Abburi Chayadevi facts for kids
Abburi Chayadevi (born October 13, 1933, in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh – died June 28, 2019, in Hyderabad, Telangana) was an important Telugu writer from India. She was famous for her short stories and novels. In 2005, she won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for her collection of short stories called Tana Margam. This award is one of the highest honors for writers in India.
About Her Life
Abburi Chayadevi began her journey in the world of literature in the 1950s. Even when she was in her 70s, she was still known as a creative writer who focused on women's experiences. She also translated books from German into Telugu. Her own stories were very popular and were translated into many languages, including English, Spanish, and several other Indian languages.
She worked as a librarian at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi in New Delhi during the 1960s. This job kept her close to books and knowledge. From 1998 to 2002, she was a council member of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi, which is a big organization that promotes Indian literature.
Chayadevi's husband, Abburi Varadarajeswara Rao, was also a well-known writer and critic. Her father-in-law, Abburi Ramakrishna Rao, was a pioneer in Telugu literature, known for starting new literary movements.
Her Books and Stories
Abburi Chayadevi wrote many different kinds of stories. Here are some of her notable works:
- Anaga Anaga (folk stories for children) – These are traditional tales retold for young readers.
- Abburi Chaya Devi Kathalu (short stories), published in 1991. This collection shows her skill in writing short, impactful stories.
- Mrityunjaya (long story), published in 1993.
- Tana Margam (short stories) – This collection won her the Sahitya Akademi Award. The stories in this book often explored how women faced challenges within their families.
- Mana Jeevithalu-Jiddu Krishnamurti Vyakhyanalu–3 (Translated) – She translated this work, bringing new ideas to Telugu readers.
- Parichita Lekha – This was an anthology (a collection of writings) where she translated stories by the Austrian writer Stefan Zweig.
- Bonsai Batukulu (Bonsai Lives) – This book described the lives of women who felt controlled by their family members, much like a bonsai tree is shaped and kept small.
Awards She Won
Abburi Chayadevi received several awards for her excellent writing:
- Ranganayakamma Pratibha Puraskaram, 2003
- Telugu University Award, 1996
- Sahitya Akademi Award in Telugu for the Year 2005
