Kaloji Narayana Rao

Kaloji Narayana Rao
Born 9 September 1914
Madikonda, Warangal, Hyderabad State (now Telangana State), India
Died 13 November 2002 (aged 88)
Warangal, Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana State), India
Other names Kaloji, Kalanna, Praja Kavi
Known for Political activist, poet
Spouse(s) Rukmini Bai Kaloji
Children Ravi Kumar Kaloji

Kaloji Narayana Rao (9 September 1914 – 13 November 2002) more popularly known as Kaloji or Kalanna was an Indian poet, freedom fighter, Anti-fascist and political activist of Telangana. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1992.

Early life

kaloji's real name was Raghuveer narayan laxmikanth srinivasa ramraja kaloji. Kaloji was born in Madikonda, a village near Warangal in Hyderabad state.[1]

His father was of a Maharashtrian origin, Kaloji Ranga Rao, and mother Ramabai hailing from Karnataka.

Education

Kaloji completed his primary education in Madikonda and higher education in Warangal and Hyderabad.

Movements

Rao's elder brother, Kaloji Rameshwar Rao, an Urdu poet, played a vital role in shaping his personality.

From around the age of 16, Rao became active in anti-establishment movements, joining the Arya Samaj and, later, the Andhra Mahasabha.

He participated in movement that was opposed to the rule of the Nizam in the then Hyderabad State and was imprisoned twice.

Literary works

Rao wrote poetry in the Hindi, Marathi, Telugu and Urdu languages.[2] He was popularly known as Praja Kavi, meaning "people's poet". He started writing poetry from an early age. He composed his first poem, in 1931 while still in his teens, in reaction to the execution of Bhagat Singh, and very soon became a voracious reader and a prominent writer.

His published writings are :-

and his most popular poetic lines were పుటుక నీది చావు నీది బ్రతుకుంతా దేశానిది. He wrote this lines in his godava. Kaloji's Na Godava is unique both in its style and content. The great Telugu poet Sri Dasaradhi called it ' a running commentary on contemporary history'.

Political career

He was a member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council during 1960-1962 and in 1977 he unsuccessfully stood against Jalagam Vengal Rao as a candidate in the Sattupalli constituency.[1]

He was founder member for Andhra Saraswatha Parishathu and member Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Academy.

He was the president of Telangana Rachayitala Sangham and was a Member of Glossary Committee during the period 1957-61.

Awards and honors

Kaloji was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest award given by the Government of India, for his service in the literary and social fields.

He is a recipient of Tamarapatra in 1972.

He received the best translation award of the Andhra Pradesh Government for his work Jeevana Geetha in 1968 and Burgula Ramakrishna Rao memorial first award.

He was felicitated by the Andhra Pradesh Government in 1981.

He was honored with the title 'Praja Kavi' and has been felicitated by various literary associations of Andhra Pradesh.

In 1992, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Kakatiya University.[1]

Death

Kaloji donated his body for research to Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal.[3]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Chandrakanth, W. (14 November 2002). "Kaloji won't cry any more!". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  2. ↑ "Governor, CM condole death". The Hindu. 14 November 2002. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  3. ↑ articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-11-14/hyderabad/27320200_1_freedom-fighter-telangana-region-telangana-rashtra-samithi-president

External links

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