Deccan News Service | Hyderabad

Renowned writer and cartoonist Nellutla Ramadevi was honored with the prestigious Kaloji Literary Award on the occasion of the 111th birth anniversary of people’s poet Kaloji Narayana Rao, celebrated at Ravindra Bharathi on Tuesday.

Presenting the award, Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao lauded Ramadevi’s ability to transform social conflicts into moving poetry and noted that her work embodies Kaloji’s spirit of resistance to injustice. He highlighted the significance of conferring the award to a woman for the first time and called for wider dissemination of Kaloji’s writings across Telangana villages.

In her acceptance address, Ramadevi recalled her personal association with Kaloji, stating that his poetry gave her the courage to confront injustice without fear or compromise. She dedicated the award to the girls of Telangana and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Minister Jupally, the selection committee, and fellow poets. Ramadevi also suggested introducing a literature period in schools to nurture a love for books among students and vowed to continue her literary journey to inspire younger generations.

The program, organized by the Telangana Language and Culture Department, was chaired by Telangana Sahitya Akademi Secretary Namoju Balachari. It saw participation from Telangana Library Sanstha President Riyaz, Kaloji Foundation Secretary V. R. Vidyarthi, Potlapalli Srinivasa Rao, and others. Retired Doordarshan employee Dakshan Murthy presented the award, adding to the ceremonial grace.

The honor not only recognized Ramadevi’s contribution to literature but also underscored her role as a torchbearer of Kaloji’s legacy, inspiring social awareness through the power of words.