A Life of Scholarship, Simplicity, and Spiritual Wisdom

The life of Professor S. Lakshmana Murthy, a distinguished teacher, scholar, writer, and speaker in English, Telugu, and Sanskrit, remains an inspiring chapter in the intellectual and cultural history of Telangana. A beloved professor of the Department of English at Kakatiya University, he combined scholarship with humility, learning with humour, and spirituality with literary excellence. One year after his passing, his students, colleagues, and admirers continue to remember him as a rare teacher whose influence went far beyond the classroom.

Early Life and Cultural Roots

Professor Lakshmana Murthy was born on 20 July 1940 in Chandupatla village of Nalgonda district, into a traditional Vaishnava family. His parents, Raghavacharyulu and Tayaramma, nurtured him in an atmosphere of devotion, discipline, and learning. Those who met him often remembered his distinctive appearance: a modest frame, a broad forehead marked with the traditional Vaishnava tilak, and a radiant face that reflected both scholarship and serenity. Even in his appearance, one could sense the blend of tradition and intellect that defined his life.

Three Decades of Teaching at Kakatiya University

Professor Murthy served for nearly three decades as a teacher of English at Kakatiya University. His classes were known for their intellectual depth and engaging delivery. For students pursuing an M.A. in English, listening to his lectures was a memorable experience.

His teaching style was distinctive. He could transform literary texts into vivid intellectual journeys. One of his students, Narrenaditya Komaragiri, fondly recalled:

“He was brilliant in captivating the class with his spellbinding narration—whether it was Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock, Jane Austen’s Emma, or Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus. You should hear him utter the famous line: ‘Is this the face that launched a thousand ships and burnt the topless towers of Ilium?’ There used to be a subtle sarcasm in his teaching and conversation.”

For many students, it became a matter of pride to say: “We were students of Professor Lakshmana Murthy.”

A Scholar of Three Languages

While widely respected as a professor of English, Lakshmana Murthy was equally renowned for his scholarship inTelugu and Sanskrit literature. His lectures and writings seamlessly connected Western literary thought with the philosophical depth of Indian traditions. His speeches, whether academic or spiritual, were always enlightening, filled with thoughtful insights, humour, and subtle criticism. Even complex philosophical ideas were explained in a simple and engaging manner, attracting both scholars and common listeners.

Literary Contributions

Professor Murthy was a prolific writer and editor. He authored several books, particularly devotional works on Lord Krishna, written in pure and elegant Telugu.

Among his literary contributions:

• “Gopika Vallabha”, a satakam dedicated to Lord Krishna, written at the request of his father. Thousands of copies were printed and distributed free of cost, bearing the price “Amoolyam” (Priceless).
• “Samarpanam”, a collection of lyrical poems written in memory of his close friend Narasimha Reddy, dedicated to his soul. The book was released by noted literary scholar Ravva Srihari.

In addition to his own works, he wrote hundreds of prefaces, forewords, and critical opinions for books by writers across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He edited numerous manuscripts and literary works for others often without expecting recognition or gratitude.

Even during his later years, despite frailty, he continued this selfless literary service.

Spiritual Thought and Cultural Commitment

Professor Lakshmana Murthy was deeply passionate about Sanskrit and Indian philosophical traditions. On 15 September 2016, he publicly appealed to people to learn Sanskrit, saying that no other language could offer such joy in reading. He frequently spoke about the values contained in the Vedas, Upanishads, and other Hindu scriptures, emphasising the importance of Dharma. Quoting Adi Shankaracharya and Kalidasa, he urged people to maintain purity in both body and soul.

At a Ganesh Utsava event in Hanamkonda, he remarked: “India is a rich country. We should feel proud of this nation for its great legacy.” He encouraged people not to blindly imitate foreign culture but to preserve and sustain India’s cultural traditions and Sanatana Dharma.

Fulbright Scholar and Academic Achievements

In 1984, Professor Murthy was honoured as a Fulbright Scholar, visiting Duke University and the University of Missouri in the United States. That same year, he served as the editor of the Kakatiya Journal of English Studies, focusing on Modern Indian Aesthetic Thought. His scholarship reflected a rare synthesis of Western literary criticism and Indian aesthetic philosophy.

A Teacher Beyond the Classroom

Professor Murthy believed that education must shape character as well as intellect. At an event on 11 January 2018, he advised students to choose a great role model in life. Speaking about Swami Vivekananda, he said: “Vivekananda was an orator by divine grace.”

He reassured students that their medium of instruction would not determine their success: “Your medium of instruction does not matter if you have the passion to learn. I too came from a Telugu-medium background but later learned English and became a teacher of English.” He also warned young people against harmful habits that could destroy their future.

A Speaker with Gentle Humour

Lakshmana Murthy was widely admired for his spontaneous humour. Once, when he noticed a cinema poster titled“Ille Swargam” (Our home itself is heaven), he humorously reflected on the aptness of the title, drawing laughter from everyone present. Even though he was a distinguished professor, he spoke like a common man—simple, warm, and approachable. His humour never hurt anyone; it was always gentle and thoughtful.

Contributions to Religious and Cultural Education

Professor Murthy delivered hundreds of radio talks on the Vedas and Upanishads, which listeners still remember with affection. In literary and spiritual gatherings organized by cultural institutions in Warangal, his lectures on the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavatam would captivate audiences. He also served for many years in the editorial board of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), writing devotional essays and contributing to spiritual publications. Whenever spiritual leaders visited Warangal and delivered speeches in other languages, Professor Murthy would effortlessly translate their talks into Telugu, earning admiration from audiences.

Recognition and Tributes

Professor Murthy received the “Nanduri Ramakrishnamacharya Dharmanidhi Sahitya Puraskaram”from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University, recognising his literary excellence. Noted writer and Sanskrit scholar Nanduri Vidyaranya paid tribute to him saying:

“Professor Lakshmana Murthy was a blessed soul who balanced teaching and literary service. He earned the affection of countless students and achieved great fame through his contributions to Sanskrit, Telugu, and English literature. With his passing, Telangana has lost a great multilingual scholar, a traditionalist, and a spiritual thinker.”

A Gentleman and Family Man

Beyond scholarship, Professor Murthy was known as a true gentleman. He was admired for his honesty, kindness, and humility. He was a strong support to his wife, Professor Jayasree, their daughters, son, and sons-in-law. He often advised students to maintain strong relationships with parents, friends, teachers, and society. He never expected recognition for his help. Many writers remember how he edited their books or wrote prefaces without seeking credit.

Memories from Students and Admirers

One of his students, recalling him with emotion, said: “Lakshmana Murthy sir, my beloved teacher, I am in tears remembering the wonderful moments in your presence. I searched the whole world, but I never found another like you.” Writer Rapolu Satyanarayana echoed the same sentiment: “Another one like you I never found.”  Another admirer remembered him as a counsellor in English during his studies at AP Open University, expressing heartfelt gratitude for his guidance. Yet another student said: “Another one like you, I never found.”

The Legacy of a True Guru

The story of Professor Lakshmana Murthy is also a story of perseverance. Like many educated young men searching for a livelihood, he struggled through several small jobs before eventually joining Kakatiya University as a faculty member. From humble beginnings as the son of a temple priest, he rose to become a respected scholar and teacher. Yet he remained the same simple, compassionate person who always extended a helping hand to students.

An Enduring Inspiration

Professor S. Lakshmana Murthy was not merely a professor. He was a guru in the true sense—teacher, guide, critic, scholar, and friend.  His life embodied the ideals he cherished: learning, humility, humour, devotion, and service.

Telangana has lost a great scholar, but his legacy continues through his writings, his students, and the countless lives he touched.