The Book entitled Bodhisiri: A Festschrift to Annapareddy Venkatesvara Reddy (Buddhaghoshudu) contains valuable articles on the Buddha, Buddhism, Buddhist sites, monuments, Art, Architecture, language Literature and Philosophy, thus reflecting multiplicity of thoughts of more scholars, eminent personalities in their fields of specialisation. These articles in other way serve as garland of flower to decor Sri Annapareddy Venkatesvara Reddy; a great scholar in Buddhist studies as far as the Telugu people are concerned. There are more than 50 articles shedding height on the history of Buddhism in Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Malabar and Konkan coast, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Assam and Tamilnadu, Philosophers like Buddhaghosha, sites like Sanchi, Nalanda and scholars of art like the Amaravati and Mathena certain aspects on the phases of Buddhism viz., Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana also find place in the book. Apart from the above themes which emanate the illuminons rays of Prajna: Wisdoms and hence the title Bodhisiri is justified by the bunch of articles on Buddha and mind, a few articles portray the personality of Sri Venkatesvara Reddy its plurality. This Volume will prove indispensable to scholars and students of Indian history, and book will be useful addition to all libraries interested in the Buddhist studies in India,Sout East Asian Countries and also to a general reader.
About the Author:
Prof. Pedarapu Chenna Reddy (Born in 1959) received his Post Graduate Degree in History from S. K. University, Anantapur in 1984. He was awarded M. Phil in 1986, Ph. D. in History in 1988 and P. G. Diploma in Epigraphy from S. V. University, Tirupati in 1988. He also did a P. G. Diploma Course in Travel and Tourism Management from Andhra University, Waltair in 2001. He took Master of Tourism Management Degree from Madurai Kamaraj University in 2007. His book Guilds in Medieval Andhra Desa was widely acclaimed by the academicians and students alike. Dr. Reddy has to his credit more than 25 Books and 75 research papers on various aspects of archaeology, ancient, medieval and modern History published in National and International Journals, Felicitation and Commemoration volumes. He is life member of Rock Art Society of India, Indian History Congress, South Indian History Congress, A. P. History Congress, Telangana History Congress, Hyderabad Historical Society, Andhra Pradesh Sociological Society, Epigraphical Society of India, Numismatic society of South India, Andhra Pradesh Jaanapada Sahitya Parishat, Pilgrimage Society of India, Folklore Society of South Indian Languages, Indian Red Cross Society, Chaitanya Kavita Vedika, Institute of Asian Studies, World Telugu Federation, Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Indian Association for the Study of conservation of Cultural Property, Museums Association of India, National Museum Institute, Common Wealth Nations Association of Museums, Indian Folklore Congress, Institute of Historical Studies, National Advisory Committee in Mahatma Gandhi National Institute of Research and Social Action. Prof. E. Sivanagi Reddy - Sthapathi, Born on 15.04.1955, did a 4 years diploma in Traditional Sculpture & Architecture from Sri Venkateswara Institute of Traditional Sculpture and Architecture, Tirupati from 1973 to 1977. He received B.Com and M.A., (AIHC&A) from S.V. University and Osmania University in 1979 and 1983 respectively. He was awarded the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Hyderabad for his Thesis on Evolution of Building Technology in early and Medieval Andhradesa (from the earliest beginnings up to 1400 A.D) He took Executive MBA Degree from M S University and MTM from MK University and did P.G Diploma in Communication and Journalism from Osmania University. Joined in Government service in 1978 as Assistant Sthapathi in Endowments Department and moved to Department of Archaeology and Museums in 1987 and participated in many Archaeological excavations, and transcription of temples. Attended many seminars and wrote 34 books and 200 articles on Art, Archaeology, Buddhism and Tourism. He was conferred on the title of Vastusilpa vachaspati by Vastu vignani Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati for his outstanding contribution in the fields of Traditional Sculpture and Architecture. He taught Destination Management and Tourism Management as Professor and Dean. Director Dr. YSR National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Gachibowli, Hyderabad. He is currently working with the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Govt. AndhraPradesh as officer on Special Duty.
