The Andhra Pradesh government has sanctioned ₹1.2 crore for a multipurpose auditorium next to the house of Gurajada Apparao, author of Kanyasulkam, in Vizianagaram.

With the initiative of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, the government cleared a request from poets and writers for an auditorium in the name of Gurajada Apparao, who brought laurels to Andhra Pradesh with literary works including the play Kanyasulkam.

The government, which acquired land near the heritage structure long ago, will begin construction soon. Vizianagaram Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy directed officials to prepare designs for the auditorium with modern facilities.

Gurajada Apparao’s family members Gurajada Venkateswara Rao and Gurajada Indira welcomed the government’s acceptance of the proposal, which was made two decades ago. Speaking to The Hindu, Ms. Indira also welcomed the repair and renovation of the heritage structure at an estimated cost of ₹12 lakh. “Well maintained heritage structure and construction of the auditorium would be real tributes to the great writer. It will benefit all poets and writers to hold literary conclaves and other activities very soon,” she said.

Abhyudaya Rachayitala Sangham general secretary Ratnala Balakrishna, and Gidugu Ramamurthy Telugu Bhasha and Janapada Kalapeetham founder Badri Kurma Rao, were among those who urged the government to complete the auditorium within a year.