Hyderabad: Nandini Sidda Reddy, the well-known Telangana poet, writer, and lyricist, has been honoured with the Sahitya Akademi award for his poetry collection ‘Animesha.’ This prestigious recognition is a testimony to his lifelong commitment to Telugu literature and his role in the cultural assertion of Telangana.Sidda Reddy, 70, is celebrated for championing Telangana’s identity and culture through both his evocative poetry and his dedicated literary activism. He has been instrumental in institutionalising literary activity in the state, serving as the first chairman of the Telangana Sahitya Akademi.Beyond his personal writing, he founded influential organizations such as the Manjira Rachayitala Sangham and Telangana Rachayitala Vedika to encourge writers and promote literary engagement across the region.Sidda Reddy’s literary journey began in his school days, leading to a prolific career. His major poetry collections include Diviti, Bhoomi Swapnam, Sambhashana, Pranahita, Oka Badha Kaadu, and Nadi Puttuvadi. During the struggle for Telangana statehood, he became a vital cultural voice, using his songs and poems to mirror the people’s aspirations. His famous poem ‘Nageti Salallo Na Telangana’ became a cultural phenomenon and was later adapted into a film song.For his contributions to literature and culture, Sidda Reddy received several honours over the years, including the Nandi award for best lyricist in 2010 for ‘Nageti Salallo Na Telangana’ and the Telugu University distinguished award in 2016.Born on June 12, 1955, in Bandaram village of Kondapak mandal in Siddipet district, Sidda Reddy pursued his higher education at Osmania University, where he completed his master’s degree and later earned M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees specialising in modern Telugu poetry. He began his professional career as a Telugu lecturer and later served as the principal of Siddipet Government Degree College before retiring in 2012.BRS leaders KT Rama Rao and T Harish Rao congratulated Sidda Reddy and hailed his contribution to Telangana literature.
