Charge taken as MEO of Bhadrachalam

 Bekkanti Srinivasa Rao took charge as the new Mandal Education Officer at the Bhadrachalam Mandal Education Resource Center on Monday morning as per the instructions of the District Education Officer. T. Rama, who previously worked as an officer of the Mandal Education Department. He took over the charge from her. On this occasion, retired gazetted headmaster P. Lakshminarayana, local ITC paper board contractor Pakala Durgaprasad, Jagadish Colony headmaster Raja Srinivas, P.V.Ramana and the representatives of the teachers' unions welcomed the new MEO with bouquets of flowers and felicitated him with shawls.

An Essential Resource for Understanding the Religion

 Tomichan Matheikal is recognized for his extensive contributions as a blogger and writer. His inherent characteristic is to thoroughly investigate any subject he undertakes. I have long been aware of his insightful comprehension. He recently published a book that, despite its brevity, addresses a profound and meticulously researched subject. Furthermore, in our current era marked by significant religious discord, this book serves as both a timely and essential resource. Matheikal's work traces the historical development of religion and faith in a deity, examining their evolution across different eras. His inquiry extends beyond India, offering insights into nearly all civilizations that have emerged throughout human history.

This comprehensive work is structured into sixteen chapters, exploring themes such as animism, ancestor veneration, totemism, tribal identity, the cult of the deceased, magic rituals and the perceived illusion of control, and the multifaceted roles of deities as fathers, judges, and mothers. It further delves into myth as psychological reality, the interplay of faith and reason, the significance of scripture, concepts of authority and orthodoxy, and the impact of the Enlightenment on religious thought, among other topics. Within these categories, the book offers substantial and illuminating information.

 It elucidates, in an accessible manner, the reasons behind the diverse forms of divine worship, the historical development and veneration of sacred texts, and the enduring presence of religious beliefs even when they appear to wane. Notably, the arguments and comparative analyses presented by Saudi-British anthropologist Talal Asad concerning nationalism and religion introduce novel perspectives. Asad posits that secularism itself constitutes a form of mythology. A thorough reading of the complete text is recommended for a comprehensive understanding.

Esteemed thinkers such as Descartes, Spinoza, John Locke, David Hume, Voltaire, Immanuel Kant, and Karl Marx, alongside luminaries like Max Weber, have contributed their profound insights on the subject of religion. The funerary customs observed among the Tana Toraja people of Indonesia, and indeed those in Madagascar, are sufficiently striking to evoke a profound sense of awe. This work serves as a repository of humanity's collective consciousness, exploring the intricate relationship between religion and fear, and raising numerous fundamental inquiries. Individuals seeking to comprehend the human quest for meaning would find this e-book an invaluable resource. It is conveniently accessible through the Amazon platform; the e-book is only Rs.149/- and the link is provided herein. 

The Simplest Guide to Religion: Understanding Humanity's Search for the Sacred 

 https://amzn.in/d/07XGKKIE

--- Murthy Kvvs

BJP District President Tour of Bhadrachalam Mandal

Telangana Bharatiya Janata Party has taken  S.I.R. prestigiously.  As part of the Mandal Pravas Abhiyaan programme, BJP District President Byreddy Prabhakar Reddy conducted a 24-hour tour of Bhadrachalam Mandal. On this occasion, he was accompanied by party leaders and workers. After examining the implementation of the program at the field level, many suggestions were made to speed up registration and to identify and solve the problems encountered.

On this occasion, he visited polling booths 145, 148, 160, 161, 165, 167, 172, 173, and 174 in Bhadrachalam town and discussed with the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) of those booths the SIR held so far.  Details were inquired about the enrollment progress, enrollment percentage, problems encountered, and steps required to resolve them.

Later, in Bhadrachalam, he met MRO Y. Ravikumar in the office of the Sub Collector, and he discussed the status of S.I.R. in Bhadrachalam mandal. A comprehensive report of the program was reviewed, and the progress of the registration process was discussed.

In this program, BJP Bhadrachalam S.I.R. Convener Kunja Santhosh, BJP leaders Kunja Dharma, Mulishetti Rammohan Rao, Nidadavolu Nagababu, Avula Subbarao, Boda Satyanarayana, Devarapalli Venkateshwarlu, Triple X Chakravarty, PC Keshav, Mulishetti Nikhil, Annem Harish, Annem Sai Laxman, Jeeva, Ramachari, Sher Srinu, Panipuri Srinu and others participated.

Befitting tribute to a legendary singer

 A "Swara Neerajanam" program was held at the local Kamma Satram on Sunday to pay tribute to the famous film singer S. Janakamma in her memory. Many singers have sung her sweet songs. MLA Tellam Venkata Rao started the program by lighting the Jyoti. Dignitaries and music lovers from other areas also attended. 

Golla Bhupathi Rao, Dr Vijaya Rao, and Nitta Raju conducted this program. Film music director Ganta Krishna, Durgachari, JN Murthy, Bhushana Rao, Irpa Anasuya and others participated. A differently abled person showcased his talent in the form of acting to a poignant song, which attracted many in the audience.  

Dowry Harassment Case Dismissed:

 Bhadrachalam Additional Judicial First Class Court Judge A. Durgabhavani dismissed a case under 498-A filed by Rajasekhar's wife, Domala Sarada, at Charla Police Station against Domala Rajasekhar and his family members in 2014 in Charla village, Charla mandal.

Background of the Case:

In 2014, a case of dowry harassment (498-A) was filed by Rajasekhar's wife at the Charla police station against Charla villager Domala Rajasekhar and his family members. Charla police registered a case under Section 498-A and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Court verdict:

After a long trial that lasted for almost 13 years, Judge A. Durgabhavani, who thoroughly examined the precedents and evidence of the case, declared that the charges against the accused were not proved and dismissed the case.

Eminent lawyer Pamaraju Tirumala Rao argued on behalf of the accused

Birthday Celebration of KTR at Charla

 Today, the 50th birthday celebration of BRS party executive president and former minister Shri Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao (KTR) was held in the Charla office under the leadership of Charla BRS party mandal convener Doddi Tatarao. After that, bread and fruits were distributed to about 100 patients in the government hospital. On this occasion, Doddi Tatarao lauded KTR's services in the development of Telangana, the expansion of the industrial sector, IT progress, and youth employment; it is his initiative that has led world-class IT companies to look towards our state. He has been a role model for young leaders across the country by constantly working for sustainable governance and public welfare. He said that under the leadership of supremo KCR and the guidance of KTR, the BRS party will achieve even greater success in the coming days.

Senior party leaders Syed Aziz, Totapalli Madhavrao, Dinasarapu Bhaskar Reddy, Panja Raju, Kaki Anil, Kombattini Rambabu, Gorintla Venkateswara Rao, Bojja Sai Pranai (Bachi), Bethancharla Narsa Veni, Uppari Gudem Sarpanch Soyam Nakshmi, Peddagala Musileru Sarpanch Benda Boina Suhasini were present in this program. Tegada Sarpanch Murali, Pashiganti Sandhya, Pashiganti Santosh Kavwala Ramu, Singha Santosh, Ravula Kishore, Edla Ramdasu, Tellam Lakshminarayana, Mango Raja, Batta Komaraiah, Gummala Narendra, Gummala Satyanarayana, Dubba Sammayya, Sadik, Gadamshetty Kishore, Srujan, Kukadapu Sai, Erravula Prem, Vankayala Vinod, and others participated

 

#KTR #birthday #celebration 

Sri Kusuma Haranatha Baba Shrine Demolished

In a recent month, a significant event unfolded within the spiritual landscape of the temple town, leading to the demolition of a shrine dedicated to the esteemed Sri Kusumaharanatha Baba. This action was undertaken as part of an extensive development initiative surrounding the illustrious Sri Seetha Rama Swamy Temple.

 In an ambitious move to enhance the temple’s infrastructure and mirror the grandeur of renowned pilgrimage sites such as Tirupati, the state government has allocated an impressive sum of over three hundred crores. 

The funds are designated to facilitate the expansion and modernization of the temple’s precincts, which are currently witnessing rapid progress in construction activities.

The shrine of Sri Kusumaharanatha Baba, which had stood for many decades, was tragically dismantled to pave the way for new development. This particular shrine held a distinctive and enduring place in the hearts and memories of the temple town's residents and the numerous devotees who frequented it, serving as a serene space for reflection and reverence.

 The shrine itself, erected in the year 1928, was reaching the end of its structural viability and was in dire need of repairs. Located in proximity to the main Rama temple, it had an air of seclusion that contributed to its tranquil atmosphere. 

A small hillock adjoining the site often provided a gentle and refreshing breeze, enhancing the serene spirit characteristic of the area. However, owing to its relatively remote location compared to more popular religious sites, the visitor numbers to the shrine were limited, preserving its isolation and the verdant ambiance that accompanied it.

--- Murthy Kvvs

Pensioners get-together

 On Wednesday Telangana State Government Retired Employees, Bhadrachalam unit organized a get-together program under the chairmanship of the association's president, Gudivada Bhushan Rao. The mandal-level school students who have secured the best marks in the March 2026 SSC examinations have also been felicitated with cash and shawls. Koppozu Bhubaneswari (Zilla Parishad Girls' School), S Sarika (Government High School), and Bharat Chandra (SNM ZP High School) as toppers were given Rs 1000 cash each, and Sarpanch Poonem Krishna personally gave Rs 1000, and T Thayaramma gave Rs 1000. 

Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Poonem Krishna and Mandal Education Officer Thotamalla Rama were honored with a shawl by the president of the association, Gudivada Bhushan Rao. President Gudivada Bhushan Rao and Secretary K. Madhusudan Rao demanded that the state government immediately release the five pending DRs and health cards, along with the PRC, to the pensioners, cancel the CPS method, and recognize them as regular teachers. NS Azaraiah, G. Venkanna, Ramachandra Rao, GV Satyanarayana, Manika Kumari, T. Siddulu, Hanumantha Rao, Narasimhulu, Biksham Reddy, Papaiah, Krishnamurthy T. Srinivasa Rao, Wilson, and others participated in this program.

--- Murthy Kvvs

Toppers were encouraged with a cash prize

 Discipline and good behavior are essential at the student stage, and with their help, they can reach a good position in the future. S.N.M. Zilla Parishad Headmaster Konakanchi Srinivasa Rao said. He also said that the services provided by the Ananda Nilayam organization to support the poor students are great. Donor K.V.Ramanababu gave five thousand rupees each to Bharat and Charan, who scored high marks in the tenth-class public exams at the school level last year. Ramana Babu said that this distribution is held every year in the name of his parents, Veera Raghavaiah and Satyavathi, to encourage intelligent and active students, and that it will be expanded in the coming days so that students can study well. 

Former public relations officer Veerayya said that children should learn to meditate from an early age as it improves concentration. Former police officer Ramakrishna urged pupils to stay away from bad habits and study according to a plan. Finally, the donor, KV Ramana Babu, was honored with a shawl by the teaching and non-teaching staff. In this talent award program, Rama Raju and Satyavathi addressed the children. Tanniru Srinivasa Rao, PV Ramana, Kallam Satyanarayana, Bharati, Hamida Begum, Veeramma, Krishnaveni, Manjula, Adinarayana, Patel, Dhanikonda Srinivasa Rao, Resu Venkateshwarlu, Balakrishna, Pasha, and others participated.

Fulfil the demands of Anganwadi Teachers and Helpers

 According to the promise of the state government, Anganwadis should be paid 18 thousand rupees. Before the election, the Telangana state government promised to implement a salary of 18000 to the anganwadi teachers and helpers under the auspices of CITU. Telangana Anganwadi Teachers and Helpers Union organized a dharna in front of the ICDS project center under the auspices of CITU. 

On this occasion, he criticized that all the promises given by the government are turning into writings on water. CITU district president Brahmachari demanded pension facilities and warned that if the government does not take steps to solve the problems, they will go on an indefinite strike in the coming period. After that, they handed over the strange document with the problems to CDPO. CITU mandal convener Payam Radhakumari, president of Telangana Anganwadi Teachers and Helpers Union Project, Swaroop Nayak, Krishnaveni Rani Savitri Chilakamma, Triveni Satyavathi, and others participated in the program.

Awareness Conference on the Impact of Social Media

  An awareness seminar on "Impact of Social Media on Society" was organized under the auspices of TUWJ (IJU) at Akshaya Function Hall, Bhadrachalam. Local MLA Dr. Tellam Venkatarao, Pinapaka Constituency MLA Payam Venkateshwarlu, Telangana State Press Academy Chairman K. Srinivas Reddy, and General Secretary Ramanarayana were present and spoke.

Speaking on the occasion, the speakers said that there is a need to use social media responsibly for the benefit of society, and that the media's role is very important in conveying accurate information to the people. Also, journalists are advised to be vigilant in preventing false propaganda.

After the seminar, the oath-taking ceremony for the newly selected TUWJ (IJU) Bhadradri Kothagudem District and Constituency and Mandal Committees was held. On this occasion, Jagu Venkataratnam as President of Bhadradri Kothagudem District Electronic Media, Junumula Ramesh as Secretary, Seemakurthi Srinivasa Rao as Treasurer, Rajakiran as President of Bhadrachalam Mandal Media, Siva as Secretary, and newly elected committee members took oath.

Later, MLAs Tellam Venkatarao and Payam Venkateshwarlu were felicitated with shawls...

The chief guests congratulated the new committee members and wished them to work hard to protect the rights of journalists and provide unbiased news to the people.

Release Asara Pensions

Asara (Support) Pensions should be released to everyone who reaches 57 years.

BRS party convener Doddi Tatarao alleged that the Congress government has not released pensions even after 3 years of coming to power.

All those who have reached 57 years of age have submitted their pension papers to the Panchayat Secretary. People are eagerly waiting for their pensions after spending hundreds of rupees and giving lakhs of applications to the Panchayat Secretary.

Indiramma Houses. They said they would grant 2 lakh 50 thousand on June 2nd, but July 2nd also went by. They were cheated while waiting for Indiramma Houses for pensions. The government is deceiving people and getting support through your services. KCR gave support pensions to 40 lakh people who completed 57 years, 200 rupees pensions, and 2000 rupees were given to disabled widows and single women. This pension of 6 kg of rice is very useful for beedi workers and old people. They are living without depending on their sons, and many old people are waiting for a pension.

New Member Joined

The leaders of the Telangana State Government Retired Employees Association explained the services they are providing to the retired employees and said that they are setting up camps in different mandalas at the time of giving life certificates, and they are working tirelessly to solve the problems of the retired employees. President G. Bhushan Rao, Joint Secretary G. V. Satyanarayana, and General Secretary Madhusudan Rao said that recently retired KVVS Murthy, who worked as a school assistant at SNM ZP High School, was added as a member. Murthy, who joined as a new member, was honored with a shawl.

Obeisance Paid

 On Saturday, a significant occasion, Pitta Srinivasa Reddy, the national leader of the BJP legal cell and a Supreme Court advocate, conducted a special puja and expressed his reverence to Lord Sitarama Chandra Swamy. With the assistance of the honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and central ministers Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay, substantial funds have been allocated for developmental initiatives. Reddy mentioned that he performed these pujas for the prosperity of the people, hoping for sufficient crops and financial well-being. The construction of the Polavaram project should not impact the temple, especially during floods. The construction work should ensure comfort for the devotees. All precautions must be taken in this regard. A bridge should also be built with durable pillars, and the approach road must remain intact. This will benefit the community significantly.

Khaki : Bihar Files

 Recently, I watched a web series called Khaki: Bihar Files. Although it was released on Netflix four years ago, I watched it a bit late. I started watching it without any expectations, and it felt good when I finished all seven episodes. Once upon a time, we used to read about a Bihar gangster named Pintu Mahato. The whole story is based on Mahato! Taken from a book written by an IPS officer named Amit Lodha. A young IPS officer comes from Rajasthan by train. To join a district in Bihar. In that train, some passengers make jokes about him. The police officer is in normal dress.

After a while, he answers their question and says that he is an IPS officer newly assigned to Bihar... They get startled and say sorry. Also explains the philosophy of an average Bihari. Whenever you meet a Bihari person who says 'I..' instead of 'We..', he will be your friend forever. Ours is the land where Buddha walked, the land where Mahavir walked. Go, and you will know. The name of this young officer is Amit Lodha. He goes to the office to give a joining report. There, a man is seen under a tree, wrapped in a turban and sitting on a chair, making jokes with the people who came. 

No one is seen in the office. After waiting there, the turbaned person comes and says I am your superior and takes the joining report. Amit Lodha loses his mind. Pintu Mahato's name changed to Chandan Mahato in the story. Mahato, who works as a small-sized laborer and a lorry driver, grows up to become a gangster through various experiences. Although he has not received much education, he has a good art of mesmerizing others with words. He meets another man named Chyavan Prash Sahu in jail. Both of them escape from jail together. 

After murdering three prison staff, they come out and impress the youth of their social group with their words and commit kidnapping and looting. They mostly rob Marwadi businessmen and other rich people. Amit Lodha dares the Marwadi businessmen not to give money to anyone. With that, the monthly routine stops. Chandan tracks Mahato's phone and starts arresting his followers.

Mahato builds a political base by supporting the backward communities in the elections and continues his activities, avoiding the police. Mahato, who went to jail after murdering five Yadavs, is seen as a favorite by the Rajputs. They turn against him by killing a Rajput named Abhyudai Singh who betrayed his trust. With Mahato becoming a key player in state politics, many attempts are being made to defeat him. Bihar's social dimension, rural system, and causes of poverty are presented in front of us as a good story. In this web series, he showed the background of appointing police officers.

Photography is comfortable. Bihar village and the surrounding forests are beautiful. Avinash Tiwari, who played Mahato, and Karan Tucker, who played Amit Lodha, will remain in our minds for a long time. Watch it if you can. I have said less; there is a lot to understand. In real life, records say that Mahato killed 300 people, but 30 were policemen. 

Origin of Father's Day

 Since today is Father's Day, we are inundated with greetings, quotes, and images everywhere. Nearly everyone has updated their profiles to celebrate their fathers' greatness. Indeed, a father can hold that role for anyone. Many of us have wonderful experiences to recall on this day. Being a genuine father is not an easy task; it requires caring for children through both good times and bad. Sadly, we observe many fathers around us who are neglectful. When it comes to instilling discipline and providing for needs, how many truly act with sincerity?

Some people argue that these special days do not originate from our country. However, even if that is true, there is nothing wrong with expressing gratitude to our fathers for what they have done for us. In fact, setting aside specific days for important relationships is a positive practice. It can inspire children, even at a young age, to recognize and take responsibility for their bonds with others.

When I looked into the origins of Father's Day, I discovered that it began in the United States. In the early 20th century, a girl named Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to honor her father for his love and for raising their six children after his wife passed away. He was also a veteran of the Civil War. She advocated for a special day for fathers, similar to Mother's Day, to express gratitude to all father-like figures.

#fathersday #celebration #origin

International Yoga Day

 International Yoga Day is celebrated on 21 June every year. Children in schools and celebrities at events get busy. They keep trying various asanas to showcase their skills.

 Some people who are not physically fit feel uncomfortable while trying various poses. It’s all about having another workout. That's it. Is it a program for one day or something beyond? Definitely not. The purpose of yoga is not only what physical exercise affords.

Patanjali, the father of Yoga, did not teach only Hatha Yoga. It is to be associated with spiritual practice. Yama, Niyama, and Pranayama, etc. The ultimate goal is to unite the jiva with Paramatma. 

However, modern people are interested in Physical Yoga because it promotes health and offers remedies for some ailments. Of course, that's true. But at the same time, one should read the theory in its original form. Yoga is time-tested. That's why it spread to many countries.

The US is turning into the capital of Yoga. It's a multi-billion-dollar business. A top wellness industry in other words. Power Yoga, hot Yoga, and acroyoga emerged with different names. 

Costa Rica, Brazil, Germany, the UK, Australia, and other countries have been offering Yoga classes. The ancient Indian tradition's greatest contribution is going leaps and bounds. No particular God is prescribed to believe in to become a Yoga practitioner.

#Yoga #wellness #spirituality

Tributes Paid

• On the first death anniversary of SMT Umadevi W/O Samineni Purushottam, the division committee member of Bhadrachalam Division, all pensioners and retired persons association held a memorial program at Borewell Ranga Reddy Function Hall. President Bandhu Venkateswara Rao, Treasurer D. Krishna Murthy, Hon. President Subbayya Choudary, and Associate President S. Raja Babu paid tributes by offering garlands to the portrait of the late SMT Umadevi. Other leaders, Nalam Satyanarayana, N. Jaganmohan Rao, Surisetty Krishna, Durga Prasad, Bandhu Narasimha Rao, I.V., Satyanarayana, Thota Koteswara Rao, Mahalakshmi, Bairu Narasimha Rao, V. Peter, and others also paid floral tributes.

Books distributed

 

Students should utilise facilities like free textbooks, notebooks, and other resources provided by the state government, as stated by Headmaster Konakanchi Srinivasa Rao Garu. On the day of the school opening, the program for providing textbooks was conducted at SNM ZP High School, Bhadrachalam. Sarpanch Punem Krishna Garu arrived as the chief guest and wished all the best to the children and the teaching staff. Resu Venkateswaralu Garu, Dhanikonda Srinivasa Rao Garu, and remaining staff members of the school attended. The Sarpanch was honoured by the school staff!

Enrollment Drive

 The faculty of the government junior college is dedicated to bolstering their student enrollment. They are proactively visiting significant locations, educational institutions, and libraries to promote the accomplishments of the Bhadrachalam Government Junior College. Mr. Srinivas Pindiga, an English lecturer, and Ms. Sushma, a Biology lecturer, visited the branch library situated at Tata Gudi Centre, where they detailed the key features of the government junior college and highlighted its achievements over the past year.

 Readers of the library, hailing from various areas of the town, listened to their presentation with keen interest. Furthermore, they reviewed the list of prospective students intending to enroll in the college. The librarian, Mr. Sk. Johny, along with the attendees, actively engaged in the event.

Songs Competitions

 On the 80th birth anniversary of renowned film singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, Bhadradri Swaranjali conducted two state-level Telugu song competitions. All 50 singers sang on the track, and they were solo songs sung by the eternal singer SP Balasubrahmanyam. Dr. Tellam Venkata Rao MLA, Bhadrachalam, arrived as the chief guest. He gave cash prizes and mementos to the 10 winners.

 Punem Krishna Dora, Tippana Siddulu, Tandra Venkata Ramana Rao, BV Ramana Reddy, Anumandla Nagaraju, Challagulla Nageswara Rao, Avula Nageswara Rao and others participated. In the male singers section, Murali (Bhadrachalam) got first prize at 15000/-, second prize went to Vinay (Hyderabad) at Rs.10000/-, and third prize went to Peddi Raju (Burgampad) at Rs.5000/-;

 and in the female singers segment, Madhavi of Vijayawada, Krishna and Puri Jyoti got first, second and third prizes. Four consolation prizes were also given. Raja Babu (Padutha Teega fame), Jeevan Kumar, and Sarala Devi (eminent music teachers) served as judges for the event. Pokala Srinivas (Singer, Reporter and Bhadradri Swaranjali organizer) thanked all the officials, dignitaries and other patrons for extending their cooperation.

Recognition

 Sri Siva Naga Swamy, the founder of the Chinna Arunachalam temple, awarded Rs. 3,000 to each student who achieved the highest marks in the SSC exams. Abhishek, who received the highest marks in the Dummugudem mandal, and Chiranjeevi Koppoju, who excelled in the Bhadrachalam mandal, were both recognized by the temple priest and the founder. The trust has a long-standing history of supporting needy and deserving causes. The students' parents also took part in the event.

An Autobiography with depth and sensibility

Recently, Sri Konakanchi Srinivas Rao garu gave me a book written in Telugu by Rambhatla Krishna Murthy. Although the author has passed away, he is well-known among readers of newspapers. 

He was a significant figure behind the Eenadu Telugu daily and played a key role in training numerous prominent journalists through the journalism school affiliated with the Eenadu group in Hyderabad.

 Many have claimed to be his students, and the diction and standard of language used in the daily were established by him.

The book "Sontha Katha" (My Story) is an autobiography. Typically, autobiographies offer a broad view of the author's life, revealing various aspects of social conditions.

 They often include anecdotes that highlight historical facts that may be overlooked or forgotten. This book exemplifies that rare quality. 

Krishna Murthy depicted his experiences during his time, detailing the education system in the British era and the social dynamics based on caste, which remain relevant in today's context.

 During that period, Coastal Andhra was separate from the Nizam area, and he experienced life in both regions from a young age.

Due to unavoidable circumstances, I have only read 60 pages and have many more pages to get through. I plan to complete it, as the book is an engaging read. 

I learned a new fact from the book: Meezan magazine was published in three languages—Telugu, Urdu, and English. Additionally, the well-known novelist Adivi Bapi Raju served as the editor for a time.

 While many people refer to Meezan, this particular fact seems to have been overlooked. He noted that Urdu has its roots in Hindi. Urdu uses the Persian script, while Hindi employs Devanagari. 

Although Sanskrit can be written in Devanagari, it is challenging to write it in Urdu. During the Nizam era, the military language was Urdu, but it was written in English script.

There are many interesting facts on this topic. The writer, who is proficient in Telugu, Sanskrit, English, and Urdu, presents the matters of various languages clearly.

 He explains why most Telugu Brahmins prefer Yajurveda over Rigveda, a perspective that few have articulated in such depth. Additionally, he has a keen interest in Mantra Shastram and has written extensively about its variations in Bengal and Kerala.

 I will return with a more detailed article once I complete my reading.

--- Murthy Kvvs

Srotaswati (English) - A Moving Autobiography

Gopinath Mohanty is a name that resonates with literary enthusiasts worldwide, as he is widely regarded as one of the foremost writers in India's literary history. 

Although his primary writings were in the Oriya language, the translation of his novels, such as Paraja and Amrita Santana, into English and other Indian languages has significantly broadened his literary acclaim. His depiction of the Kondha Adivasi in numerous novels has paved the way for new perspectives within the realm of Indian literature.

The publication entitled "Srotaswati" is the author's autobiography, initially released in the Oriya language and subsequently translated into English by Sudheshna Mohanty. 

I recently acquired and read this work and feel compelled to express my reflections to the readership. This autobiography unveils numerous dimensions of social and cultural conditions before independence, in addition to chronicling the author’s personal narrative.

 To begin with, the designation 'Srotaswati' encapsulates the author's perspective on existence. The term translates to 'the flowing stream,' signifying an incessant narrative of his life experiences. Furthermore, the image of the author playing the flute depicted on the cover is visually striking.

The writer discusses the people and circumstances that inspire his creative writing, as well as the challenges he faced that helped shape who he is. 

Gopinath Mohanty was born in Nagabali, a village near Cuttack, and he received his basic education at home.

 During that period, distinct states such as Bihar, Odisha, and Bengal did not exist. The individual's father was employed in the princely state of Sonepur but subsequently resigned due to health issues.

 The family's insufficient income resulted in hardships, compelling the father to seek employment once more. At the age of 58, he obtained a position as a surveyor.

 He moved to Sonepur and eventually to Patna due to his father's career demands. Patna was equipped with good facilities like spacious roads, planned housing, and standard educational institutions.

 Gopinath's elder brother was an employee in the secretariat. He mostly completed his high school education in Patna. One had to change three trains to go to Patna from Cuttack.

 The workforce predominantly consisted of individuals of Bengali descent, primarily engaged in fields such as education and secretarial roles. They perused Bengali and English periodicals dispatched from Calcutta. 

Gopinath frequently contemplated the absence of a similar practice among the Oriya populace in acquiring vernacular publications for reading. Despite a significant presence of individuals of Oriya heritage in Patna, Oriya magazines were seldom available in bookstores or at railway stations.

Rabindranath Tagore, Sarat Babu, Bankim Babu, and numerous other writers significantly contributed to the Bengali language. In response to this, the mother of his classmate inquired if he could identify similar individuals from the field of Oriya literature.

 He referenced names such as Sarala Das and Balaram Das. However, she noted that these figures were historical poets known for their mythological compositions and expressed a desire for information regarding modern writers.

She remarked that I inquired about modern authors. Gopinath maintained his composure. There is a lack of regard for any society that does not express itself forthrightly regarding its language and its literary figures.

 In every distinguished nation, numerous writers have contributed to the elevation of their cultural heritage. He started to grasp this concept.

 The experiences of his student life in Patna reveal the distinct characteristics of the educational system of that era. He developed a keen interest in both Oriya and English literature, demonstrating a strong passion for reading.

 During a visit to his school, an educational official of British nationality engaged with him. In this interaction, Gopinath elaborated on the works of Shakespeare, which left a notable impression on the officer, ultimately leading him to approve two additional holidays for the school.

 Upon his return to Cuttack, he engaged in profound self-reflection regarding the lapses and manipulations present within Oriya society. 

The book will illuminate how Bengali elites appropriated the literary and spiritual luminaries of Orissa, such as Jayadeva and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, alongside various social and cultural dimensions.

 It serves as a valuable read for anyone seeking a comparative social narrative, despite being an autobiography of a distinguished writer from the state of Orissa.  

--- Murthy Kvvs

Horses unknown

 A strange spectacle of two horses amazed me when I was returning from a place near Triveni Junior College of Bhadrachalam. The two gorgeous animals trudge back and forth in the limited space of the street. Clueless and mysterious as to where those ones ended up here. Fortunately, they were lingering amicably in the close proximity of onlookers.

Animals do understand the body language of people swiftly and act accordingly. Perhaps, they have been brought in by some nomadic people. It is quite common to see nomadic shepherds from Madhyapradesh, Chattisgarh, and Kutch, rearing their own cattle across the fields.

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Bhadrachalam

 The statue of Bhadra Maharshi can be seen once you disembark at the roadside of the temple town's entry point. The town's name is derived from the sage, and a statue of him was established some years ago. It looks beaming with a colorful presence. In the background, a dhwaja sthambham can be seen, taller in front of the Abhayanjaneya Swami temple.

Visitors coming from far-off places to have a darshan of the temple have to cross the bridge to enter the town. Some people who used to come in their own vehicles would take a turn from the alley of this temple and end up at the ghats of the Godavari River to take holy dips. Weekend days seem to witness more footfall compared to other days.

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Looking out of the window

 The first thing I saw when I woke up was my window. It lets in some fresh air and offers a fascinating scene of green trees, where birds chirp without making a loud noise. Usually, I see parrots and sparrows. I thought that whoever was there made them awake at a certain time to start their life afresh daily. There was another pertinent question about how they remember their route to come back to their nests. The trees were exactly in front of my window, and every day they didn't skip their routine time to wake up and start chirping. It was such a beautiful place to be, but I happened to get left at the house for some reason.

caption: Way to my residence

At present, looking out of the window is interesting in some other way. Different plants would be seen soon after opening the window. Sometimes, monkeys would come and linger around them. They are very clever and fearless. If we try to hoodwink them, they start on their other side to disturb things. Until or unless we maintain eye contact, they don't try to harm us. They don't like people staring at them. For some reason, these days monkeys are not being seen around here. They must have gone somewhere. The window gives a micro presence of the world. 

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If I could relive one ordinary day...it would be !

 

We have been in a serene and spiritual ambiance today. It has materialized at this moment due to our stars unfurled into blessed realms. Siddhasramam or Pothuluri Veerabrhmendra Swamy Asramam is located in a hillock, and the place is exactly at Peda Bandirevu. It's on the way to Parnasala.

When I saw it at a certain distance during the bus journey, graffiti-like letters beamed on a plank as there was an asramam. On inquiry, people said that on the hillock, there was a Sadhu in a hut, and he was living in his yogic practices. It seemed that he was not a publicity seeker like many others. I was enthusiastic to meet him. But it became a reality this day, almost after three decades.

I usually care not a fig if it's about a fake swamy, but here he was well known for his simple manners and spiritual practices. Let me get into my own account on the visit. Now, a modest temple is there on the hillock dedicated to Lord Siva. And the photograph of the Swamy or Sadhu is hung over there on the inner wall. What a heavenly atmosphere with such a variety of greenery.

A cool breeze started exploding across the hillock, and eye eye-feasting surroundings made us awestruck. Mango, neem, and peepal trees, apart from other naturally grown thickets, are there. An ethereal destination sans the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's a place where a yogi performed penances and left so peacefully without much ado for worldly comforts.

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Hardest good bye said

 Sabbati Vishnu Murthy (ACP) passed away a few days ago. He was our batchmate from 1984 to 1987, when we graduated. As far as I know, he was one year younger than I was in our studies.

And he was two years younger than me in age. Memories flooded my mind while watching his death memorial service card, which will be held in line with Buddhist rituals.

He has been a firebrand since our college days. He actively participated in all kinds of student agitations. He was well-built and his baritone voice commanded respect.

Occasionally, he would tell his friends about his plans to join the police department. He fulfilled his dreams and rose to the position of ACP.

I lost touch with him after he joined the department, but I would read about him in the news. I never imagined his death would come so early.

Our lives are not in our hands; it's all in the will and wish of the Almighty. Life offers different things to different people, and we cannot predict our final journey. My sincere condolences to the departed soul.

--- Murthy Kvvs

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The most unexpected teacher

 The most unexpected teacher in my life is more than one. However, I would like to mention one teacher in particular, namely our local library. Learned many lessons that are useful throughout all these years. Read many novels, stories, and daily papers without fail. Moreover, it gave me good friends who are interested in reading and traveling. The library is not only a platform for reading, but is also used for different cultural activities. Learned the value of silence from the ambiance of the library. I maintained cordial relations with almost all librarians.

By reading various travelogues, I got inspired to take journeys at an early stage of my life. One such effort was to meet a writer cum painter, Sri Sanjiv Dev. He was living in the Guntur district in those years, and my first travel was aimed at meeting that great person at his house. Thus, my travel life continued for many years, and I learned many valuable lessons throughout my life. All this became possible with only our local library. That has become an unexpected teacher if I look back now.   

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Skills learned outside of school

 Diplomacy—that's what I learned by focusing on the ways of society. I was not aware of the importance of diplomacy in everyday life.  I was used to expressing my ideas freely. I was, in short, open-minded. Always following the academic books as the ultimate truth makes one naive, and it happens due to a lack of real-life experiences. Revealing our plans at their earliest stage is certainly doomed, and it's how some people around us work against us to achieve triumph. In this uncertain world, when a friend turns into a foe, it is unimaginable. Therefore, it's not always advisable to express our opinions freely.

Relatives are another level of people who are always jealous of our success, of course, in secret. On the same grounds, we can't cut off all our transactions with them. That's even more dangerous. One should be careful in revealing our new projects. Otherwise, they grab our opportunities and foil our efforts. As we have been interacting with different kinds of people in the world, we come to know them. And no school teaches us the intricate ways of the human mind. Self-experience is the only true way to gain insight; at times, we misinterpret sweet words or displays of affection as the individual's genuine character.

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Something I once gave up but returned to

I began writing throughout my plus two days. It's tough to remember my first poem, but the first one that was published in Praja Sakthi, a Telugu daily, occurred while I was studying for my degree. Happiness knows no bounds, which motivates me to write more in succession. 

 Many of my early essays and stories were published in the magazine "Kathanjali," which was published from Chennai but is in Telugu.

 Unfortunately, the monthly journal was discontinued following the death of its publisher/editor, Sri Raghavachary. I should be grateful to the gentleman for encouraging me as an aspiring writer. 

My writing has taken a back seat since I got married. I should clarify that the key causes are a focus on employment and additional businesses undertaken to supplement income. 

 Both made me a practical person rather than a dreamer. Writing requires imagination, as well as interaction with others who share your interests. There was no internet available there. Those days were completely different.

 I had a strong desire to write, but my idleness kept me from making any headway with my pen. What immediate benefit will I derive from devoting time to that? My thoughts were such. In reality, I stopped writing for over ten years.

It's very interesting how I came back to writing articles and other creative pieces. A friend suggested that I translate an English novella into Telugu. That novella was also my favorite one, and I started translating.

 By the way, that translation work has been sold in a good number and has made me popular among the readers of the Telugu language. That's how I got returned into writing habit. Writing can never be a profession in our country, with a few notable exceptions.

--- Murthy Kvvs

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Small act of kindness I will never forget

 Almost seven years back, I was at Berhampur. I had just arrived for a friend's book launch. As you all know, a considerable chunk of Telugu people are there, as it is a neighboring state. I have taken a room near the railway station.

 The program is scheduled for the next morning. So, I have leisure time in the evening. I decided to take a guided tour of the town. The railway station in Berhampur is adorned with artistic walls that depict local luminaries and folklore details. Kept watching bit by bit with enthusiasm.

 I have taken some refreshments too. I also enjoyed reading local English publications.  Oriya people who write in their vernacular language also mostly write beautiful English. I understood it by going through several Oriyan writers. I also gained insight from reading local English publications.

They have created towering bilingual authors like Manoj Das, Sitakanta Mahapatra, and Jayanta Mahapatra, and so on. But the Oriya people are down to earth and not boastful of their greatness, as I discerned about things there. 

My respect has increased more with one particular incident. I checked my wallet to buy a book at the station. My heart started pounding. There was no wallet in my pocket, and I found it missing elsewhere. But I certainly missed my wallet at the station; there must have been skillful pickpockets around here.

 All of a sudden, my judgment changed about the state. Deep down somewhere, my conscience was warning me against my unguarded thoughts. Helplessly lingering around the ticket counter.

A young person, who could be 20 years of age or older, approached me and asked whether I had lost my wallet. I said yes and gave some details about the wallet contained in it. He told me that it was found on the floor while he was having tea, and fortunately, he was the first one to see it. 

My happiness knows no bounds. He handed me the wallet and refused the amount when I tried to give it to him. It may have been a small act of kindness for him, but I was filled with immense joy, and I will never forget it in my life.  

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The book I have read the fastest

  Ruskin Bond's novella The Blue Umbrella is the one that I have read the fastest in the recent past. Both children and adults can enjoy the narrative of Bond's unique style. Children would go to their imaginative world while the adult readers slip into their childhood. His descriptions are quite natural, and the theme selection is deceptively alluring. Even the way he names the characters sounds prone to hearing in our surroundings. This novella is all about a fancy umbrella that is owned by a village girl, Binya. It caused jealousy among the villagers, including the petty shop owner  Ram Bharosa. He wanted to own it, but he failed to get it even by offering money.

The umbrella was a unique one and not available in the nearby towns. It was fortunately owned by the girl Binya from a family who arrived in the forest for a picnic. She bartered for a tiger nail. The family thought that the tiger nail brought good luck; thus, she had the blue umbrella. For her, it's a prized possession, and she keeps it held always whenever she goes to rear cows in the forest. Ram Bharosa offered money to own it, but was denied by Binya. Raja Ram, the boy who works for the shop owner, took it as a challenge to grab it from her. He snatched away while she was working in their fields.

She lamented losing such a beautiful umbrella. Her brother Bijju came to know it and caught Raja Ram in the forest near the village. There was a duel that took place between them, and the umbrella reached Binya, fortunately. Villagers got to know the cunning attempt of Ram Bharosa, and they all stopped buying anything from the shop owner. In that way, the business of  Ram Bharosa took a dangerous toll. How Binya and Bijju came to terms with Bharosa was a smooth twist in the story. This small book reveals the value of honesty and forgiveness. Archana Srinivasan's illustrations are suitable and eye-feasting.  Available on the Amazon platform.

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What stops us there ?

 

What stops us there? a picturesque landscape of lush green ambience and the river Godavari keeps flowing in torrents even in early October. Temple town received moderate rainfall this time and, amazingly, witnessed floods multiple times. Due to incessant downpour in the upper areas of Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. 

Several small rivulets gush over the hillocks through the passes of Chattisgarh, be it from Dummugudem mandal villages or other places. It's how sometimes, Bhadrachalam can be seen with lots of water in the river though there was no drop of rainfall here.

Even in these months, visitors come from far-off places to have darshan through private and public service vehicles. Before going to the temple, they usually take a holy dip in the river. Recently, there was an incident of verbal exchange that led to a physical fight between devotees and the coconut sellers. And it hit the media platforms on the next day. 

It's almost the first of its kind, but it could not have taken place. Certainly, an isolated one once in a while. Apart from it, the statues in line depicting Ramayana are installed across the Karakatta, once designed by film director Bapu. They are still intact and inspiring.