Noted lyricist of Telangana and TRS MLC Goreti Venkanna has been awarded the prestigious Sahithya Academy Award for 2020-21.
The Central Sahithya Academy announced the award to him for his "Vallanki Thalam", a compilation of poems.
The Academy also announced awards for Tugulla Gopal (Yuva Puraskaram) and Devarju Maharaju (Bala Sahithya Puraskaram).
Born in Gauraram village of Nagar Kurnool district in 1963, Venkanna has been contributing to the literary world for a few decades, and has written several books including Ekunadham Motha, Relaputhalu, Ala Sendravanka and Pusina Punnami. His is known for lyrics eulogizing rural life, and his poems and books have received all-round appreciation.
Literary awards in 20 languages were announced by the Sahitya Academi today. The academy said that the awards for Gujarati, Manipuri, Mythili and Urdu languages will be announced later.
Dr C Mrunalini, G Srirama Murthy and Dr Katyayani Vidmahe were the jury members for Telugu work.
The awards will be given to the winners at a program soon. They will get cash prizes and citations from the Academy.