“I’m feeling like having been
blessed with a healthy son after remaining childless for a decade. I am
at a loss for words,” said Bharadwaja after coming to know of his
selection for the Jnanpith Award.
Bharadwaja, who had humble
beginnings, recalled his struggles in life. “I struggled for food and
clothing. I never asked for awards. Of course, I am happy for getting
this award.”
The news of the honour for Bharadwaja brought joy to
lovers of Telugu literature as the prestigious award came to a Telugu
writer after a gap of 25 years.
Viswanatha Satyanarayana,
popularly known as ‘Kavi Samrat’, was the first Telugu litterateur to
get the Award in 1970. Poet Dr C Narayana Reddy bagged the award in
1988.
The books of Bharadwaja, who had education till Class VIII
only, had been prescribed as textbooks in universities and even been the
basis of many research works.
“Bharadwaja passed through all
sorts of vicissitudes of life but continued his service to Telugu
literature with perseverance. He is a poet, a playwright, a novelist of
distinction and a popular science writer,” a statement from the Jnanpith
Award committee said.
Besides short stories and novels, he has
also written six short novels for children, five compilations of short
stories for children, three collections of essays and biographies and
eight plays.
His notable works include Kadambari, Pakudurallu,
Jeevana Samaram, Inupu Tera Venuka and Koumudi and have been translated
into English and various Indian languages.
“Bharadwaja’s greatest
attribute is his flair for story-telling. His works proved that a writer
has a social awareness and his work a human purpose,” the statement
said.
