Kaloji Narayana Rao

 Kaloji Narayana Rao:-

          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 was born in Madikonda, a village near Warangal in Hyderabad state. His father was of a Maharashtrian origin, Kaloji Ranga Rao, and mother Ramabai hailing from Karnataka.

Education:-

           Kaloji completed his primary education in Madikonda.He completed his higher education in Warngal 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 went to prison for two times.

Literary works:-

               Rao wrote poetry in the Hindi, Marathi, Telugu and Urdu languages.  He was popularly known as Praja Kavi, meaning "people's poet". He started writing poetry right from his early school days. 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 prominent writer and voracious reader.

His published writings are :-

• Anakathalu -1941
• Naa Bharatadesha Yatra -1941 (Translation of Brail Ford's "Rebel India")
• Kaloji Kathalu -1943
• Parthiva vyayam -1946
• Naa Godava 1st edition, first print -12/1/1953 ( published in 1953 January 12 at Alampuram by Sri sri at a meeting conducted by Telangana Rracheitala Sangam and Andhra Saraswatha Parishat)
• Naa Godava 1st edition,second print -12/1953
• Tudi Vijayam Manadi Nijam -1962
• Naa Godava Parabhava Vasantham -23/03/1966
• Naa Godava Parabhava Greeshmam -21/05/1966
• Naa Godava Parabhava Varsham -19/07/1966
• Naa Godava Parabhava sharattu -15/10/1966
• Naa Godava Parabhava Hemantham -13/12/1966
• Naa Godava Parabhava shishiram -02/1967
• Naa Godava Parabhava 1st edition, third print -4/1967
• Jeevana Geetha -1968 (Translation of Khalil Zibran's "The prophet")
• Telangana Udyama Kavithalu -1969/70
• Naa Godava (Yuva Bharathi) -1974
• Naa Godava -1975/77
• Idi Naa Godava -1995 (Kaloji's autobiographyraphy)
• Bapu! Bapu!! Bapu!!! -1995
• Kaloji Kathalu -2000

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. 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 Tamrapatra 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.

Death:-

          Kaloji donated his body for research to Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal after his death.