25 October 2025

Chaaya Literature Festival - 2025

Soul of Telugu

A day of books, ideas & conversations

📍 CSTD – Dr B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

Join authors, readers, and creators for keynotes, panels, and meet-ups curated by Chaaya Resources Centre

About Chaaya Resource Centre

Chaaya Resource Centre is a non-profit organization established in 2017, dedicated to promoting arts and literature, with a focus on Telugu literature. Our mission is to foster a vibrant literary ecosystem, providing a platform for writers, translators, and literature enthusiasts to come together and celebrate Telugu literature.

We organize literary meetings, book discussions, and publishing support for emerging writers and publishers. Notably, we published "Cheyyavalasindadinketho", a historical report by Christoph von Fürer-Haimendorf. We also co-conducted two short story writing workshops, nurturing emerging writing talent, and a Telugu to English translation program, mentored by Ros Schwartz, promoting Telugu literature to a wider audience.

Additionally, we have conducted 20 talks on various Telugu literary giants, encouraging young and subaltern speakers to share their perspectives.

Through our initiatives, we aim to create a vibrant and inclusive literary community, celebrating the richness and diversity of Telugu literature.

Poetry Performance from Goreti Venkanna

Goreti Venkanna is a celebrated Telugu poet, lyricist, and folk singer from Telangana, known for his evocative poetry and songs deeply rooted in the region’s culture and traditions. His works, including poetry collections such as Vallanki Taalam, Rela Poothalu, and Eku Naadam Aadutundi, capture the struggles, resilience, and aspirations of rural communities, blending folk idiom with contemporary themes. Venkanna’s contributions extend beyond literature; he became a cultural icon during the Telangana movement, using his songs to inspire and mobilize people. Recognized for his literary excellence and social influence, he has been awarded the Kala Ratna (Hamsa Award) in 2006, the Kaloji Narayana Rao Award in 2016, the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2021 for Vallanki Taalam, and the prestigious Kabir Samman Award. Currently, he serves as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), continuing to champion Telangana’s culture, folk traditions, and the voices of marginalized communities, bridging literature, activism, and public service.