Draft:Kurella Vittalacharya

Kurella Vittalacharya (born 1938) is an Indian educator, poet, and author noted for his contributions to Telugu literature. His literary works and educational initiatives have been recognized with several awards, including the Padma Shri in 2024.

Early life and education
Vittalacharya was born into a family that faced financial challenges after the death of his father. He pursued his education with the help of community support, which ignited his passion for literature.

Career
Over his career, Vittalacharya has served as a principal and lecturer, and has written 22 books, including the poetry collection 'Vittaleshwara Satakam'. His contributions to literature have earned him accolades such as the Telugu University Distinguished Award and the Dasarathi Award in 2019, presented by then Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu.

Contributions
Vittalacharya established a public library in his hometown, which houses around 200,000 books. This initiative has led to the development of additional libraries in surrounding areas, fostering literacy and education in the region.

Legacy and recognition
His efforts have been nationally recognized, receiving praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 'Mann Ki Baat' radio program. On January 25, 2024, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri for his extensive contributions to the fields of literature and education.