Kaloji Man of the masses

Telangana State celebrates birth centenary of the poet

‘Prajakavi’ is an epithet that captures the richness and variety of Kaloji Narayana Rao’s qualities. He was a man of the people, a poet of the people and the wisest among the intellectuals. Born on September 9, 1914, Kaloji’s life spans the twentieth century and shines as a bright torch inspiring younger generations. And today the new state of Telangana celebrates the birth centenary of a man, who is revered as ‘Kalanna’ by people of the region.

He was born in Madikonda village of Warangal to Kaloji Ranga Rao, a Maharashtrian and Ramabai, a Kannadiga. Kaloji therefore was exposed to diversity in language, culture and lifestyle at home; a fact which would play a huge role in helping him reach a comfort level with various cross-sections of people later in his life. He was fluent in speaking four different languages which included Telugu, Kannada, Marathi and Urdu.

He was the first modern Telugu poet to write free verse in this part of the country. Kaloji’s poetry (consisting of ten volumes) is a running commentary on the historical, socio political and cultural aspects of his time. Titled, ‘Naa Godava’ it provides profound insights into the myriad issues and contradictions of his time. His autobiographical writing ‘Idee Na Godava’ is historical and reflective.

He had an abiding sense of humour and was known for brutal insistence on honesty. Kaloji’s fierce individualism and his refusal to submit to imposed disciplines had kept him out of the membership of political parties. Yet, he was deeply political and had been in the vanguard of many a protest and struggle.

Kaloji had been at the forefront of all the significant struggles that made up the history of the erstwhile Hyderabad State. He was part of Satyagraha movement, the Osmania University Student Vandemataram movement, Arya Samaj, State Congress, Andhra Mahasabha (Telangana) and Anti-Razakar movements. He had consistently fought for democratic and responsible government. His commitment to human rights made him an active member of the Tarkunde Committee.

Although opposed to power and the trapping of office Kaloji looked upon elections as a democratic exercise. He contested thrice and once got elected as a member of the legislative council. His most significant contest was in 1977 against Vengal Rao, the then Chief Minister, who symbolised the ‘Emergency’ rule in Andhra Pradesh.

A voracious reader, an ardent cricket fan and an incurable storyteller, Kaloji delighted his listeners, young and old alike, with his stories and experiences. His choice of language, form, subject and the very practice of poetry had been integral to his commitment to the cause of ordinary people. His personal integrity and fearless commitment to justice and truth had drawn around him a wide circle of admirers from every walk of life.