel in Sanskrit
* “Raite Raju” - a Mahakavyam in Telugu as a tribute to the ryots of our nation
* “Saraswathi Stotra Kadambam” - a collection of Saraswathi Stotras, edited and published
* “Pancha Bhoota Pancha Sathi” – a compilation of over 500 poems in Telugu on the 5 elements of nature – Air, Water, Sky, Fire and Earth
* “Omkara Ganapathi” – A ballet in Telugu
* “Bhishma Pratigna” – A ballet in Telugu
== Pravachanams – Discourses ==
* “Devi Vaibhavam” - a serialized musical discourse in 135 episodes with TV5
* “Sri Vaikunta Vaibhavam” - a serialized musical discourse in 150 episodes with TV5
* “Virata Parvam” - a series of musical discourses on Mahabharat featuring 40 episodes
* “Sri Pothana Bhagavatham” – a series of musical discourses conducted at Sri Ramakrishna Mutt, Hyderabad
* “Srimad Bhagavatham” – a series of musical discourses conducted at Hyderabad
* “Bharatha Bharathi” – a series of musical discourses on Mahabharat with Vissa TV channel featuring 51 episodes
* “Sundarkanda” – a series of discourses on Ramayana with CVR OM Channel.
* “Vinayaka Vaibhavam” – a series of discourses with Bhakti Channel
* “Avadhana Vijayani” – a Dwi Satavadhanam telecast by SVBC channel (T.T.D.)
* “Bhagavata Saptaham” at Vishakhapatanam
* “Satavadhana Vipanchi” - program telecast by SVBC channel (T.T.D.)
* “Bhagavata Saptaham” at Haridwar,U.P. in 2007
* “Sataka Padya Manjari” – a series of discourses of over 100 episodes on “Kalahasteeswara Satakam” telecast by SVBC channel (T.T.D.)
== Audio works ==
* “Adi Shankara Vaibhavam” – written and rendered as a tribute to Jagadguru Adi Shakaracharya
* “Saraswathi Kavacham” – rendered in reverence of Goddess Saraswathi
* “Devi Stutimala” – A compilation of 10 Stotras in 3 volumes rendered in reverence of various gods and goddesses
* “Ganesha – Shiva Stotram” – rendered in reverence of Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva
* “Kartaveeryarjuna Stotram” – in reverence of Kartaveeryarjuna Swamy
* “Mahakavi Kalidasu” - written and rendered as a tribute to Mahakavi Kalidasu
* “Manidweepa Mahima” – a compilation of 3 volumes, it is an unparalleled narration of Manidweepam and it salience
* “Om Sai Sri Sai” – a compilation of 50 Songs in 5 volumes written and rendered in reverence to Shri Sai Baba
* “Panchanarasimham” – a compilation of 6 songs written and rendered in reverence to Lord Narasimha Swamy
* “Pothana Bhagavata Katha Ganasudha” – a melodious narration of Pothana Bhagavatam in 26 parts in 4 volumes
* “Arya Satakam” – For Memory Development
* “Satyanarayana Swamy Pooja” – a complete narration of the Satyanarayana Vrat katha and pooja procedure
* “Sivanada Lahari” - written by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya, Dr. Sarma has rendered it in reverence of Lord Shiva
* “Soundarya Lahari” – written by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya, Dr. Sarma has rendered it in reverence of Goddess Parvati
* “Sri Ragam” – A compilation of 8 songs written and rendered on variety of subjects
* “Srimadbhagavadgita” – a melodious narration of aspects of Bhagavadgita
* “Sringeri Vagvardineem” – a story written and rendered in reverence of Goddess Sharada mata
* “Sundarkanda” – a melodious and enriching narration of Sundarkanda in 16 volumes
== Service to society ==
* Aid during COVID 19 pandemic
* Ayurvedic Medical camps
* Program for students
* Scholarship and book distribution
* Annadanam
* Religious and spiritual activities
* Goseva
* Veda Patasala
== Awards and recognitions ==
=== State awards ===
* Awarded Ugadi Puraskaram thrice by State Government of Andhra Pradesh for the contribution towards Vedic, Sanskrit and Telugu literature
* Best Avadhani award by P.S. Telugu University for outstanding contribution to the art of Avadhanam
* Ramineni Foundation Award for significant contribution in field of Telugu literature
* Sadhguru Sivananda Murthy Eminence award for the contribution in the field of vedas and poetry
=== National awards ===
* Lifetime achievement award by Telugu Academy, Delhi, for outstanding contribution in the field of literature.
* Kopparapu Kavulu National Award, for unparalleled contribution to the art of Avadhanam
* Swasti Vachanam Award by Sarva Bhowma Sanskrit Samvardhana Samstha, New Delhi for outstanding contribution to Sanskrit Literature.
=== International awards ===
* He was presented with a special award in year 1998, for his outstanding memory power and his role in popularising the unique Telugu Tradition of Avadhanam
* He has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to preserve, promote and propagate Telugu Language by American Association of Telugu Brahmins in year 2002
* He has been recognised for his rarest literary feats of Avadhanam in the history of Telugu Literature by Telugu Association of North Texas in year 2006
* Eminent Avadhani Award by American Telugu Association in years of 1995, 97, 99 & 2001
* Lifetime Achievement Award by American Telugu Association in 2004 for outstanding contribution in the literary field of Avadhanam
* Best Avadhani Award by Telugu Association of North America in years of 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003
* Lifetime Achievement Award by Telugu Association of North America in 2005 for outstanding contribution in the literary field of Avadhanam
* Excellence award by Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta in 2004
* Sri Kala Poorna award by Sri Annamacharya Project of North America, SAPNA in 2002
* Telugu Paluku Lifetime achievement award, Australia
* Best Avadhani of the Decade award, New South Wales, U.K
* Best Avadhani Award, Bahrain in year 1997
* Lifetime Achievement Award by Sree foundation, Abu Dhabi in year 2014
* Lifetime Achievement Award by Samskruta foundation, Dubai in year 2016
* Lifetime Achievement Award by World Telugu Federation, in year 1992
Category:Indian poets
Category:Indian scholars
Category:1959 births
Category:People from Andhra Pradesh
Category:Singers