Hiralal Moria: A Torchbearer of Nationalism, Literature, and Secular Values

 

 

Question: Hiralal Moria: A Torchbearer of Nationalism, Literature, and Secular Values

 

Early Life and Background

Hiralal Moria was a multifaceted personality—a freedom fighter, poet, novelist, editor, orator, diplomat, and above all, a devoted humanist who dedicated his entire life to the service of the nation and the upliftment of society. Despite being born into a Hindi-speaking family, he achieved remarkable fluency in Telugu, English, and Urdu, becoming a towering literary and cultural figure across linguistic boundaries. .              www.osmanian.com

Born on 13th July 1924 into the affluent family of Sri Jagannath Prasad and Smt. Radha Bai, Moria was the youngest child, blessed with a silver-spoon upbringing. However, material comforts could never dilute the fire of patriotism that burned in his heart from a very young age. He studied at Khammam High School, and by the age of 13 or 14, he had already become such a prominent figure in the anti-Nizam resistance that the government filed 17 cases against him.

 

Inspiration from the National Movement

The political atmosphere of the time—charged with Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation and civil disobedience—deeply influenced young Moria. His family played an active role in the freedom struggle, organizing public meetings in Khammam and Warangal, where national leaders like Sardar Jamalapuram Keshava Rao and Swami Ramananda Theertha were invited to speak.

 

Role in the Hyderabad Liberation Struggle

During the crucial phase of the Hyderabad Liberation Movement (1947–48), Moria worked closely with Mrs. Aruna Asaf Ali, a stalwart of the Quit India Movement. He helped organize armed resistance against the Nizam regime, conducted public awareness meetings and training camps, and inspired the youth to join the Library Movement, which he believed was key to awakening intellectual and cultural consciousness.

 

Associations with Prominent Freedom Fighters

His social and political activism brought him into contact with many notable contemporaries such as: .              www.osmanian.com

Dr. Dasharathi Krishnamacharya

T. Hayagrivachari

Gella Keshava Rao

Bommakanti Satyanarayana

Rayapudi Narayana Rao

Sheelam Sidha Reddy

Jalagam Vengala Rao

In 1942, he became the Khammam District Secretary of the National Youth Congress, playing a key role in youth mobilization.

 

A Voice Through Journalism

Moria made a significant mark in journalism. As the editor of ‘Sandesh’ and publisher of ‘Maa Bhoomi’, he courageously voiced the concerns of the oppressed. These fearless writings led to multiple arrests and ultimately a harsh sentence of 15 years of rigorous imprisonment, part of which he served in Warangal and Khammam jails.

 

Promotion of Language and Culture

A passionate advocate of linguistic and cultural harmony, Moria served in several key roles:

Secretary of Dakshina Bharatiya Hindi Prachara Sabha (Khammam)

President, Khammam District Journalists' Association

President, Anjuman Tarakki Urdu (Khammam Branch)

He founded Bharath Sahitya Kala Parishad, promoting literary and cultural programs that bridged communities.

Political Contributions and Public Service

From 1964 onwards, he served for six years in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council and as a member of the Assurance Committee. He advocated strongly for the rights of laborers, scheduled castes, and tribal communities, using his position to drive social reform and justice.

Vast Literary Contributions

Hiralal Moria’s literary output is extraordinary:

350+ short stories

6 novels

Over 100 Urdu books (only 1/3rd published)

A 1000-page Urdu translation of the Ramayana (won the Uttar Pradesh Sahitya Academy Award)

A major work on National Integration

Biography of Maqdoom Mohiuddin

200 mini-biographies of Muslim patriots

Memoirs: ‘Swatantra Udyamam – Naati Sanghatanalu, Gnaapakaalu’

Most of his Urdu writings were translated into Telugu, Hindi, and English, making his thoughts accessible to a wide audience. .              www.osmanian.com

Literary Leadership and Cultural Institutions

Moria was deeply involved in many literary bodies:

Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Academy Member for 10 years

President, Khammam District Library Association

Member, State Library Committee

He translated the biography of Gurajada Apparao into Urdu and founded an association in memory of Sardar Jamalapuram Keshava Rao, publishing numerous works through it.

 

Founding the Telangana Writers’ Association

As one of the founders of the Telangana Rachayithala Sangham, he worked closely with Telugu literary icons like:

C. Narayana Reddy (CiNaRe)

Dr. Dasharathi

Vattikota Alwar Swamy

Talluri Ramanuja Swamy

Eetukuru Rangarao, among others

 

A Life of Simplicity, Sacrifice, and Vision

Hiralal Moria firmly believed that Socialism and Secularism were the true pillars of India's progress. He spent every rupee of his earnings and every second of his time in the service of literature, education, and the nation. His life was a shining symbol of sacrifice, pluralism, and cultural unity—an eternal inspiration for future generations.

 

5.Kodati Narayana Rao

Kodaati Narayana Rao: A Life of Patriotism and Social Reform

Kodaati Narayana Rao, born on December 14, 1914, in Repala village, Munagala Paragana, Nalgonda district, Telangana, emerged as a dedicated patriot and social reformer in Hyderabad State. From childhood, he resolved to devote his life to the welfare of his motherland, participating actively in India’s freedom struggle while championing causes like the library movement, cooperative societies, adult education, eradication of untouchability, village reconstruction, and the propagation of Gandhian ideals. Despite economic hardships, Narayana Rao’s unwavering commitment to social justice and public service marked him as one of Telangana’s unsung heroes. His multifaceted contributions spanned political activism, journalism, and community organization, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s socio-political landscape.

Early Life and Challenges.              www.osmanian.com

Born into a poor family, Kodaati Narayana Rao faced significant challenges during his formative years. Growing up in rural Telangana under the Nizam’s feudal regime, he encountered financial struggles that made education a luxury. While studying in Hyderabad, he endured hardships but remained steadfast in his resolve to serve society. His early exposure to the stark inequalities of caste and economic deprivation shaped his worldview, inspiring him to work for marginalized communities. Despite these obstacles, Narayana Rao’s determination led him to engage in welfare activities, laying the foundation for his lifelong activism.

Student Activism and Organizational Beginnings

During his student days in Hyderabad, Narayana Rao demonstrated leadership by founding the Hyderabad Students Organisation, a platform to mobilize youth for social and political causes. This initiative fostered political consciousness among students, encouraging them to question the Nizam’s autocratic rule and British colonial influence. Additionally, he worked as a librarian at the Bala Saraswathi Andhra Basha Nilayam, promoting litercy and cultural awareness through access to Telugu literature. These early efforts showcased his ability to blend education with activism, setting the stage for his broader contributions to public life.

Role in the Freedom Movement

In 1930, Narayana Rao joined the Hyderabad District Congress Council, aligning himself with the Indian National Congress’s fight against colonial rule. He actively participated in campaigns against liquor consumption, recognizing its detrimental impact on rural communities. He also opposed the import of cloves from Zanzibar and fireworks from China for Diwali, advocating for self-reliance in line with the Swadeshi movement. These actions reflected his commitment to economic independence, a core tenet of Gandhian ideology. His involvement in the 1938 Hyderabad State Congress Satyagraha Movement was notable; though advised by Madapati Hanumantha Rao to avoid jail and focus on organizing, Narayana Rao took on the role of a key organizer, coordinating protests and mobilizing support.

Journalism and Public Awareness

Narayana Rao’s foray into journalism amplified his influence. Starting in his student years, he wrote articles for newspapers like Golconda and Bhagyanagar, critiquing social injustices and colonial policies. By 1938, he contributed extensively to Andhra Vaani, Andhra Prathrika, and Andhra Prabha, using his pen to educate and inspire the masses. His brief stint at the Urdu newspaper Rayyath, run by Mandumula Narsimha Rao, was remarkable. Tasked with securing advertisements despite lacking experience, he surpassed expectations within three months, making Rayyath a leading publication in advertisement revenue. This achievement highlighted his dedication and adaptability, qualities that defined his public service.

Leadership in the Andhra Mahasabha.              www.osmanian.com

Narayana Rao’s organizational skills shone during the Andhra Mahasabha, a platform for social and political reform in Telugu-speaking regions of Hyderabad State. In December 1934, he played a pivotal role in organizing the 3rd Andhra Mahasabha session in Khammam, overcoming caste-based rivalries that threatened to disrupt the event. His success earned him recognition from elders like Jata Vallabhula Purushotham and Suravaram Prathapa Reddy. By the 9th session in 1942, presided over by Maadi Raaju Rama Kotishwara Rao, tensions between moderates and communists split the Sabha. Narayana Rao, alongside Kaloji Narayana Rao, Komagiri Narayana Rao, M.S. Rajalingam, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and others, formed a National Front under Jamalapuram Keshava Rao. This group defeated the moderates in the 11th session, electing Ravi Narayana Reddy as president, strengthening the Sabha’s radical agenda.

Contributions to the Library Movement

In Khammam, Narayana Rao established the Vignana Niketan library, a cornerstone of his efforts to foster social consciousness. At a time when literacy among non-Brahmin communities was low and government support for libraries was negligible, he personally read books and newspapers aloud to illiterate residents, significantly increasing readership. Vignana Niketan became one of Hyderabad State’s most prominent libraries, earning accolades from leaders like Boorgula Ramakrishna Rao. The library served as a hub for political education, inspiring Khammam’s youth to engage in the freedom struggle and social reforms.

Social Reforms and Community Service

Narayana Rao’s commitment to social justice extended to eradicating untouchability and promoting widow remarriages, key objectives of the Andhra Mahasabha. He worked through organizations like Harijana Seva Sangham, Yuvajana Sangham, and Karmika Sangham to uplift Dalits, youth, and laborers. His efforts to reconstruct village settlements aimed at improving living conditions for rural poor, aligning with Gandhian principles of village self-sufficiency. His advocacy for adult education addressed the educational exclusion of non-Brahmins, organizing night schools and community learning centers to empower marginalized groups.

Involvement in Cooperative Societies

Despite economic hardships preventing higher education, Narayana Rao trained in the cooperative movement, seeking a livelihood that aligned with public service. Dissatisfied with a job in the cooperative department, he continued his activism independently. After Hyderabad’s integration into India in 1948, he settled in Suryapet and served in the Suryapet Taluk Agriculture Cooperative Society, Central Cooperative Society, and Central Cooperative Bank. As temporary president of the State-Level Cooperative Central Society in Andhra Pradesh, he enhanced its newspaper’s quality, demonstrating his administrative acumen and commitment to cooperative principles. .              www.osmanian.com

Religious Tolerance and Humanitarian Acts

Narayana Rao’s religious tolerance was a hallmark of his character, especially during the communal tensions of the 1940s. In 1947, a Muslim youth named Mansur saved him from rioters, and a Muslim family protected him by hiding him in their home. In 1948, during the chaos of Operation Polo, he heroically prevented the assault of Muslim women by an unruly mob, reflecting his commitment to humanity over sectarianism. These acts underscored his adherence to Gandhian ideals of communal harmony, earning him respect across communities.

Political Engagement and Later Life

In 1952, Narayana Rao contested the general elections from Ippanagudem, Janagam Taluk, on a Congress ticket but lost to communist leader V.G. Deshpande due to the latter’s strong local support. Disillusioned with electoral politics, he chose not to contest again, prioritizing grassroots activism over political office. In 1958, he fulfilled a personal aspiration by completing an M.Phil. from Osmania University, a testament to his lifelong pursuit of knowledge despite earlier financial constraints. Narayana Rao led a simple life, shunning material gains and remaining true to his ideals of selfless service.

Legacy and Impact

Kodaati Narayana Rao’s life exemplifies the spirit of sacrifice and service that defined many unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle. His contributions to the library movement, cooperative societies, and social reforms transformed communities in Khammam and Suryapet, fostering political awareness and social equity. His interactions with luminaries like Mahatma Gandhi, whom he met in Khammam in 1946, and his role in the Andhra Mahasabha strengthened the Telugu nationalist movement. Narayana Rao’s legacy endures in Telangana’s cultural and political fabric, inspiring activists who continue to fight for social justice and communal harmony. His principled life, free from selfish motives, remains a beacon for those dedicated to the welfare of the marginalized.