Born in 10TH APRIL 1967 JONNALA has done M.A. IN English. His Great grand father, grandfather and father, Gurappa, were all teachers by profession in order to support the family, yet he is already living by this craft. Ignoring his father’s socialistic activities he concentrated on this craft. He studied classical dance in order to give the right stances to his kalamkari figures. He roamed with a camera through many temples seeking the unusual and unsuspected themes, from temple carvings.

Jonnala has received many awards & prizes including, First prize (District level) From

THE STATE COUNCIL FOR EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING, State level First prize for kalamkari painting, State Merit Award for “Tree of Life”, Two years scholar ship award from Human resources Centre, Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India, Shilpjan (Young Master Craftsman) Award from the Secretary to Govt of India. He has conducted many workshops on Natural Dyes and Kalamkari Paintings all over INDIA, ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, TAIWAN, SRILANKA & NEW YORK. He worked for ICEF( India Canada Environment Facility ) Project, PARK HOTEL, Hyderabad, WORLD BANK project (JIYO) and presentely working on Research project in Kalamkari and Chintz at NORWICH, MANCHESTER,CAMEBRIDGE and V&A Museums LONDON. He Participated in INDIA FESTIVAL at KENNEDY CENTER, Washington DC