Know About Gurram Jashuva: The Poet of the Millennium
May 10, 2025, 17:49 IST
Presenting the Agony of a Revolutionary Telugu Poet Who Changed Literature and Social Thought
- Full Name: Gurram Jashuva
- Born: September 28, 1895 – Vinukonda, Andhra Pradesh
- Died: July 24, 1971
- Occupation: Poet, Social Reformer
- Language: Telugu
- Famous Works: Gabbilam, Firadausi, Kandiseekudu
- Legacy: Dubbed the Poet of the Millennium, Jashuva found a voice as a leading Dalit in Telugu literature. Poetry challenged caste discrimination and human dignity, justice and equality. He is still a living legacy of reforming society through literature.
About Gurram Jashuva
The Poet of the millennium, Gurram Jashuva (Gurram Minakshi)—lovely memory in poetic, social and literary values of the Indian world continues to receive an unshakable place in Telugu literature. Jashuva, born on September 28, 1895, in Vinukonda (now part of Andhra Pradesh) moved from the periphery of a highly caste-segregated society to become a powerful literary voice in the struggle for social equality, justice and dignity of man.
A Pen that Defied Oppression
Jashuva’s upbringing was full of trouble and staring down due to being Dalit. Even through tough times, his thirst for knowledge and passion for poetry found an outlet in pieces that went ahead and attacked untouchability, caste malaise and the badness of society. The verses of his bore voices to the silenced, and dignity of the marginalized.
Masterpieces That Stirred a Nation
His most famous work, Gabbilam (The Bat), which appeared in 1941, is a poem of pure poetry inspired by – Kalidasa’s Meghaduta. Through this work, Jashuva uses the images of a bat to convey the pain of the repressed and their desire for justice. Another outstanding creation, Firadausi, is concerned about religious harmony and humanism. His writing, which was speedily hermetical eloquence, bluntly functional imaginary, and keen social evidence, earned him, as expected, a heavy critical respect and readership.
Recognition and Legacy
Jashuva’s contribution transcended literature; he became a token of the anti-caste movement in Indian writings. He received the title “Kavi Samrat” (Emperor of Poets), and numerous literary institutes still commemorate his rightful place today. The Government of Andhra Pradesh created the Jashuva Literary Award to honor writers from marginal communities.
Why He Still Matters Today
In an age where conversations about inclusion and social justice are not falling out of the air giftedly by Gurram Jashuva’s poetry to feel inspired. His life is an example of the potential of literature to break chains and re-establish societies. Along with remembering the Poet of the millennium, we also honor a visionary who did not use his words to create poetry but to re-write history.
Jashuva’s pen may be silent, but his voice is still alive.
