Our purpose is purely to preserve and pass on the literary richness of Telugu to the next generations

M. Venkata RayuduFounder, MaNaSu Foundation 

ekalavya mallepalli | Hyderabad 

In a monumental stride toward preserving the cultural and literary wealth of Telugu, the MaNaSu Foundation has digitized over 2.5 crore pages—including 1.3 lakh books and 70,000 magazines—since its formation. Spearheaded by Bengaluru-based engineer and entrepreneur M. Venkata Rayudu, the initiative originally began as a personal effort to translate Shakespeare’s works into Telugu. It has since evolved into one of India’s most extensive voluntary literary digitization movements.

The Foundation was established in 2006 by M. Venkata Rayudu, Engineer and Entrepreneur, Dr. Gopi Chand Mannam, Renowned Cardiac Surgeon, and Dr. Mannam Chandra Mouli, TV Journalist. In 2018, they set up a dedicated digitization center in Varikuntapadu mandal of SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking to Metro India, Venkata Rayudu explained that this rural center was selected to maintain strict quality standards and train locals, all while offering the entire service free of charge. “Our purpose is purely to preserve and pass on the literary richness of Telugu to the next generations,” he said.

In 2013, the Foundation broadened its scope to include music preservation by launching eChitrapuri, a digital archive dedicated to vintage Telugu film songs. In addition to songs, the initiative involved digitizing rare photographs, audiotapes, and children’s storybooks. At the request of the Telangana Archaeology Department, the Foundation also developed a specialized scanner capable of capturing ancient inscriptions with remarkable clarity and accuracy.

All of MaNaSu’s digitized works are made freely accessible, underscoring its non-commercial, service-focused mission. Significant republished collections include Kalipatnam Ramarao Rachanalu, Sri Sri Prashnottaraalu, Beena Devi Samagra Rachanalu, Sir Arthur Cotton Jeevitam–Krushi, Cheppulu Kuduthu Kuduthu, Rachakonda Viswanatha Sastry’s Sagaralu, and Tripuraneni Ramaswamy’s Sarvalikya Rachanalu. Classics like Gurajadaalu and Mogadorasi are also part of the digitized archive.

With bases in Bangalore and Guntur, the MaNaSu Foundation remains committed to preserving Telugu’s literary voice—free, accessible, and timeless. The Foundation continues to receive support from scholars, volunteers, and heritage lovers worldwide, reflecting the growing awareness of the need to safeguard regional literature in the digital age.