The great progressive poet who fought against untouchability and social inequality through his pen in the history of Telugu literature is the heavenly Gurram Joshua. A world poet who exposed the ills of society and known as the Kavi Kokuki, Joshua was born on September 28, 1895, to Gurram Veeraiah and Lingamma in Chatragaddapadu, Vinukonda Mandal, Palnadu District, Andhra Pradesh. He studied literature with perseverance, facing financial difficulties and caste discrimination from his childhood. Until then, his poetry, which revolved around the glories of kings and gods, was directed towards the common man and the oppressed Dalits in society. It can be said that the epic poem ‘Gabbilam’ written by him has become a milestone in Telugu literature. He wrote wonderful works like Firadausi, Nagaraju, Kathakshetri, and Musafirulu. He was appointed as a member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council in 1964. He received the Central Sahitya Academy Award. The Indian government honored this modern-day poet with the Padma Bhushan award in 1970. Joshua was not limited to just one caste or religion. He declared, ‘I am a universal man’ and wrote poetry keeping in mind the well-being of all the people of the world. On the occasion of Joshua’s birthday on September 28th, this poem is for the readers of Punami 🌹
