HYDERABAD: On the occasion of the 91st birth anniversary of Telangana’s iconic poet and writer, Dasarathi Krishnamacharya, the Telangana government on Wednesday presented the first Dasarathi memorial award to noted poet Dr. Tirumala Srinivasacharya.
Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao presented the award to Srinivasacharya, who incidentally was the teacher of KCR in his school days. He is well known for his work in modern Telugu literature, including his writing on Dasarathi and his poetry.
CM, who himself is an admirer of Dasarathi’s literary work from his college days, announced this award last year to honour his contribution to Telangana’s literature and his fight against Nizam rulers. On many occasions in the past, KCR recalled how Dasarathi’s literary work inspired him to fight for separate state of Telangana. Presenting the award on Wednesday, he said, “Dasarathi is the pride of Telangana. Words are not enough to describe his bravery and his contribution to literature.”
The state government officially celebrated the birth anniversary of Dasarathi and instituted a memorial award in his name. This award will be given to prominent literary personalities in the state every year for their contribution to Telangana’s literature. The winner of the award will be given a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh as well.
The department of culture, which organised the event, has invited C Narayana Reddy, noted writer and Jnanapith award winner as the special guest for the award ceremony.