Get Your Premium Membership

C. Narayana Reddy Biography | Poet

Photo of C. Narayana Reddy

Cingireddy Narayana Reddy is a famed Indian poet and writer. He goes by the name Cinare in his literature. Reddy was born on July 23, 1933 in Hanumajipet, Karimnagar, Telangana State, India. He is widely known throughout the literature world as a poet, composer, playwright and artist. One of the highest honors he received throughout his career is when he won the Jnanpith Award in 1988. Reddy is one of the highest authorities of Telugu literature, since he has mastered the Telugu language and teaches it now as his profession.

Educational History of Reddy

Reddy always excelled in school. Whether it was middle school or all the way up to Osmania University, where he went to college, Reddy was always an inspiring figure in the classroom. He even began writing poetry as early as age 12 and has been writing ever since then. His middle school teacher saw some talent in him at a young age and Reddy took it to heart and took action.

His education has continued, as he is not a professor of Telugu at his alma mater. He gives his students a remarkable insight in the classroom and teaches his poetic sensibility and critical acumen. In addition to being a professor at Osmania University, he also holds many other positions in the administrative fields.

The Life of C. Narayana Reddy

Reddy grew up with a father who was an agriculturalist and a mother who was a narrator for mythologies. Even though his mother was not educated, he learned a lot from her and was eventually one of the reasons why he became attracted to writing poetry and songs.

The town and area that he grew up in was filled with creative people in the arts and literature. He spent countless hours listening to musicians and listening to stories get told from literary professionals. As a result, he became well versed in what was good and bad literature.

Reddy married a woman named Susheela and ended up having four children with her. While his kids have moved elsewhere, Reddy currently resides in Film Nagar, Hyderabad.

Notable Achievements for Reddy

After Reddy entered the film industry in 1962, he became a widely known figure as a lyricist for many Telugu films. He also introduced Urdu words into Telugu movie songs, and is believed to be one of the first people to accomplish such a feat. He has written well over 3,000 songs in his career and has made many films successful because of his contributions.

Some of Reddy’s notable awards include the Gnanapeet Award for his poem Viswambara. He also was awarded the Raja-Lakshmi Award and also the third-highest honor in India, the Padma Bhushan. In addition to these achievements for his works throughout the years, Reddy was also given the honor of being nominated to the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha is part of the Indian Parliament’s upper house.

Why is C. Narayana Reddy Significant?

Reddy is a significant figure in the literature world because of his style. He has never been one to endorse imitating other writing styles and believes that every poet should have his own style. He has incorporated the Telugu language into his writing to make it unique.

Reddy has also been somewhat of a philosopher. He has offered that poetry is a timeless piece of literature and is also universal. Reddy also says that everyone has their own writing style and has something unique to offer, making poetry universal. Of course, he has his own role models that he has followed throughout his career, but he chooses to have his own style instead of trying to be like anyone else.

Even though Reddy is an educated man, he does not believe that a person has to have a high level of education to be a poet. A person only has to be unique and creative to be a poet and could even become famous with enough creativity. Reddy believes that all poets have to stand behind something. When someone has something to stand behind that they truly believe in, then they can be powerful when put into words.

Reddy has been an inspiring figure throughout his life. Whether it is in his own works or teaching in the classroom, Reddy’s inspiration has resonated throughout India and the world. 


C. Narayana Reddy: Poems | Best Poems | Short Poems | Quotes




Book: Reflection on the Important Things