HYDERABAD, JULY 17, 2026: “Saagu” (an anthology of translated short stories from Indian languages) authored by renowned national poet, writer, multilingual scholar, and founder of ‘My Gift’ voluntary organisation, Peruka Raju, was unveiled on Friday by Brigadier N. R. Balu, Director of the Telangana Government Sainik Welfare Department, at his office chamber in Hyderabad.
Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier N. R. Balu said that attaining proficiency in several Indian languages is no ordinary achievement. He appreciated Peruka Raju for successfully balancing his responsibilities towards national defence with his outstanding contributions to literature.
He remarked, “Serving in the Army is a skill mastered with the gun, while cultivating literature is a skill mastered with the pen. Raju has been blessed with both.” He expressed the hope that Raju would continue to produce many more meaningful works that inspire and benefit society.
Peruka Raju, proudly regarded as a distinguished son of Telangana, is presently serving as a Junior Officer in the Indian Army. As a national poet, author, and multilingual scholar, he has earned widespread recognition for building literary and cultural bridges among several Indian languages.
Apart from his literary achievements, Peruka Raju has been actively engaged in social service. Through his ‘My Gift’ voluntary organisation, established to uplift the poor and marginalised sections of society, he has been organising numerous humanitarian initiatives across the country. Guided by the philosophy, “Encouragement is the greatest gift,” he continues to serve society with dedication.
The foreword to this anthology, ‘Saagu’, has been written by the eminent translator Nalimela Bhaskar. The volume brings together twelve thought-provoking short stories translated from various Indian languages. Each story offers a unique perspective on life, society, and human values, inspiring readers to reflect deeply and engage with diverse literary traditions.
Having received numerous prestigious awards and honours, Raju has established himself as a prominent voice in Indian literature. Brigadier N. R. Balu expressed confidence that “Saagu” would receive wide appreciation from readers and further strengthen literary and cultural exchanges among India’s diverse languages.
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