Telugu Tribal writer Wins Yuva Sahitya Award

Ramesh Karthik Nayak, a 26-year-old writer from Nizamabad, has made history by becoming the first and youngest tribal writer to win the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2024 for his collection of short stories titled “Dhavlo” (Song of Lament).

This rooted and poignant anthology highlights the rich cultural tapestry of the Banjara community, which Karthik captures through his tapestry of short stories. The book, though primarily written in Telugu, incorporates over 400 words from the Banjara dialect, offering readers a glimpse into the unique lifestyle and traditions of this vibrant, lesser known community.

Karthik’s inspiration for “Dhavlo” stemmed from his desire to share the Banjara culture with a broader audience, many of whom may be unfamiliar with its heritage and customs. Karthik is from Viveknagar thanda in Nizamabad’s Jakranpally mandal. He hails from a humble working class family, with his mother selling vegetables and his father engaging in agriculture to earn their living. Karthik hopes to use his newfound recognition to uplift his village and encourage more youngsters to read books.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy extended his congratulations to Nayak, highlighting the significance of this achievement for the Banjara community and Telangana state. Revanth Reddy emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage through literature and encouraged other aspiring writers to draw inspiration from Karthik’s success.