Thapi Dharma Rao

Thapi Dharma Rao Naidu (1887–1973) was a Telugu writer, lyricist and social reformer. He wrote dialogues and lyrics for the films like Mala Pilla, Drohi, Thathaji, Bhishma, and Patni. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for Indian Literature. He had authored many books which were the eye openers for many in the field of social sciences in India, in particular South India. His books Vidhi Vilasam, Devalayala paina bootu Bommalu endhuku and many more have found a place in the annals of Indian literature.

Early life

He was a native of a village in Srikakulam, and born in Berhampur on 19 September 1887. His father Thapi Appanna Naidu was a medical practitioner and mother’s name was Narasamma. His early education was in Sreekakulam until 1900 and continued further in Rippan High school of Vizianagaram. He did his F.A. in Parlakhamidi. He was a pet student of Gidugu Ramamurthy at Parlakhamidi. He had completed his B.A. graduation from Pachaiyappa's College, Madras.

He was the trend setter in Telugu journalism. He introduced the spoken language in journalism. He worked as an editor for Telugu magazines Kondegadu and Janavani. In 1940, he established a popular weekly named Kagada. Thapi Dharmarao was the founder of book publisher Veguchkka Grandhamala.

Honours

• Andhra Sahitya Akademi honored him with 'Visishta Sabhyathvam'.
• The chief priest of Sringeri Sharada Peetham honored him by conferring the title Andhra Visharada for his extraordinary service to Telugu language.
• He was senate member of Sri Venkateswara University.

Family

Thapi Dharma Rao Naidu had two daughters and three sons.

Literary works

• Devalayala Meeda Bhutu Bommalenduku?
• Pelli- Dani Puttupurvotharalu,
• Inupakatchadalu,
• Pathapali, Kotha Pali,
• All India Adukkutinevalla Mahasabha,
• Sahityamormaralu.
• Rallu-Rappalu is his autobiography from 1887 to 1908.
• Translated Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina in Telugu (1952)