Dr. Boyi Bhimanna (19 September 1911 – 16 December 2005), transliterated alternatively as Bheemanna or Bheemana, was a Telugupoet.
Early life
Bhimanna was born in a poor Dalit family in Mamidikuduru village, East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh in 1911. He participated in the Quit India Movement. He wrote a book called "Gudiselu Kaalipothunnay
Writings
He was influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. His writings reflected the angst of the down-trodden. He wore several hats such as that of a writer, poet, journalist and academic. He was a member of the senate of Andhra University. He was the director of the Andhra Pradesh state translation division for some time.
He wrote in English, as well, and the work entitled Seventh Season, a collection of his English poetry, was well-received. He wrote over seventy books in his career, with the work Gudiselu Kaalipothunnaayi (transl.The Huts are Burning) being the most popular.
Bheemana written many literature works some of the most popular among them are Paleru, Janabaduni Jabulu, Dharmamkosam Poratam etc.
Among all great literature works Paleru is the main icon which brought changes in many poor and dalit families. Many backward caste parents started joining their children in school for better and beautiful future.
Selected list of works
Gudiselu Kaalipothunnaai
Naku Telisina Jashuva
Bhimanna Ugadulu
Rajakiya Veerudu Dr. Khan
Paleru (play)
Pilli Satakam
Paleru nunchi Padmasri Varaku (auto-biography)
janabhaduni jabulu
Kooli Raju
Ragavaasishtam
Dharmam Kosam Poratam
Raga Vaisakhi
Deepa Sabha
Raabheelu
Ragodayam
Madhubala
Madhugeetha
Naa Oohalalo Valmiki
Bhimanna Shankharavam
Gilli Cheptunna
Idigo, Idee Bhagavadgeetha
Chatuvulu- Swagathaalu
Entha Cheekati Enni Deepaalu
Kukka Morugutoone Undi
Srisri Communistu Kaadu
Baalayogeeyam
The Seventh Season
Paramaatma
Drug Addictulu
Anaadi kosam nunchi Anantatvam loki
Manavuni Maroka Majili
Chandaalika
Pairu Paata
Ambedkara Suprabhatam
Ambedkara Matham
Mani Manasam
Panchama Swaram
Sivalakalu
God the Drug
Veda Vyasudu
Dharma Vyadhudu
Pragathi
Jagat Satyam Brahma Mithya
Oyi Kavi Kavitvam Raayi
Bhimanna Kavya Kusumaalu
Awards
He won several awards, including the Sahitya AkademiPuraskar for Gudiselu Kaalipothunnaayi in 1975. He was honoured by the Government of India with the fourth and third highest civilian awards in the country, namely the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan in 1973 and 2001, respectively.[1]
He was awarded Kala Ratna Award from Andhra Pradesh Government in 2003.[2]
In 1992, Telugu University conferred a special award on him and in 1996, the state government awarded him the Atma Gauravam Puraskaram (transl. Self-Respect Award).
Bhimanna also received the prestigious Raja-Lakshmi Literary Award from the Sri Raja-Lakshmi Foundation in Chennai for the year 1991, as well as the Loknayak Award.
