Noted poet Kaloji Narayana Rao’s birth centenary celebrations would be organised from September 9 across the state and continue till 2014.

Speaking to reporters here on Friday Kaloji Centenary Celebrations Committee chairperson B Narsinga Rao, convenor S Jeevan Kumar and patron K Pratap Reddy said that the centenary celebrations will begin on September 9 in Warangal, his birth place and conclude in Hyderabad next year on the same day. Former Supreme Court judge and Lokayukta of Goa justice B Sudarshan Reddy will inaugurate the celebrations.

To pay tributes to the great poet and social worker a group of his admirers, writers, artists, students and associates have decided to hold year-long series of events to spread his message and the undying vibrancy of his literary works, they said.

About 16 socio-cultural organisations of Telangana and Kaloji Foundation would actively coordinate with the celebrations committee in conducting the year-long programme, Narsinga Rao said. As part of the celebrations activities will be organised in Hyderabad every month.

CDs of Kaloji’s poetry recital, calendars, badges, cartoon books and Kaloji’s complete literary works will be released during the year-long celebrations.

Release of a documentary film on Kaloji and organising photo exhibition form part of the centenary celebrations. Ballets or docu-dramas would be held on the theme of Kaloji life and his literary works, he said.

Meetings and seminars on Kaloji’s writings will be held across the state throughout the year. The main objective of the celebrations is to showcase the works of Kaloji and to introduce his achievements to the younger generation.

Kaloji stood for values and use to raise voice against injustice, Narsinga Rao said and added that he was people’s poet and use to fight for the rights of the oppressed. He raised voice against the Nizam’s rule  through his writings and speeches.

His notable literary works are Kaloji Kathalu, Thudi Vijayam Manadi Jayam and Telangana Udyama Kavithalu, and translations entitled Na Bharata Desha Yatra and Jeevana Geetha.

He translated many literary works into Telugu.

Kaloji was a member of the state Legislative Council during 1958-60. He was an ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi and Jayaprakash Narayan and was associated with  many social and cultural movements in the state. He was conferred with Padma Vibhushan.

Kaloji passed away on November 13, 2002.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service – Hyderabad / September 07th, 2013