T Govindaraj
Dr. T. Govindaraju is a poet, essayist, storyteller, and folklorist, known for his deep engagement with Kannada literature and folklore. Born on 15 January 1953 in Channadevi Agrahara, Doddaballapura, into a farming family, he inherited a love of native knowledge and culture from his mother, Honnamma, a recipient of a state award for her contributions to folk traditions.
Dr. Govindaraju holds an M.A. in Kannada Literature and a Ph.D. in Folklore Studies from Bangalore University. Early in his career, he worked in the film industry, served as secretary of the Janapada Trust alongside H. L. Nagegowda, and edited the magazine Janapada Jagattu.
He retired in 2013 as Principal after serving as a Kannada lecturer in various government PU colleges. He also contributed to institutions like the Kannada Book Authority, Kannada Development Authority, State Gazetteer, and the Government Press in different capacities.
An active literary figure, his poems, essays, stories, cartoons, and photographs have been published widely, winning several state-level awards. A prolific writer and researcher, he has authored over 25 books on folklore, three children’s books, and a poetry collection titled Kaada Naduvina Deevige. Among his many honours are the Dr. Shivaram Karanth Award (1994), Kanavi Poetry Award (2014), and recognitions from the Karnataka Bal Vikasa Academy, Kannada Sahitya Parishat, and Mysore Dasara.
