Viswanatha Satyanarayana

Viswantha Satyanarayana (1895–1976), popularly known as the Kavi Samraat or the emperor of poetry, was a modern Telugu poet. Born in the village of Nandamuru in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Viswanatha was a disciple of the "Tirupati Venkata Kavulu" duo. Viswanatha's style of poetry was classical in nature and his popular works include Ramayana Kalpa Vrikshamu (A resourceful tree called Ramayana), Kinnersani patalau (Mermaid songs) and Veyipadagalu (A thousand hooded snake). He was awarded the Jnanpith Award and Padma Bhushan in 1970.

The citation of Jnanpith read as follows: As a Poet of classic vision and virility, as a novelist and play wright of deep insight and impact, as an essayist and literary critic of force and felicity, and as a stylist of rare "range" Mr. Satyanarayana has carved for himself a place of eminence amongst the immortals of Telugu Literature. His ceaseless creativity and versatility have kept him in the forefront of contemporary Telugu Literary Scene.

The parallel movement in easy prose of Telugu literature criticized him as a bigot who hung onto the strict rules of grammar including Yati, Prasa (rhyme) and Chandassu (meter).

Veyipadagalu was later translated into Hindi by former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao.