Nationalist Poems of Devulapalli Krishna Shastri

Devulapalli Krishna Shastri was a well-known Telugu poet who was born on November 1st, 1897 in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. He was the pioneer of sentimental and nationalist Telugu poetry. Nationalism and social equality were recurring themes in Krishna Shastri’s poems. His nationalist poetry, in particular, was influenced by Gurajada Apparao’s egalitarian and progressive vision, the social ideals of the Brahmo Samaj, and Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology. Krishna Shastri is credited with writing the popular and inspiring patriotic compositions such as Gandhi Yugam, where he describes prosperity and satisfaction as the hallmarks of the Gandhian Era, and exhorts the people to imbibe his ideas. He also composed Mangalakahali, a collection of poetic patriotic songs. He also wrote the celebrated patriotic song, Jaya Jaya Jaya Priya Bharata. During the Indian freedom struggle, this patriotic song raised awareness among all freedom fighters. Even in his sentimental nature poetry such as Krishna Paksham, he includes nationalist ideas such as breaking the chains of slavery and raising one’s voice. Through his poetry, Devulapalli Krishna Shastri effectively communicated the message of nationalism, freedom, and social and cultural harmony to the people.