Serving the Nation as a Soldier, Bridging Languages through Literature
HYDERABAD, SEPTEMBER 06, 2026: Marking the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India, a grand awards ceremony and cultural programme was organised at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad, on Sunday under the joint auspices of Kala Samskrutika Foundation, Mana Cinema Chamber Telangana and Navabharat.
On the occasion, noted national poet, writer, critic, translator and multilingual literary personality Peruka Raju was conferred with the prestigious ‘Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Literary Translation Award–2026’ in recognition of his distinguished contribution to literary translation and his socially conscious writings. His efforts to connect literary thought and cultural expression across Indian languages were particularly acknowledged.
Hailing from a humble farmer-labourer family, Raju currently serves the nation as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army. Alongside his military responsibilities, he has carved a distinct place for himself as a poet, writer, critic and translator. Having already published 13 literary volumes, he continues to bring the literature of Telugu, English and other Indian languages closer to one another, emerging as a literary bridge across linguistic boundaries. Patriotism, humanism, social responsibility, the realities of working-class life and cultural harmony remain recurring concerns in his writings.
Beyond literature, Raju is also actively engaged in social service. Guided by the belief that “Encouragement is the Greatest Gift,” he founded the voluntary organisation ‘My Gift’, through which he encourages talent and undertakes various service-oriented initiatives.
Raju has received several literary awards and honours during the current year. He was also recently accorded Life Membership of the International Academy of Ethics. Through literary essays, book reviews and columns in English publications, he continues to take his literary thought to a wider readership.
Speaking after receiving the award, Raju said, “This honour is not mine alone. I dedicate it to every writer who believes in humanity and builds bridges rather than walls between languages. Translation is not merely carrying words from one language to another; it is carrying one heart to another.”
The organisers felicitated Peruka Raju with a bouquet, citation and shawl before formally presenting him with the ‘Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Literary Translation Award–2026’.
Lions Ranjith, Rajender and film writer Ramesh, representatives of Mana Cinema, along with film directors, cine personalities, writers, litterateurs, academicians, artists, students and youth, attended the programme. The cultural performances held as part of the celebrations drew an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Literary friends, admirers, members of ‘My Gift’, people from his native village and his fellow soldiers congratulated Dr Raju and expressed happiness over the recognition.
Meanwhile, Peruka Raju’s forthcoming works, ‘Jawan’, a Telugu poetry collection, and ‘All Is Well’, an English poetry collection, are set to reach readers soon. Reflecting military life, society, humanity and lived experience, the two collections are expected to mark further milestones in his continuing literary journey.
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