Renowned poet Tirunagari Ramanujayya, who had won the Telangana government's prestigious Dasarathi Krishnamacharya award in 2020, passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital today.
The 76-year-old poet was a native from Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district's Alair region (earlier a part of the united district of Nalgonda). Over an illustrious career, spanning over five decades, he had penned around 40 books, including Tirunagareeyam, Vasantam Kosam, Baala Veera Satakam, Maa Palle and Ee Bhoomi. The works gained not only wide popularity but also critical acclaim.
Tirunagari had penned many articles on literary matters and reviews as well.
He was also known for his philanthropic streak, and for having helped many students from underprivileged backgrounds pursue their education. His command over both Telugu and Sanskrit literature was also appreciated by all who knew him.
Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao mourned the death of the noted poet and said that the latter's free-verse poetry was a judicious mix of traditional poetic forms and culture and modern values.
Conveying his condolences to members of the bereaved family, the CM also recalled the rich contributions made by Tirunagari to the world of Telugu poetry and said his death was a great loss to the literary world.
Well-known lyricist Suddala Ashok Teja, poet S Hargopal, Dr Lingampally Ramachandra and other prominent faces of the state also expressed their condolences to the bereaved.