His stories on the marginalised and less privileged people in their own language have won senior journalist Chintakindi Srinivasa Rao the 20th Chaso Spurthi Puraskaram.
The award is given by Vizianagaram-based Chaso Spoorthi Sahitya Trust to writers focusing on the lives of people with a progressive outlook.
Criteria
The dialect employed by the writers and the values they espoused are also taken into consideration while being selected for the award.
Chaganti Somayajulu, popularly known as Chaso, is considered a stalwart among Telugu story writers portraying the lives of common people in their language and ranks among the best. “My literary endeavour is aimed at portraying the humane values in the poor who may be lacking in material wealth. Through my stories I try to sensitise society to the predicament of the weak and the marginalised,” says 50-year-old Srinivasa Rao.
North Andhra dialect
“Dalappa tirtham,” “Palamma,” “Vana teerpu” and “Masterbabu mari leru” stand out among his stories. Mr. Srinivasa Rao writes in the North Andhra dialect and is greatly influenced by Rachakonda Viswanatha Sastry (Ra. Vi. Sastry), who championed the cause of the underdog.
Over a period of 10 years, Mr. Srinivasa Rao, who has a Ph.D. in Telugu literature from Andhra University, penned 25 stories.
He will receive the Chaso Puraskaram at a function to mark the centenary of the writer on January 17.
Earlier awardees include Arudra and Mahidharama Ramamohana Rao.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao received a string of awards, including Garima Sahitya Puraskaram and Noomula Kadha Puraskaram.
My literary endeavour is aimed at portraying humane values in the poor who may be lacking in material wealth
Chintakindi Srinivasa Rao
Journalist
