Dr. Prabhu Kumari Vanama

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          Dr. PRABHU KUMARI VANAMA was born to the revered couple Lion. V.S.D.P. Pulla Rao and Lionade. V.J. Prasuna. Her father being the pharmaceutical manufacturer and the Ex-President of the Lions Club (Vijayawada) and her mother well known in the Music circles as a Playback, Carnatic and Hindustani Concert singer inspired Prabhu to indulge in academics as well as in cultural activities and this enabled her to develop a flair for art, culture and education. She did her Graduation, Post Graduation and Research in History at the Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai and Doctor of Philosophy at the Loyola College, Chennai. Besides, she also did her Diploma in Tamil Literature, Diploma in Citizens Legal Rights, Advanced Diploma in Computer Applications. Dr. Prabhu has to her credit 6 books entitled, Dr. M. Balamurali Krishna – A Study,Qutubshahis’ Golconda – The Cradle of Cultures, Trends in Tourism (An Indian Perspective), Research Methods in Tourism Studies, Polity, Society and Economy in the Nizamate, Amazing Folk Arts and Artifacts (A Cultural Odyssey into Scenic South India), Dr. Konijei Rosaiah His Excellency The Governor of Tamil Nadu The Majestic Magnum ‘Opus.

          Also, more than 50 of her research articles in art, culture, History and Tourism were published in the international journals, national journals and popular newspapers. Her presentation of innumerable research papers at the international, national and regional seminars, conferences and workshops were widely acclaimed. Some of her articles were published even in English, Tamil and Telugu by leading news papers – Indian Express, News Today, The Hindu, The Madras Times, Trinity Mirror, Dina Thanthi, NithyaNuthana, etc. She received Bal Sahyog Award for Excellence in Education from Mrs. Sheila Dikshit – the then Chief Minister of Delhi in 2000 and her name was included in the Eminent Personalities of India for her outstanding accomplishments by the International Biographical Research Foundation, India. Recently she was also conferred with the prestigious Hon. D.Litt., (USA) from the University of South America. At present she is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Historical Studies, Bharathi Women's College (A), Chennai. Till date, under her guidance 45 projects, 4 M. Phil., dissertations and 1 Ph.D., Thesis submitted by students and scholars were awarded degress by various Universities. She is also editing from 2009 an ISSN research journal i.e., Bi-Annual Journal of Indian Art, Culture, Heritage and Tourism.

          Dr. Prabhu Kumari Vanama had the privilege of learning Bharatanatyam initially under Nritya Shiromani Smt. Sumathy Kaushal garu of Hyderabad, Kathak under Pt. Vijay Shankar garu of Calcutta, Kuchipudi under Bhagavathula Hanumantha Rao garu of Vijayawada. Besides she acquired the elegant nuances of Kathak and Folk Dances from Pt. Anju Babu garu & Natya Gandharva Pt. Gopal garu or Hyderabad. No wonder, her brilliant performances and tutelage under renowned dancers coupled with her parents encouragement earned her at the age of 7 itself invitations from the Doordarshan Kendra, Hyderabad to give solo dance programmes in their telecasts. Dr. Prabhu's cultural assignments range from Carnatic (Classical) and Hindustani (Light), Vocal, Bharathanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Folk Dances.She gave several classical dance programmes in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Her performance at the Taj Mahotsav, Agra received high accolades from both the press as well as the public and she had the honour of performing at the 4th Asia-Euro Conference at MALAYSIA.

          Dr. Prabhu was blessed to learn both Carnatic and Hindustani music from her mother Smt. V.J. Prasuna. Also, Pemmaraju Suryarao garu (Lecturer, Music College – Vijayawada) refined her music and at the age of 6 itself, her voice was individually broadcasted by the All India Radio – Hyderabad. She won the First Prize for writing, composing and singing a creative Telugu song in 1992, from the Youth Forum for Gandhian Studies (Madras). She also plays Harmonium, Mridangam, Tabala and Tamboora. She was selected as an All India Vocal Artiste in 1993 and has sung in a few private albums. She won first prize for writing, composing and singing a creative Telugu song in Telugu from the Youth Forum for Gandhian Studies (Madras). She executed several articles in The Hindu with the pen name VPK and many were published in The Indian Express, News Today, Nithya Nuthana, Nungambakkam Times, The Madras Times and the Times of T. Nagar. Dr. Prabhu and her parents are inclined to serve the humanity and are deeply devoted to serve the immortal spirit of Mother India through their lofty ideals and objectives. They believe in Universal Brotherhood and are symbolic of Universal Sentiments.

Janani Janma Bhoomischa Swargadapi Gariyasi