Prestigious awards, recognitions, and records adorn his name
KARIMNAGAR, JULY 31, 2025: Be it a short story, a poem, or a critical essay — every creation of his aims to ignite social consciousness. However distant the destination may be, every journey begins with a single step. Having crossed many such milestones, his literary journey continues to inspire many. Starting with his debut story “Anubandham”, today, his work has been featured in over a hundred magazines, earning him a distinct place in the literary world. Dr. Chitikena Kiran Kumar is a celebrated poet, writer, editor, and critic, recipient of various national and international honours, and a respected member of the International Benevolent Research Forum.
Born in the culturally rich and literary soil of Siricilla, Rajanna District, Telangana — a region known for its working-class ethos and spiritual roots — Kiran Kumar hails from a land that also gave birth to many literary greats, including Jnanpith awardee Dr. C. Narayana Reddy. His thoughts always reflect a deep concern for societal betterment and a thirst to offer something innovative.
Whether it’s a story, a poem, an article, or criticism, the essence of his pen lies in its humanistic perspective. A lifelong literary seeker, he holds responsibilities in several literary organisations and continues to carve a meaningful literary path.
Born as the eldest son to Chitikena Kanakayya (a businessman and former Municipal Councillor, now a senior political leader) and Uma (a homemaker), Kiran Kumar pursued education up to the postgraduate level while actively participating in the family textile business. During his degree studies, his academic project — “A Case Study on Indian Textile Industry regarding Messrs. Chitikena Kanakayya Textile Company” — was highly appreciated by faculty and students alike.
He has penned numerous reviews, critical essays on social and literary themes, short stories, and poems — many of which were published in print media. His collection “Chaitanya Sphoorti” brought him critical acclaim. His impactful short story “O Tandri Teerpu” was adapted into a short film. His writings have been featured in various anthologies, and he has written forewords for several books by other authors. He has also participated in over a hundred literary gatherings and seminars, presenting his poetry and earning numerous accolades. Representing India in global peace summits, he brought honour to Siricilla on an international stage.
“Poetry that pleases like a soft breeze…”
“A coronation for the Telugu language”
His enchanting poetry earned him the International Mother Language Day Award at Tyagaraya Gana Sabha, Hyderabad, presented by the Human Rights Commission Chairman G. Chandrayya, writer Haimavati Bheemanna Boyi, Naleswaram Shankaram, and former minister Samudrala Venugopalachari. He also received the Sinare Sahiti Puraskaram, National Sahitya Seva Ratna from the Adileela Foundation, New Delhi, and the Gidugu Ramamurthy Pantulu Bhasha Seva Award, which was presented by former CM and Governor Konijeti Rosaiah. Additionally, he was honoured at the Alay Balay Dasara Sammelan by the Governor of Haryana, Bandaru Dattatreya. Former CM Nadendla Bhaskar Rao and ex-Governor CH Vidyasagar Rao have also personally congratulated him.
At the International Commission of Culture and Diplomatic Relations summit, he was honoured with the Global Human Excellence Award by delegates from Sri Lanka. He has received titles such as Telangana Sahitya Ratna, National Literary Jewel, and Outstanding Writer from various literary organisations. With over a hundred certificates, awards, and felicitations to his credit, he has brought prestige to the awards themselves.
A storyteller who compressed life into compact tales
His short film “O Tandri Teerpu” bagged Film Festival Awards
He authored stories like Anubandham, Manase Margam, Radha Aravindam, Ayyo Rama Eeyanatho Etla, Erra Sooridu, Love in Times of Lockdown, Ushodayama, Vishwasam — highlighting the importance of emotional bonds in human relationships. Observing the rising negligence towards ageing parents by their children, he penned “O Tandri Teerpu”, which was made into a thought-provoking short film by award-winning director Gadhamshetty Umamaheshwar Rao, under the banner of Sriramadutha Film Makers. Produced by Chitta Rajeswara Rao and Apoorva, the film received awards at the Indian Film Makers Association’s International Film Festival and from PINTV.
Recognising his literary presence in over a hundred magazines, Mana Foundation presented him with the International Book of Records Award.
An invitation from six continents… To peace summits across the globe…
He represented India at the World Peace Summit held by the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) in Seoul, South Korea. There, as a member of the International Benevolent Research Foundation & Forum, he shared the message that “World Peace must not remain as mere words written on water — every individual has a role in creating a better society.”
On 18 May 2024, he also participated in the Peace and Disarmament Nagasaki Webinar hosted by Kyushu University, Japan.
Essays, critiques, and articles on diverse topics
“Chaitanya Sphoorti – Chitikena’s Essays”
His essay compilation “Chaitanya Sphoorti – Chitikena Essays” was released by Telangana Sahitya Academy Chairman Juloori Gouri Shankar. Comprising 24 essays, each piece addresses a specific social issue. The forewords were written by former AP Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Mandali Buddha Prasad, renowned film lyricist Dr. Vaddepalli Krishna, and U.S.-based software CEO Doodipala Jyothi Reddy, among others. The book received overwhelming responses from readers, critics, and literary personalities.
His essays span topics such as “Salutations to Women”, “Respecting Women as Mothers, Sisters, and Leaders”, “Youth and Self-confidence”, “The Role of Writers Bridging Past, Present and Future”, “Social Peace as the Foundation for Global Peace”, and “What COVID-19 Taught Humanity About Bonds and Loss.”
He has addressed numerous real-world issues through his writings — offering solutions and insights through his pen. From critiques of political scenarios and handloom industry analyses to reviews of poems, stories, novels, autobiographies, and biographies — he has covered them all. His patriotic song “Egurutondi Egurutondi Muvvannela Jenda” is now taught by schoolteachers across institutions.
