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{{Short description|Indian writer}}
{{more citations needed|date=May 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=May 2019}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
'''Chaganti Somayajulu''' (17 January 1915 – 2 January 1994), popularly known as CHASO, was a short-story writer in 20th century Telugu literature. His nickname, "CHASO," is a portmanteau of the syllables from his name ('CHA' from Chaganati and 'SO' from Somayajulu).
'''Chaganti Somayajulu''' (17 January 1915 – 2 January 1994), popularly known as CHASO, was a short-story writer in 20th century Telugu literature. His nickname, "CHASO," is a portmanteau of the syllables from his name ('CHA' from Chaganti and 'SO' from Somayajulu). He was a [[Humanism|Humanist]] who became a committed [[Marxism|Marxist]], and wrote extensively in support of progressive values and the marginalized.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-01-12 |title=Modern storyteller |url=https://www.thehindu.com/books/modern-storyteller/article2792853.ece |access-date=2025-03-07 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


He was born at [[Srikakulam]] to Kanukolanu Lakshminarayana Sarma and Thulasamma. He was named as Narahari Rao and brought up by his biological parents till the age of 13. He had his primary and middle school education at Municipal High School, Srikakulam, Andhrapradesh. Then he was adopted by Chaganti Bapiraju and Thulasamma and renamed as Somayajulu. He came to [[Vizianagaram]] with his adoptive parents <ref>Somayajulu Chaganti, 20th Century Luminaries, Part II, Potti Sriramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad, 2005, pp: 1024–5.</ref> and studied at Municipal High School, Vizianagaram and at [[Maharajah's College]], Vizianagaram.
He was born at [[Srikakulam]] to Kanukolanu Lakshminarayana Sarma and Thulasamma. He was named as Narahari Rao and brought up by his biological parents till the age of 13. He had his primary and middle school education at Municipal High School, Srikakulam, [[Andhra Pradesh]]. Then he was adopted by Chaganti Bapiraju and Thulasamma and renamed as Somayajulu. He came to [[Vizianagaram]] with his adoptive parents <ref>Somayajulu Chaganti, 20th Century Luminaries, Part II, Potti Sriramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad, 2005, pp: 1024–5.</ref> and studied at Municipal High School, Vizianagaram and at [[Maharajah's College]], Vizianagaram.


His first story ''Chinnaji'' was published in Bharathi in 1942. Subsequently, he wrote many short stories and poetry. Many of his short stories have been translated into other languages. Compilation of his short stories were published in 1968. He compiled short stories of some important writers as ''Kalinga Kadhanikalu'' during his 70th birth anniversary.
His first story ''Chinnaji'' was published in Bharathi in 1942. Subsequently, he wrote many short stories and poetry. Many of his short stories have been translated into other languages. Compilation of his short stories were published in 1968. He compiled short stories of some important writers as ''Kalinga Kadhanikalu'' during his 70th birth anniversary.
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He was married to Annapurnamma (1915-2010). His children were Ammaji (1932-1964), Chinnaji (Chaganti Tulasi, a well-known writer in Telugu), Bapiraju (1939-), Srinivas (1941–42), Krishna Kumari (Noted popular science writer (1947-) and Sankar (noted short story writer and Municipal Commissioner (1952-1996).
He was married to Annapurnamma (1915-2010). His children were Ammaji (1932-1964), Chinnaji (Chaganti Tulasi, a well-known writer in Telugu), Bapiraju (1939-), Srinivas (1941–42), Krishna Kumari (Noted popular science writer (1947-) and Sankar (noted short story writer and Municipal Commissioner (1952-1996).


He died of throat cancer on 2 January 1994 at the age of 79 in [[Madras]]. As per his wish, his family members donated his eyes and body to [[Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute]] for research purposes.
He died of throat cancer on 2 January 1994 at the age of 79 in [[Madras]]. As per his wish, his family members donated his eyes and body to [[Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute]] for research purposes.


Books :
== Books ==
''Chinnaji Kathalu'' (1943)


Chinnaji Kathalu -1943
''Chaso Kathalu,'' Visalandhra Publishing House, Hyderabad
Chaso Kathalu _ Visalandhra Publishing House, Hyderabad
 
Chaso Kavithalu - Vsialandhra Publishing HOuse, Hyderabad
''Chaso Kavithalu'' - Visalandhra Publishing House, Hyderabad
Merugu - One act play
 
''Merugu'' - One act play


His short stories are translated into English and published as "Chaso - Selected short stories" by Sahitya Academy in 2014. Some of his stories are translated into English by Velcheru Narayana Rao and David Schulman for Penguin Classics (A Doll's Wedding and Other Stories).   
His short stories are translated into English and published as "Chaso - Selected short stories" by Sahitya Academy in 2014. Some of his stories are translated into English by Velcheru Narayana Rao and David Schulman for Penguin Classics (A Doll's Wedding and Other Stories).   
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== Some of Chaso's famous stories ==
== Some of Chaso's famous stories ==


* 'Kunkudaaku''
* ''Kunkudaaku''
* ''Bondu Mallelu'''
* ''Bondu Mallelu'''
* ''Chokka Bochuthuvvalu''
* ''Chokka Bochuthuvvalu''
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* ''Empu''
* ''Empu''
* ''Kukkuteshwaram''
* ''Kukkuteshwaram''
* ''Enduku Paresthanu Nanna'
* ''Enduku Paresthanu Nanna''
* ''Oohaa voorvasi''
* ''Oohaa voorvasi''
* ''Parabrahmam''
* ''Parabrahmam''
* ''Vaayuleenam''
* ''Vaayuleenam''
* ''Eloorellali''
* ''Eloorellali''
* '
 
== Chaso Foundation ==
One of his daughters, Chaganti Tulasi, established the Chaso Foundation in 1995 and awards the "Chaganti Somayajulu (Chaso) Memorial Literary Award" to progressive writers every year on Chaso's birthday, January 17th.<ref>{{Cite web |last=India |first=The Hans |date=2018-01-18 |title=Chaso award presented |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-01-17/Chaso-award-presented/352531 |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=www.thehansindia.com |language=en}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 10:22, 22 May 2025


Chaganti Somayajulu (17 January 1915 – 2 January 1994), popularly known as CHASO, was a short-story writer in 20th century Telugu literature. His nickname, "CHASO," is a portmanteau of the syllables from his name ('CHA' from Chaganti and 'SO' from Somayajulu). He was a Humanist who became a committed Marxist, and wrote extensively in support of progressive values and the marginalized.[1]

He was born at Srikakulam to Kanukolanu Lakshminarayana Sarma and Thulasamma. He was named as Narahari Rao and brought up by his biological parents till the age of 13. He had his primary and middle school education at Municipal High School, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. Then he was adopted by Chaganti Bapiraju and Thulasamma and renamed as Somayajulu. He came to Vizianagaram with his adoptive parents [2] and studied at Municipal High School, Vizianagaram and at Maharajah's College, Vizianagaram.

His first story Chinnaji was published in Bharathi in 1942. Subsequently, he wrote many short stories and poetry. Many of his short stories have been translated into other languages. Compilation of his short stories were published in 1968. He compiled short stories of some important writers as Kalinga Kadhanikalu during his 70th birth anniversary.

He influenced many people and friends such as Srirangam Srinivasa Rao, Srirangam Narayana Babu and Acharya Ronanki Appalaswamy.

He was a longtime member and president of the Progressive Writers' Association of Andhra Pradesh.

He was married to Annapurnamma (1915-2010). His children were Ammaji (1932-1964), Chinnaji (Chaganti Tulasi, a well-known writer in Telugu), Bapiraju (1939-), Srinivas (1941–42), Krishna Kumari (Noted popular science writer (1947-) and Sankar (noted short story writer and Municipal Commissioner (1952-1996).

He died of throat cancer on 2 January 1994 at the age of 79 in Madras. As per his wish, his family members donated his eyes and body to Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute for research purposes.

Books[edit | edit source]

Chinnaji Kathalu (1943)

Chaso Kathalu, Visalandhra Publishing House, Hyderabad

Chaso Kavithalu - Visalandhra Publishing House, Hyderabad

Merugu - One act play

His short stories are translated into English and published as "Chaso - Selected short stories" by Sahitya Academy in 2014. Some of his stories are translated into English by Velcheru Narayana Rao and David Schulman for Penguin Classics (A Doll's Wedding and Other Stories).

Some of Chaso's famous stories[edit | edit source]

  • Kunkudaaku
  • Bondu Mallelu'
  • Chokka Bochuthuvvalu
  • Chinnaji
  • Dummalagondi
  • Empu
  • Kukkuteshwaram
  • Enduku Paresthanu Nanna
  • Oohaa voorvasi
  • Parabrahmam
  • Vaayuleenam
  • Eloorellali

Chaso Foundation[edit | edit source]

One of his daughters, Chaganti Tulasi, established the Chaso Foundation in 1995 and awards the "Chaganti Somayajulu (Chaso) Memorial Literary Award" to progressive writers every year on Chaso's birthday, January 17th.[3]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Modern storyteller". The Hindu. 12 January 2012. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  2. Somayajulu Chaganti, 20th Century Luminaries, Part II, Potti Sriramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad, 2005, pp: 1024–5.
  3. India, The Hans (18 January 2018). "Chaso award presented". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 7 March 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]