Chikkaballapura Krishnamurthy Rao Nagaraja Rao (12 June 1915 – 10 April 1998) was an Indian Writer, Freedom Fighter, Dramatist, Stage Artist, Director, Journalist, Film Personality and Social Activist..
C.K Nagaraja Rao (CKN) was born on 12 June 1915 in Challakere, Chitradurga district, Karnataka as the first son of C.S. Krishnamurthy Rao and Puttamma.
Throughout his literary journey, he explored diverse forms of writing including short stories, plays, poetry, novels, translations, film scripts, book reviews, and research works. His deep commitment to research-based literature earned him several prestigious state and national awards, marking his significant contribution to Indian literature.
"He won an award for his research work titled Mahakavi Lakshmeeshana Sthala Matthu Kaala from Karnataka Sahitya Academy"
"His magnum opus Pattamahadevi Shantaladevi was declared as the Best Creative Literature (Athyutthama Srujanatmaka Kruti) from Karnataka Sahitya Academy"
"Bharatiya Jnanpith, a prestigious institution of India conferred on him the first award - Moortidevi Award for his magnum opus Pattamahadevi Shantaladevi "
A revolutionary short story he wrote during his school days earned him a prize that ignited his confidence as a writer. That early recognition became the foundation of an extraordinary literary journey, eventually establishing him as one of India’s most celebrated writers.