Devi Priya’s stirring verse mirrored reality, swayed minds

The poet, satirist was conferred YSR Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously

It was a befitting honour for humanist, poet and satirist Shaik Khaja Hassan, known by his pen name Devi Priya, when he was awarded the YSR LifeTime Achievement Award posthumously on July 8, marking the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. The award carries ₹10 lakh cash prize, a memento and a certificate. Born at Obulesuvaripalem village in Tadikonda mandal on August 15, 1949, he completed his primary education at Tadikonda and Pedaparimi and graduated in Telugu Literature and English Literature from Andhra Christian College, Guntur. His father was a police constable and his mother used to work in chilli farms. It was during his college days that he came under the influence of his teacher Karunasri and even used to imitate his gait in the lofty college corridor. Devi Priya dabbled in journalism, films and worked as a writer under Anisetty Subba Rao. He mastered the art of verse poetry and was part of the Pygambara Verse Poetic Movement during 1969-70.