P. Lalita Kumari

P. Lalita Kumari Biography

P. Lalita Kumari, better known by her pen name, Volga is a Telugu writer, poet and feminist. Many of her writings are of feminist nature. Her notable works include - Vimukta Kadh Samputi, Sweccha etc. She won Sahitya Akademi Award in 2015 for her short story compilation 'Vimukta Kadha Samputi' in Telugu. She has also co-scripted a few movies in Telugu cinema, and has been a professor in profession. Many of her works related to feminism have started debates and discussions, leaving behind many thoughts. She was honoured as ‘Best Woman Writer’ by Telugu University in 1999. In 1998, she won Nandi Award (Best Story Writer) for the movie, Todu.

P. Lalita Kumari was born on 27 November 1950 in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. She completed her MA in Telugu literature from Andhra University in 1972, and started her professional career in teaching very soon. Initially she worked as a Telugu professor at VSR & NVR College, Tenali till 1983. Then she joined Ushakiran Movies where she joined screenwriting team. Her association with women activism and feminism began in 1991 when she joined an NGO named Asmita Resource Centre for Women. After that most of her works were dedicated to progressive thinking as well as feminism.

In the early 1980s she published many translation works such as Agnes Smedley's Stories, Daughter of Earth etc. Her literary publication began with Athadu, Aame, Manam, a book on literary criticism. Sahaja in 1986 was her first published novel, followed by Sweccha, Kanneeti Kerataala Vennela, Maanavi etc. She also continued with her translation works. She authored two plays - Charitra Swaralu and Vallu Aaruguru, and also edited a few works.

Published: October 09, 2018

Updated: October 09, 2018