Kaloji Narayana Rao కాళోజీ నారాయణరావు
Poet and voice of Telangana · (1914 – 2002)
Kaloji Narayana Rao (1914–2002)
Kaloji Narayana Rao — simply Kaloji to Telangana — was a Telugu poet celebrated as the "Voice of Telangana" (Telangana Nadam). He wrote in the Telangana dialect, championing the rights of the poor, the marginalised, and the Telangana people.
Poetry
Kaloji's poetry (Na Godava — "My Grouse/Complaint") is direct, conversational, and political — deliberately rejecting classical Telugu in favour of the spoken dialect. His verse protested caste oppression, the Nizam's rule, and the cultural subordination of Telangana.
Statehood Movement
Kaloji was a lifelong supporter of a separate Telangana state, speaking at rallies and writing verses that became slogans of the movement.
Telugu Language Day
The Telangana government observes Telugu Bhasha Dinotsavam (Telugu Language Day) on 9 September — Kaloji's birthday — honouring his contribution to the regional language.
Awards
Padma Vibhushan (2000), Sahitya Akademi Award (1992).