Venkata Apparao Gurajada (1862-1915) through his writings paved the way not only for the development of modern Telugu literature, but also for social reform of the Telugu society that was troubled by the dark social practices such as child marriages, Kanyasulkamu (price of bride), etc. Kanyasulkamu was his famous drama in which his aim was the reformation of the society and literature.
MY Favorite poem from his desk…
దేశమును ప్రేమించుమన్నా
మంచి యన్నది పెంచుమన్నా
వొట్టి మాటలు కట్టిపెట్టోయ్
గట్టిమేల్ తలపెట్టవోయిపాడి పంటలు పొంగిపొర్లె
దారిలో నువు పాటు పడవోయి
తిండి కలిగితే కండ కలుగును
కండ కలవాడేను మనిషోయియీసురోమని మనుషులుంటే
దేశమేగతి బాగుఅగునోయ్
జల్దుకుని కళలన్ని నేర్చుకు
దేశి సరకులు నింపవోయ్దేశాభిమానం నాకు కద్దని
వొట్టి గొప్పలు చెప్పుకోకోయ్
పూని ఏదైనాను ఒక మేల్
కూర్చి జనులకు చూపవోయ్చెట్టపట్టాల్ పట్టుకొని
దేశస్థులంతా నడువవలెనోయ్
అన్నదమ్ముల వలెను జాతులు
మతములన్నియు మెలగవలెనోయ్సొంత లాభం కొంత మానుకు
పొరుగు వానికి తోడుపడవోయ్
దేశమంటే మట్టి కాదోయ్
దేశమంటే మనుషులోయ్దేశమంటే మట్టి కాదోయ్
దేశమంటే మనుషులోయ్!!!!!
Desamante matti kaadoy Song lyrics with English Translation
Desamunu premincchumanna
Mancchi annadi pencchumanna
Vatti maatalu kattipettoyi
Gattimel talapettavoyi
Love your country
Widen good things
Stop shallow talk
Think of strong help
Paadi pantalu pongi porle
Daarilo nuvu paatu padavoyi
Thindi kaligithe kanda kaladoyi
Kanda kalavadenu manishoyi
Work hard in the land
Where the fruits of irigation
feeds all, You will have
the muscle only if
you eat, People with
muscle only can lead the country.
Eesuromani manushulunte
Desamegati paatupadunoyi
Jaldukoni kalalella nercchuku
Desisarukula nimpavoyi
When people are malnourished
How can the country make progress?
Learn skills and Fill the country with
indigenous goods.
Annidesaal krammavalenoyi
Desisarukula nipmpavalenoyi
Dabbutelenatti narulaku
Keerthi sampadalabbavoyi
Fill all the nations of the world,
With the finished goods of our country,
Prosperity will not dawn On those who cannot
make money.
Venuka cchucchina karyamemoyi
Mancchi gatamuna koncchamenoyi
Mandagincchanka munduadugeyi
Venukapadithe venukenoyi
Why look back? The past has not
many good things to boast of,
Do not relax, walk with confidence,
You will be left behined if you walk slow.
Poonu spardhanu vidylande
Vairamulu vaanijyamande
Vyardha kalaham pencchabookooyi
Kathi vairam kaalcchavoyi
Compete in studies, Compete in business,
Do not encourage wastefull enimity,
Burn the communal clashes.
DESABHIMANAMU NAAKU KADDANI
VOTTI GOPPALU CCHEPPUKOKOYI
POONI YEDAINAANU VOKAMEL
KOORCCHI JANULAKU CCHOOPAVOYI
Do not boast of patriotism
Make effort to do good to
the people.
Oorvalemi pisaacchi, desam
Muulugulu peelcchesenoyi
Vorula meluku santhasisthu
Aikamathyam nercchavoyi
Jelousy is eatingaway the country at the
roots, Beleive in unity,
Enjoy the happyness of the others.
Parula kalimiki porli yedcche
Paapikekkada sukham kaddoyi
Okarimel thana melanecche
Nerpariki mel kollaloyi
Where is the peace to the
man who is jelous of the progress of
the others. Winner is the man, who
beleives in helping others.
SWANTHA LAABHAMU KONTHA MAANUKU
PORUGUVAANIKI THODUPADAVOYI
DESAMANTE MATTI KAADOYI
DESAMANTE MANUSHULOYI
Be useful to the other man,
With a bit more of selflessness,
Country is not just the mud and soil,
Country means people.
Cchetta pattaal pattukuni
Desasthulantha naduvavalenoyi
Annadammulavalenu jaathulu
Mathamulanni melugavalenoyi
All countrymen-walk hand in hand with
unity, All religions-live in hormony.
Mathamveraithenu yemoyi
Manasulokatai manushulunte
Jaathamannadi lecchi perigi
Lokamuna raanincchunoyi
How does it matter What religion one
belongs? It can matter the country
If all people can unite with their hearts.
Desa maniyedi dodda vrukshamu
Premalanu poolethavalenoyi
Narula cchematanu thadisi moolam
Dhanam pantalu pandavalenoyi
The great tree, namely our country should
sprout more fruit of love, The country should reap
a rich harvest with the sweat of the people.
Aakulanduna anigi manigi
Kavitha koila paluka valenoyi
Palukulanu vini, desamandabhi-
Maanamulu molakethavalenoyi.
The literary bird Hiding in the branches
of the tree,should hum beautiful songs,
Hearing these songs, Patriotism should
flourish in the country.
Also read,
FAQs about the Poem “Desamante Matti Kadoi”
1. What is the main theme of the poem “Desamante Matti Kadoi”?
- The main theme of the poem is patriotism. It emphasizes that a nation is not just about its physical land but the people, their culture, values, and sacrifices. It encourages a sense of unity and responsibility among the citizens towards their country.
2. When was “Desamante Matti Kadoi” written?
- The poem was written in the early 20th century, during the Indian freedom struggle. The exact year isn’t precisely documented, but it reflects the patriotic fervor of that time.
3. What language is the poem written in?
- The poem is written in Telugu, one of the Dravidian languages spoken predominantly in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
4. Why is “Desamante Matti Kadoi” significant?
- The poem is significant because it became a powerful patriotic anthem in Telugu-speaking regions. It is often quoted and sung in contexts that celebrate national pride and cultural identity.
5. How is the poem used in modern times?
- “Desamante Matti Kadoi” is often recited during cultural events, especially on occasions like Independence Day and Republic Day in India. It is taught in schools to instill a sense of patriotism in students.
FAQs about the Poet Gurajada Apparao
1. Who was Gurajada Apparao?
- Gurajada Venkata Apparao was a prominent Telugu poet, playwright, and social reformer. He was born on September 21, 1862, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and is celebrated for his contributions to Telugu literature and his advocacy for social reform.
2. What are some other famous works by Gurajada Apparao?
- Apart from “Desamante Matti Kadoi,” Gurajada Apparao is best known for his play Kanyasulkam (1892), which is considered one of the greatest works in Telugu literature. The play critiqued the practice of child marriage and dowry, highlighting the need for social change.
3. What was Gurajada Apparao’s contribution to social reform?
- Gurajada Apparao was a strong advocate for social reform, particularly in areas such as women’s rights, education, and the fight against social evils like dowry and caste discrimination. His works often reflected his progressive views and aimed to awaken society to the need for change.
4. What was Gurajada Apparao’s writing style?
- Gurajada Apparao’s writing style was marked by simplicity and clarity. He wrote in a colloquial form of Telugu, making his works accessible to the common people. He believed in the power of literature to inspire social change and often used satire and humor to convey his messages.
5. How is Gurajada Apparao remembered today?
- Gurajada Apparao is remembered as one of the most influential figures in Telugu literature and a pioneer of modern Telugu writing. His works continue to be studied and celebrated for their literary merit and social impact. He is often referred to as “Mahakavi” (great poet) for his contributions to Telugu culture and society.