Paying tributes to noted writer Suddhala Hanumanthu (1910-1982), who had actively taken part in the Telangana Armed Rebellion, Sahitya Akademi brought out a monograph on his life and contributions to Telugu language.
The Akademi had assigned the job to famous poet and writer from Nalgonda, Venu Sankoju. It was brought out under the title ‘The Makers of Indian Literature’ by the Akademi with an intention to reintroducing famous Indian writers to younger generation, especially those who had made outstanding contribution to Indian literature and language throughout their life. The author, Venu Sankoju, told The Hindu that the oppression of people by landlords during the Nizam rule had inspired Suddhala Hanumanthu to become a writer and singer. To highlight the plight of rural people during the Nizam rule, Mr. Venu Sankoju said writer Hanumanthu had given folk performances like Yakshaganam, Burrakatha, Gollasuddulu, Rajakiya Sadhuveshalu and others to sensitise the people.
Mr. Sankoju said the death of Doddi Komaraiah and Chakali Ilamma’s heroic fight against Visunur Desmukh motivated writer Hanumanthu.
Explaining the life of the poor during the Nizam era, the author had given a detail account in the 102-page monograph on the practice of bonded labour which writer Hanumanthu strongly opposed. His association with Arya Samaj and his family’s migration from Paladugu village to Suddhala village was found mention. Mr. Sankoju said when shoot at site orders were issued by the Nizam in 1947 against writer Hanumanthu, he fled to Bombay and worked as a tailor for a living.
It is be a must read for people who love to read the crucial phase in the Telangana history.
Mr. Venu Sankoju, a retired lecturer, has written many poems like Manishiga Puche Matti , Manam , Nelakala , Prana Pradhamina and others and he was editor the editor of Veera Telangana monthly. He has also won Sahitya Purashkaram given by the Telugu University.
