RajaRao Pagidipalli is an author, poet, and social worker whose writings merge art with activism. With a background in grassroots movements, his work consistently advocates for justice, equality, and human dignity. His poetry reflects the struggles of ordinary people caught amidst political, governmental, and social changes, transforming verse into both a literary expression and a call for awareness and change. This book is dedicated to his late father, Shri Pagidipalli Sundar Rao, a man of resilience, compassion, and selflessness, whose life continues to serve as the author’s guiding inspiration.

Brutal Politics: Poetry from a Century of Shadows stands as a testament to RajaRao Pagidipalli’s commitment as both a writer and a changemaker. The collection critiques the vast distance between the promises of leaders and the lived realities of citizens. The opening poem, “Reflections in the Dark,” sets the tone for the journey through “one hundred shadows” that confront illusions and seek freedom.

The poems engage with urgent themes that define modern society. Economic hardships are laid bare in verses on unemployment, inflation, poverty, and inequality. Issues of social justice are highlighted through depictions of caste discrimination, communal disharmony, and shrinking freedoms of speech. Governance and policy failures are addressed through critiques of healthcare, education, agricultural distress, and landmark economic decisions like demonetization and GST. Environmental crises, from polluted rivers and smog-filled skies to water scarcity and climate change, are given poignant voice through imagery that is both raw and unflinching.

This collection is not just poetry but a mirror to society, challenging readers to reflect, question, and act.