N. Gopi

Born on 25 June 1948 in Bhongir village of Yadadri Bhongir District, Telangana State. After his schooling at Government High School, he chose to join Arts College, Osmania University, Hyderabad, where he did B.A. in Telugu, Sanskrit, and Linguistics group and stood with 6th rank, winning Nizam’s Gold Medal. This was followed by M.A. in Telugu, where he topped the University to win Gurajada Appa Rao Gold Medal from Osmania University in 1973. Later he did a P.G. Diploma in Applied Linguistics. Though his recorded name is Nakka Gopal, he is popularly known as N. Gopi in the literary field.

His first job was Project Officer in a Non-formal Project of UNICEF for one year. Later he joined as a Lecturer in the N.B Science College affiliated to Osmania University in 1974. Later he joined the OU in 1981. He became Professor of Telugu in 1990, Chairman Board of Studies in 1992 and Head of the Department in 1994. Later he was appointed as Vice Chancellor of Telugu University (1999-2002). He was the youngest VC in India when he was chosen for the post. In 2001, he also took an additional charge as an acting VC for Dravidian and Kakatiya Universities simultaneously. After completing his term as the VC of Telugu University, he came back to his parent university, where he served as the Dean Faculty of Arts (2004-2006). After retirement in 2008, he served as UGC Emeritus Fellow during 2011-13 and 2015-17 for the second time.

A prolific writer, Gopi has published 28 poetry collections so far.

Gopi's sixth poetry collection ‘Naneelu’ (1998) (Epigrams like Hykus), means ‘The Little Ones’. This is a poetic form invented by N.Gopi, widely discussed and followed by hundreds of poets.[3] More than 1000 poets penned Naneelu and more than 500 poets published anthologies of Naanee collections. This 25 years old poetry form is a trendsetter in Telugu literature.[4] Gopi’s Naneelu have been translated into 12 languages, including Russian.

Courtesy of his literary work and his service to Telugu literature, Gopi is a recipient of more than 50 awards. The following are some of his most recognized awards:

• Sahitya Akademi Award in 2000 for his poetry collection, ‘Kaalanni Nidra Ponivvanu’ (I Will Not Let Time Sleep)
• Jaini International Foundation Award for Jalageetham-Long Poem Rs.1 lakh Cash Award, 2018.
• Dr. Prof. Kothapalli Jayashankar Award with 1 lakh cash prize, a prestigious award instituted by Bharat Jagruthi-2023
• Krittitwa Samagra Samman Award (2023) by Bharatiya Bhasha Parishat, Kolkata
• Freeverse Front award in 1980 for his poetry collection, ‘Mylurayi’ (Milestone)
• Telugu University Award (1991)
• Delhi Telugu Akademi Award (1999)
• Award for outstanding service to literature and culture by Sri Annamacharya Project of North America, Chicago (SAPMA), USA (2001), and ‘Kala Ratna’ award by Govt. of Andhra Pradesh (2009)

Gopi has also served as an elected member of various literary bodies across India. Some of the most coveted positions include:

• Member of A.P. state Sahitya Akademi (1984)
• Telugu Advisory Board member, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi (2002–03)
• Telugu Advisory Board member, National Book Trust of India, New Delhi (2006 onwards)
• Jury Member, Feature Films, Nandi Awards Committee A.P. Govt. (1996)
• Chairman, Jury, T.V. Nandi Awards Committee, A.P. Govt. (2011)
• Convener, Telugu Advisory Board and Member, Executive Council, Central Sahitya Akademi (2013 onwards)

Gopi's literary essays are considered original and are widely quoted. His commentaries to Vemana’s poems are considered comprehensive and modern.[5] His prolific columns in various newspapers and magazines on subjects such as literature and current affairs were very well received. He is an orator and much sought after Personality among Telugu Literary and cultural Organizations.

Gopi's extensive work on Vemana's poetry and his large poetry collection have been the subjects of various academic research.

• Naneelu
• N.Gopi's poetry is available to read online at https://www.kahaniya.com/ca6049608cfee0ed2e88c0822ceadc