Velamala Simmanna Selected for LNF Literary Award 2025

Telugu literature has found a new luminary in Velamala Simmanna, who has been selected for the prestigious Lok Nayak Foundation (LNF) Literary Award 2025. Mr. Simmanna, an accomplished writer with over 100 published works and former Head of the Department of Telugu at Andhra University, will be honoured with a cash prize of ₹2 lakh at an awards ceremony scheduled in Visakhapatnam on January 18, 2026.

The Telugu language and literary community celebrate this recognition for his prolific contributions and steadfast commitment to the enrichment of Telugu literature.

Recognition and Ceremony

The award announcement was made in Visakhapatnam by LNF Chairman Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad. He indicated that the award ceremony will be held each year on January 18 — chosen to mark the death anniversaries of eminent poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao. The LNF awards recognise individuals who have significantly contributed to the promotion of Telugu language and culture.

Additional Life‑Time Achievement Awards

In the same announcement, the LNF also named four individuals for its Life‑Time Achievement Awards (each carrying a cash prize of ₹1 lakh). The awardees are:,

• Nori Dattatreyudu — noted oncologist and health advisor to the Government of Andhra Pradesh
• Thotakura Prasad — promoter of Telugu language and culture based in Dallas
• Vemulapalli Raghavendra Choudhary — a renowned doctor serving in Detroit for over four decades
• Aarien Uday Areti — Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, originally from Bhimavaram

The event will be graced by distinguished guests such as the Deputy Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Raghu Ramakrishna Raju, High Court Judge B. Devanand, actor Tanikella Bharani, and MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao.

About Velamala Simmanna and His Contributions

Velamala Simmanna has had a distinguished academic and literary career,

• Former Head of the Department of Telugu at Andhra University
• Authored more than 100 books spanning literary criticism, language studies, cultural essays, and creative works
• Dedication to preserving and promoting Telugu language, culture, and literature both within India and among diaspora communities

His body of work has helped shape contemporary Telugu literary discourse, and his recognition by LNF further amplifies his vision of language as a vehicle for cultural identity and social empowerment.

Static Facts

• Award Name: Lok Nayak Foundation Literary Award (LNF)
• Year of Selection: 2025
• Recipient: Velamala Simmanna
• Award Amount: ₹2 lakh
• Ceremony Date: January 18, 2026 (in Visakhapatnam)
• Life‑Time Achievement Awards: Four recipients, each ₹1 lakh
• Levels of Contribution Recognised: Promotion of Telugu language, literature, culture