Gallery
Here are three photo albums with selected pictures from the writer’s personal life, literary functions, press coverage, and various award citations. Please click on each image to take you on the photo journey.
Literary Functions
Click on any photo to zoom and scroll through the album
Back to Top
Vamsadhaara Paper mill in Madapam. Shri Kalipatnam Rama Rao introducing Balivada (1999)
Felicitation by Narasimham foundation, Vijayanagaram (1999). With Sarada seated on the left.
Book release of “Balivada Kantha Rao Kathalu” (1989) in Visakhapatnam by Rachakonda Viswanatha (Raavi) Sastry.
Felicitation by Narasimham Foundation, Vijayanagaram (1999).
With Visakha writer friends in 1952. Balivada is standing second from left. Other noted writers are Shri Puripanda Appalaswamy, Shri Masuna, and Shri Angara Krishna Rao.
Felicitation on his retirement at Andhra University by Shri Raavi Sastry (1985).
1985 on his retirement from office.
Visalandhra Publishing House 40th anniversary Award, 1993. With Prof Venkateshwarulu and Mr. Yogi.
Visakha Mayor Sabbam Hari honoring Balivada at Kalabharati Auditorium, Visakhapatnam (1997)
With delegates at the Vishnubhotla foundation organized literary get together in Tirupati (1997)
Felicitation by Andhra Cultural Organization, Bhbhaneshwar on Ugagi Day, 1997
Speaking at 117th meeting of Vijaya Bhavana, Vijayanagaram (1992).
Felicitation for Telugu University Award for “Vamsadhaara” (1987) in Vizag. Also seen, Atchutaramaraju, Bharago, P Krishnam Raju, Raavi Sastry.
Handing out Balivada Merit Award to student at Madapam High School on Aug 15, 1999
Speaking at Yelamanchili at S.V.T Dikshitula Sahiti Samiti, 1991.
With some of his award mementos at home.
At the Writers meet in Bangalore, 1998. Seen with Shri Umarajeswara Rao.
Balivada with Shri Avatsa Somasundar, Shri Ganapatiraju Achyutaramaraju, Shri Avasarala Ramakrishnarao, Shri Allam Seshagirirao (1995)
Speaking at a Book Fair in Visakhapatnam, 1993.
Balivada felicitated by writers and friends in Delhi on receiving Andhra Pradesh State Akademi award for “Punyabhoomi” (1973)
Addressing students at Amal College in Anakapalle near Visakhapatnam (1967)
Kala Sagar Visistha Puraskaram(1996) presented at TTK Auditorium, Chennai.
Judge for a 1975 Drama Competition in Visakhapatnam.
Receiving Krishnam Raju Award in 2000. Seen with Actors Srikant and Krishnam Raju.
Felicitation by Narasimham Foundation Vijayanagaram (1999)
Speaking at his felicitation function at Vamsadhara Paper Mill (Madapam, 1999)
Chief Guest at the Appajosyula Vishnubhotla Foundation (USA) Literary meet at Tirupati (1997)
Felicitated by Shri Kalipatnam Rama Rao (1999) upon receiving the Sahitya Akademi Award.
Felicitation by Andhra University Vice-Chancellor Shri Rokyam Radhakrishna on Ugadi Day (1999)
With writer friends in Delhi at Ravindra Bhavan (Delhi, 1999). See with Dr. I. Panduranga Rao, Mr. Murali, Dr. Ramarao, Prof Ganeswar Rao, Mr. Amarendra, Dr. Sambasiva Rao, Dr. J.L. Reddy.
Being felicitated by Rear Admiral Kochar, Chief of Staff (Eastern Naval Command) on Naval Armament Depot (Vizag) Day, 1997
Felicitated by Naval Armament Depot employees (1999) upon receiving Sahitya Akademi Award.
Being felicitated by Shri N.T. Rama Rao, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, 1985.
Speaking after receiving the Raavi Sastry memorial award (1996) at Tyagaraja Gana Sabha Hall, Hyderabad.
Receiving Kala Sagar Cultural Trust Visistha Puraskaram (Award, 1996) at Music Academy, Chennai from Shri Shiva Shankar (Governer of Kerala).
Receiving the Gopichand Literary Award from Shri Punnayya (MP) in 1988.
Receiving Citation for Raavi Sastry Memorial Award (1996) in Hyderabad.
Standing (third from right) along with some of the other receipients at the Sahitya Akademi Award function, 1999
At the Sahitya Akademi Award function with Shri Narang, Vice President of the Akademi (1999)
Balivada being introduced at the Sahitya Akademi Award Function, Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi (1999)
On stage with the award and some of the other awardees (1999 award function)
Center Stage at the Sahitya Akademi Award Function as he is being introduced (New Delhi, 1999).
With actors on stage of his play “Wall Clock (Godagadiyaaram)” at the Kala Sagar award function, 1992.
A scene from his play, “Godagadiyaaram (wall clock)” staged in 1992.
Speaking at the Kala Sagar Award Function (Chennai, 1992) to honor the noted film maker, Sri K.S. Prakasa Rao.
At the release of his 1987 collection of short stories (“Balivada Kantha Rao Kathalu”) in Vizag. From L-R: Chalasani Prasad, Kalipatnam Rama Rao, Raavi Sastry, Balivada, Martha (Telugu Intern from the Wisconsin), Vavirala, Achyutaramaraju.
Release of “Maro Rajasekhara Charitra” (semi-autobiographical) published posthumously in 2000. Sri Kalipatnam Rama Rao is addressing the gathering.
Shri Rajeswara Rao from Visalandhra Publishing House addressing the gathering at the launch of “Maro Rajasekhara Charitra” in 2000.
Mr. Vidyasagar (IAS), releasing Balivada Kantha Rao’s book “Maro Rajasekhara Charitram” in 2000.
Felicitated by Gurajada Educational Society, Srikakulam (1999).
Felicitated by Prof Ramakrishna, Andhra University Vice-Chancellor in 1985.
Felicitated on Ugadi day in 1996 at Zilla Parishad Hall. From L-R: District Collector Gopal, Chitrakavi Atreya, Balivada, Achyutaramaraju, Manapragada Seshasayi.
Book release function of “Balivada Kantha Rao Kathalu (1987)” at Book Center, VIsakhapatnam.
Speaking at his felicitation for Telugu University Award for “Vamsadhara” (1987). To his right: Sri Bharago, Sri P Krishnam Raju, and Shri Ravi Sastry.
Back to Top
Awards/Citations
Click on any photo to zoom and scroll through the album
Back to Top
1988 Gopichand Award
1998 Sahitya Akademi Award for “Balivada Kantha Rao Kathalu”
Visalandhra Publishing House Award 1993
Krishnam Raju Award – 2000
Felicitation on NAD (Vizag) Depot Day 1997
Kala Sagar Award 1996
Swarna Bharati Award-1997
Presented by NAD Visakhapatnam on his retirement, 1985.
1986 Telugu University Best Novel Award for “Vamsadhaara”
1999 Visalandhra Publications Felicitation
Andhra Viswakala Parishath, Andhra University, 1985
1996 AppaJyosula-Vishnubhotla Foundation (USA) Award
1996 Raavi Sastry (Rachakonda Viswanantha) Sastry Memorial Award.
Vedic Seva Trust Visakhapatnam, 1998
Feilcitation by Narasimham Foundation, Vijayanagaram.
1999 Felicitation by Kathanilayam, Srikakulam.
1996 Kala Sagar Award Citation
1996 Raavi (Rachakonda Viswanatha) Sastry Award
Shistakarana Samiti, Anakapalle, 1999
1999 Felicitation by Shistakarana Sangham, Patapatnam
1998 Vedic Seva Trust Ugadi Award Citation.
1999 Vijayanagaram.
Back to Top
Press Coverage
Back to Top
Click on any photo to zoom and scroll through the two albums – one for English Press coverage, and the other for Telugu press coverage. These are a small selection of many articles written and published about his literature and life. These newspaper and magazine clips are from the family’s collection over the years, carefully scanned and restored for presentation here.
English Press
“Spreading the Fragrance of Goodness” – Andhra Pradesh Times (29th June 1997) review of “Kathalu” by Vakati Panduranga Rao
“Presenting a realistic panorama” – The Hindu, 4 July, 1997 by Chitrakavi Atreya.
“The Courage of his Convictions” – Indian Express (Sunday Edition), 29 July 2001, by Sujata Patnaik
“Writers of Repute – Balivada Kantha Rao” -Indian Express (28 May 1977) article by S.R.M Kondamudi
“Dagapadina Tammudu” review in the children’s monthly, Chandamama (May 1993).
“What motivates a Telugu novelist” – Indian Express (7 Feb, 1990). Balivada speaking at a conference on Trends in modern telugu literature organized by Andhra University and Academic staff college.
“Fame at the twilight of his career” – The New Indian Express, 3 March, 1999 by Rajendra Khatry.
“Not enamoured by success” – Deccan Chronicle, 17 Aug 1997 by R. V. Rama Rao.
“Balivada Kantha Rao – individualistic in approach, universal in appeal” – National Herald (New Delhi), 22 May 1999 by Dr J. Bhagyalakshmi
“Litterateurs honoured” – The Hindu, 19 April 1996 about Kala Sagar awards function.
Sahitya Akademi Awards 1998 announced – Deccan Herald (28 Dec 1998).
Raavi Sastry award for literature to Balivada – Indian Express (31 July 1996).
“Chakrateertha” – Andhra Pradesh Times (Hyderabad, 21 July 1996), short story by Balivada Kantha Rao, translated by Sujata Patnaik
“Kala Sagar literary awards announced” – The Hindu (24 Jan 1996)
Telegram notifying Balivada Kantha Rao of the Sahitya Akademi award for “Kathalu” in Telugu (28 Dec 1998)
“Balivada – A common man’s writer” – Obituary, 6 May 2000.
Telugu Press
Andhra Bhoomi, 29 Sep 1997
Eenadu, 10 July 1996 announcing Raavi Sastry award for Balivada.
Vanitha Magazine, August 1996.
Vaartha, 31 July 1996 after the Raavi Sastry award ceremony.
“Nenu Choosina Jeevitamey Naa Nepathyam” – Sahiti(Andhra Bhoomi), 15 Jan 1996
“Dhaatanaama Samvatsaraaniki Kavitavidhaatala Swagatam”, Eenadu 21 March 1996. Felicitation of Balivada Kantha Rao and Korlapati Sriramamurthy by Visakhapatnam Collector M.G. Gopal
“Aa okka Katha Chaladu?” Sakshi Sahityam (16 Dec 2010) by R. Madhusudana Rao
“Sahiti Sagarapu Manavottama Tarangam: Balivada Kantha Rao” – Sahityajyoti (2000) by Chaya
Andhra Bhoomi, 7 May 2000 announcing the passing away of Balivada Kantha Rao.
Chandamama (Children’s monthly), May 1993 featuring “Dagapadina Tammudu”.
Meeting of telugu writers in Vijayawada for the third annual meeting sponsored by Appajosyula-Vishnubhotla foundation.
Vanitha magazine, Feb 1990. Guest Column by Balivada.
Andhra Jyoti Sachitra Vaara Patrika, 12 July 1985.
Vaarta, 29 Dec 1998 illustrating significant events in Balivada’s journey as a writer.
Eenadu coverage, 1 September 1995 and 26 Jan 1996.
Vaartha, 29 Dec 1998 after news of Balivada’s Sahitya Akademi award for Telugu literature.
Eenadu, 29th and 30th Dec 1998 covering Sahitya Akademi award (1998) for Balivada.
News Today and Andhra Bhoomi Obituaries (May 2000)
Andhra Bhoomi (Hyderabad), 16 May 2000.
Eenadu, 7 May 2000 announcing Balivada Kantha Rao’s passing away.
Eenadu, 7 May 2000 announcing Balivada Kantha Rao’s passing away.
Andhra Prabha, 7 May 2000.
Eenadu (visakhapatnam), 7 May 2000.
Source unknown. Article about Balivada by Shri. Angara Surya Rao.
Visalaandhra, 1 May 2017. Review of Balivada Kantha Rao “Kathalu” published posthumously.
Andhra Jyothy Sahitya Vedika, 11 Dec 1989.
Back to Top
Personal Album
Click on any photo to zoom and scroll through the album
Back to Top
Portrait photo in Visakhapatnam, 1975
At Yosemite National Park in California (1992).
At the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco (1992).
In the grounds of the State Capitol in Austin, Texas (1992).
At NASA in Houston, Texas (1992).
With his brother Narayana Rao (1993) who had beautiful handwriting. Most of the manuscripts were re-written by him before being sent to the publishers for review and acceptance.
Rare photo with his father (Balivada Suryanarayana) at his housewarming function in Visakhapatnam in 1978.
2010 View from the street in Madapam village where Balivada Kantha Rao spent his early years.
The view of the river Vamsadhara, the old and new bridges from the river bank (2010). Many of his novels and short stories were based on these locales.
Dried up Vamsadhara river under the old and new bridges in 2010.
The path leading to the river from the Balivada household in Madapam Village (2010).
With his writer friends in Visakhapatnam. Shri Masuna and Shri Sripati are next to Balivada.
Outside the ruins of his childhood home in Madapam village in 2000.
With the University of Texas clock tower and fountain in the background in Austin, Texas (1992)
With youngest daughter and family.
At one of the vista points in Grand Canyon (1992).
At Disney Land in Anaheim, California (1992).
With Eldest daughter, son-in-law, son, daughter-in-law, grand-daughter in Visakhapatnam (1999)
Sharing a beautiful moment with his grand-daughter in Bangalore, 1999.
Grand Canyon National Park, USA (1992)
At his modest home in Vizag in 1992.
Kantha Rao’s home in Visakhapatnam
Balivada with spouse Sarada in Austin, Texas in 1992.
With his wife, daughters, and son at home in Visakhapatnam (1991)
Balivada and Sarada (1950’s)
Balivada Suryanarayana and Ravanamma (parents)
With brother and cousin in his village
With Sarada at Ellora caves
With family in Visakhapatnam (1968)
With Sarada on the way to Tirupati (early 1970s)
A twenty year old Balivada
Balivada Kantha Rao with Sarada in Delhi (early 1970s)
Balivada Kantha Rao
Writing during winters in Delhi
With his mother (early 1990s)
With his wife and the youngest children in Delhi (1974)
With Sarada in Delhi (1970s)
With two of his daughters in front of Qutab Minar in Delhi (early 1970s)
A twenty year old Balivada in Vizag beach
With office staff
At home in Visakhapatnam (1992)
With his siblings in Visakhapatnam.
With extended family at home in Vizag (1992)
At NASA in Houston (1992)
At NASA in Houston (1992)
With his son (1992)
In his favorite garden at home (1992)