Renowned poet Chandala Kesava Dasu, widely regarded as Telugu cinema’s first lyricist, was remembered at separate functions held in connection with his birth anniversary in the town as well as at his native place, Jakkepalli in Kusumanchi mandal, on Monday.

The event was observed for the first time, with the district administration organising meetings in honour of the legendary poet at the Collectorate office here and also at Nayakangudem, where Kesava Dasu spent the last days of his life.

Kusumanchi mandal parishad president Venkat Reddy, ZPTC member Ramachandra Naik, and tehsildar Kishore Kumar, among others, paid floral tributes at the ‘samadhi’ of the great poet at Nayakangudem in the morning.

Kesava Dasu’s daughter, Andalamma, and son-in-law, Narsaiah, were among those who attended the programme.

Family members and relatives of the renowned poet were felicitated at a meeting held in the town later in the day.

Speakers hailed Kesava Dasu’s pioneering contribution to Telugu literature, theatre and film industry as a poet, dialogue writer, and a theatre personality. Terming him a “multifaceted personality”, they said Kesava Dasu earned the unique distinction of being the first lyricist in Telugu film industry by writing lyrics for the first Telugu film ‘Bhakta Prahlada’.

Stating that the gifted poet made invaluable contribution to Telugu theatre, they emphasised the need for promoting his literary works for posterity.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Telangana / by Staff Reporter / Khammam – June 21st, 2016