Winning people's heart

Famous poet Lalitha Kumari aka Volga receives Gopichand UthamaRachayita award The prestigious annual award, conferred by actor, filmmaker and writer Saichand in the name of the legendary litterateur Tripuraneni Gopichand – the 'YuvaPuraskaram- Gopichand Utama Rachayit' was given to fampus writer Volga.

The award was given during an event held at SarathiStudios in Hyderabad. Volga, known for her pathbreaking work in the field of literature and her unstinting support to women's voice was felicitated on the occasion and a cash prize of Rupees 25,000 was given to her as a mark of appreciation.

Speaking on the occasion Sai Chand shared, "I always wanted to give out awards on my father's name. I worked towards this for a long time. I consulted my brother fromEngland and then we spoke to few people and after a lot of work, we finally constituted an award in his name.

I am really happy that Mrs Volga is receiving the award. If it is possible, I would like to see an award given in his name to people who do distinguished work in the film field as well."

The poet, writer, who has gained international repute through her books, which got translated into other languages as well including Vimukta Katha Samputi' (Liberation of Sita) for which she received Sahitya Akademi Award and the recent one 'Yashodhara' said, "I am overwhelmed receiving this award and I wish to win your hearts with my writings.

" The guests present at the felicitation ceremony include writer, academician Mrinalini, literary aficionado SaripalliKondalarao, YV Nageswara Rao and eminent poet Nandini Sidda Reddy.