Suravaram Pratapa Reddy - Makers of Indian Literature (An Old Book)

Suravaram Pratapa Reddy, (1896-1953) a poet, playwright, critic, fearless editor and crusader for social reforming, was one of the pioneers who had given a modern orientation to Telugu Literature and literary research. He is remembered for his yeoman service and multifaceted contribution to Telugu language. His Andhrula Sanghika Clzaritramu is considered a classic in the field of social history. He was awarded with the Sahitya Akademi Award for that work in 1995.

Dr. S. Laxnzana Murthy (60) retired as Professor of English from Kakatiya University, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh. He has published widely in Telugu, English and Sanskrit.

As a result of the Police 'action in 1948 the State of Hyderabad ruled by the Nizam merged with the Indian Union. It set the people free from the shackles of feudal misrule. The three decades preceding the Police action were marked by intense political activity and cultural reawakening in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. Together three distinguished personalities created the right political, cultural and intellectual climate in the region. They were Raja Bahadur Venkata Rama Reddy, Madapati Hanumantha Rao and Suravaram Pratapa Reddy.

Pratapa Reddy actively took part in the social reform and freedom movement. He was a fearless editor who staked everything to champion the cause of freedom. A linguist, poet, short story writer, playwright and critic, his service to Telugu language and culture was manifold.

A modest attempt is made in this monograph to introduce his unique personality. While writing this monograph, Professor Elluri Siva Reddy's Suravaram Pratapa Reddy: His Life and Work which won for him the Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Akademi prize was of immense help to me. Professor Reddy's judicious evaluation has been specially useful to me. For further details, I have referred to another Akademi prize winning book on Pratapa Reddy by Muddasani Rami Reddy. I am deeply grateful to both these authors.

I am also thankful to Sri B.N. Sastry, Professor R.Srihari, Professor K.Suprasannacharya and Dr. Sree Rangacharya for their generous help and co-operation.