Recipient of Sahitya Yuva Puraskar of Sahitya Academy in Telugu language, writer Vempalli Gangadhar from Kadapa recently had the rare honour being part of the ‘In-Residence’ programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan from September 8 to 26. He was the only vernacular writer besides Yishey Doma Bhutia of Sikkim.
On September 22, when Gangadhar met the President Pranab Mukherjee in person, he presented these works: Molakala Punnami, Devarasila and Greeshma Bhoomi (compilations of short stories), Pune Prayanam — the heart rending issue of tribal women pushed into flesh trade in the region, Hiranya Rajyam — consequences of factionalism in Rayalaseema, Nela Digina Vaana, a novel, and Tholi Telugu Sasanam — first Telugu Inscription.
He believes that his works revolving around the plight of farmers in Rayalaseema and the selling of girls in tribal villages for flesh trade brought him to the notice of the President.
“Meeting the President was a great experience. He lauded my efforts of portraying the conditions in Rayalaseema and hoped that the stay had ignited a spark to serve further,” says Gangadhar, who secured his doctorate for a thesis on Factionalism in Rayalaseema and his M.Phil on Rayalaseema Kakshala Katha Oka Pariseelana from Sri Venkateswara University.
Gangadhar also met the extended family of the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Hamid Ansari, former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and other ministers. Now, he plans to compile these memories into a book. “It’s a real honour for Telugu language. While literature, particularly in local languages, is waning, this recognition is a boost and a new impetus to continue writing,” says Gangadhar, adding that for him the best part of the programme was seeing the original draft of the Constitution.
Even in the past, the writer had been invited to tour Shantiniketan in West Bengal under the “Writer Travel Grant Programme” of the central government. Gangadhar has written nine books and articles on farmers’ issues, women and the drought-prone Rayalaseema region and has received 18 awards till date, the most recent being the Ravuri Bharadwaja Memorial Literary Award in Hyderabad. He became the the first Telugu writer to be honoured with it.
