TRIVENI JUL. -SEP. 2016 - Yabaluriyabaluri.org/pdffiles/2016/JulSept2016_F1.pdf · TRIVENI JUL. -SEP. 2016 3 ... Sri R. Prabhakara Rao, IPS ... astrology, diverting the attention

TRIVENI JUL. -SEP. 2016

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TRIVENI JUL. - SEP. 2016

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TRIVENIINDIA’S LITERARY & CULTURAL QUARTERLY

VOLUME: 85 JUL.-SEP. 2016 NUMBER: 3

Founder Editor:Kolavennu Ramakotiswara RaoFormer Editors:Dr. Bhavaraju Narasimha RaoProf. I.V. Chalapati Rao

Editors:D. Ranga RaoDr. I. Satyasree

Advisory Board:Prof. Gangadhar Gadgil (Mumbai)Dr. Prema Nandakumar (Trichy)V. Sivaramakrishnan (Mumbai)Manoj Das (Pondichery)M.V.R. Sastry (Secunderabad)N. Sitarambai (Hyderabad)

Printer:Prof. Y. Sreedhar Murthy

Publishers:The Triveni Foundation (Regd.)12-13-157, Street No. 2,Tarnaka,Hyderabad - 500 017.Ph: +91-40-27014762Email: [email protected]:trivenijournalindia.com

THE TRIVENI SYMBOLPadma (the Lotus) represents the purityof love, Jyoti (the Flame) the light ofWisdom and Vajra (Thunderbolt ofIndra) the splendour of power.

TRIVENI is devoted to Art, Literature, History andCulture. Its main function is to interpret throughEnglish the creative writing in different languages ofIndia to the people of all States and to the worldoutside.

Original articles pertaining to literature, art, history, cultureand of general interest (other than political) are consideredfor publication in TRIVENI. Articles should be briefand typed in double space, on one side only. The softcopies of the articles can be emailed [email protected].

Annual subscriptions will be effective for one year fromthe date of receipt (i.e. 4 issues). Remittances are tobe made in favour of TRIVENI FOUNDATION byMoney Order, Bank Draft or Local Cheque (A/c. payee)on any Scheduled bank in Hyderabad. No out-stationcheques can be accepted.

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ADVISORY COUNCIL

Sri M.L. Swamy (Engineer in Chief, Retd, A.P.: Presently in USA)Sri R. Prabhakara Rao, IPS (Retd) (Former Director General of Police, Andhra Pradesh)Dr. V. Kondal Rao (Chairman, Jayanthi Trust, Hyderabad).Sri M. Gopalakrishna IAS (Retd), Hyderabad.Sri A. V. Appa Rao (Chief Engineer (Retd.) Hyderabad)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Prof. Y. Sreedhar Murthy ( Managing Trustee)Sri B.N. Murthy (Secretary & Treasurer)Dr. A.P. Ranga Rao (Member)Prof. P.S. Sarma (Member)Dr. J. Bapu Reddy, IAS (Retd.) (Member)Prof. G. Surender Reddy (Member)Sri A. Venkat Rao, IPS (Retd.) (Member)Sri V. Vijaya Kumar (Member)

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Payments may please be made to TRIVENI FOUNDATION12-13-157, Street No. 2, Tarnaka, Hyderabad - 500 017, Ph: 27014762.


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CONTENTS

Page No.

India Today I. V. Chalapati Rao 4 Here Was A Chalapati Rao D. Ranga Rao 7 Our Peripatetic Philosopher A. Venkat Rao 10 The Towering I.V. Thummuri Sharath Babu 13 An Ode To IVC Who Taught Allu Venkata AppaRao 13 How Blessed We Were Prof. Y. Sreedhar Murthy 14 IVC - A Karma Yogi I. Hara Krishna 19 IVC - An Academician Par Excellence Dr . I. Satyasree 24 A Tribute To A Great Teacher S. Vijaya Kumar 27 Lamenting The Loss Of Peerless Prof . . . Dr H Tulsi 27 Sri Chalapati Rao - A Happy . . . Dr. K Aruna Vyas 28 Friends And Friendship M.L. Swamy 30 Quest For Human Values In Triple . . . Dr. Katta Rajamouly 32 Sri I.V. Chalapathi Rao - The Eminent , , , V. Chiranjeevi 36 A Life Full And Fruitful V. Lalithakumari 39 A Bouquet To The Editor . . . V. Lalithakumari 40 Prof. IVC Lives In Our Hearts Prof. G. Surender Reddy 40 Remembering A Great Friend, Prof. G. Surender Reddy 41 Gnyanajyoti- Sri I.V. Chalapati Rao P. Purnachandra Rao 43 A Tribute To A Great Man Cheekolu Sundaraiah 44 On Prof. I.V. Chalapati Rao D. Samarender Reddy 45 Prof. Chalapati Rao - Ideal Teacher . . . M.G. Narasimha Murthy 46 In Memoriam Dr. RMV. Raghavendra Rao 47 That Was I.V. Chalapati Rao U. Atreya Sarma 47 A Tribute R.R.Gandikota 48 Humble Obeisance Kharidehal Venkata Rao 49 We Knew Him, We Miss Him... Dr. Rapol Kondal Reddy 50 Report On Condolence Meet 51 A Literary Treasure's Immortal Departure A.Mahesh Kumar 54 Homage To I.V. Chalapati Rao N.S. Rachakonda 55 Readers' Mail - Tributes 56 Wish Him Well Leonard Dabydeen 58 Interview With Prof. IVC . . . Atreya Sarma 59


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Nearly 61 years ago India wonfreedom chiefly as a result of the non-violentstruggle under the leadership of MahatmaGandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted thenational flag on the Red Fort. Earlier,Balgangadar Tilak, Lala Lajpatrai, GopalaKrishna Gokhale, Annie Besant and a host ofgreat patriots made their own contribution tothe freedom movement. It is equally true thatthe British government was willing to grantindependence to India when Clement Attlee,a great statesman, was the Prime Minister ofEngland as Head of the Labour Party whichdeclared through its election manifesto that itwould grant independence to India if it cameto power. It kept its promise. Attlee said "Ihave always felt that political India will be theLight of Asia."

For six decades India paid lipsympathy to Gandhiji, all the time violating histeachings and turning a blind eye to his values.Today we are proud that India is world'slargest democracy while many of ourneighbouring countries are under military rule

and that ours is one of the fastest developingcountries and second in the world in scientificand technological manpower. No doubt wehave many plus points. But there is no causefor jubilation and euphoria when we look atour minus points, especially after the recentworld economic crisis and 26/11 in Mumbai.I would refer to the evaluation of the workingof our famed largest democracy!

The Indian Constitution is the mostbeautiful in the world, but what have we madeof it? As Minoo Masani once said "When wemade the constitution of India, we made a sadmistake and thought that we were drafting aconstitution for Englishmen. Unfortunately wehad not bargained for the kind of politiciansIndia has been suffering from for the last 40years. The Constitution is good but we Indianshave let it down." Its framers Dr. Ambedkar,B. N. Rao, Alladi Krishnaswami and othersnever suspected the shape of things to come.Jawaharlal Nehru himself gave a warning:"There is a duty cast on us and that is toremember always that we are here not tofunction for our party, or one group but alwaysto those of India as a whole, and always tothink of the welfare of the 400 millions thatcomprise India" (December 13, 1946). Whata great statesman-like advice!

TRIPLE STREAM

INDIA TODAY

I. V. Chalapati Rao *

* This article was selected by Prof. IVC asthe editorial for this issue and is reproducedfrom his latest book “Culture Capsules-Golden Heritage of Indian Culture” asdesired by Prof. I.V.C. from his hospital bed.


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While addressing the Consembly, Dr.S. Radhakrishnan, the philosopher statesmansaid: "Our opportunities are great but let mewarn you. When power outsteps ability, wewill fall on evil days. We should developcompetence and ability which will help us toutilise the opportunities. From tomorrowmorning, from midnight today we cannot throwthe blame on the Britisher. We have to assumethe responsibility for what we do." Inspite ofhis wake-up call, we are still blaming the Britishfor our failures, particularly Macaulay for oureducational mess. The age of statesmen haspassed and the time of politicians has come.We have men of short visions and limitedthinking. As Michel Angelo said, "The greaterdanger for most of us is not that our aim is toohigh and miss it, but that it is too low and wereach it."

When diversity is despised, differenceis not tolerated, dialogue is not encourageddemocracy cannot flourish.

There appears to be very littledemocratic content in our democracy barringperiodical elections. When we look at thechanging combinations and electoral alliancesof the political parties with conflicting aims andobjects, we wonder whether manifestoes haveany meaning, Aya Rams and Gaya Rams arethe order of the day. Assuming leadership ofwhat remained of the old Party, each partydesperately seeks power with opportunistalliances on a temporary basis. They aremarriages of convenience. We have forgottenthe famous debates which used to take placebetween the stalwarts of the Treasury benches

and the Opposition parties. The cut-and-thrustof democratic debate of Jawaharlal's time isreplaced by a knock-down and drag-out fightmetaphorically speaking. The Speaker'srulings command no respect. Often theyinvade the podium and reach out for thepapers. Walk-outs are so frequent that billsare passed in the absence of the opposition.The public has the opportunity of witnessingthese uninspiring scenes thanks to theelectronic media. We cannot blame themembers of any particular political party. Theyare all pieces cut from the same cloth.

I thought that we should learn lessonsfrom the American democracy wheremembers of the party in power and the partyin opposition forget their differences andpresent a united front on issues that benefittheir country. It has lessons for India. Buttoday the Democratic party and theRepublican party locked their horns. Politicalrealities and ethical principles are often seenas strange bed fellows. The opposition partiesthink that their duty is to oppose thegovernment irrespective of the soundness orotherwise of its policies. Eisenhower, theformer President of America, said "Indeed, Ithink people want peace so much that one ofthese days governments had better get out andlet them have it!"

India is the 4th in rank among the dollarmillionaire countries. Yet it ranks 134 in humandevelopment terms. We have splendour onone side and squalor on the other. Some 830million people exist on less than Rs. 20 a day.Only 5% coverage is there in our media (news


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and electronic) for such things. 75% andabove coverage is there for film stars, fashions,food, cricket, crime, pop music, Disco andastrology, diverting the attention of the peoplefrom real issues like price rise, corruption,unemployment and other social evils.Hundreds of accredited journalists, it seems,attended the Lakme India Fashion week.There were only a few journalists to coverthe suicides in Vidharbha and Sircilla. Nonecares to cover meetings of social andeducational importance.

As the largest democracy in thestrategically important region India is poisedto play a crucial and leading role on manyissues.

A nation is not the geographical entityof a country. People should be emotionallyintegrated by common philosophy, heritageand aspirations. Politicians should not try todivide the people by encouraging casteism,communalism, regionalism and sub-regionalism.

A well known jurist of the U.S. saidin 'The Commentaries on the U.S.Constitution’ " Republics may perish in an hourby the folly or corruption or negligence of itsonly keepers - the people. They fall when thewise are banished from public councils,because they dare to be honest, and theprofligate are rewarded because they flatterthe people in order to betray them."

To set the record straight, growth anddevelopment are no doubt necessary but onething is sure, unbridled capitalism produces acrisis. The market is not a self-correctingmechanism. It needs an effective regulatoryoversight with safety nets to save the peoplewhose livelihoods collapsed and life stylesslumped. We have to roll back the state fromneo-liberalism or moderate it. Otherwise therewill be universal manifestation of discontentand distress.

Paul Valery, the French poet, said 'Ifthe State is strong, it crushes us. If the State isweak, we perish'.

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For a couple of years Prof. I.V.Chalapati Rao had been telling me that he waswaiting for HIS whistle. He was mentallyprepared for his departure and pursued hisinterests nonchalantly, though confined to hischair and the bed, The noble soul departedwhen the whistle did blow leaving a void. Hisdemise is a personal loss to me as to manyothers. I reminisce him with deep grief now.

Prof. I.V.C. was a successful teacher,possessing classical attributes, an ableadministrator, a gifted speaker, an enlightenedwriter, a good friend and above all a noblebeing. Fair, tall and handsome with pleasantfeatures and a friendly smile he made an instant

HERE WAS A CHALAPATI RAO . . . .

D. Ranga Rao*

impact and a lasting impression on the peoplewho met him.

As a speaker he was a delight tobehold and hear. He would stand erectwithout leaning on the lectern and keep theaudience in a spell, quoting from memory atthe appropriate places. He would appeal tothe head and heart of his audiences in a simpleand candid style, the epithets rolling outnaturally in a smooth flow. He was a goodconversationalist with a sense of humour andwould joke with a twinkle in his eye. He likedcompany and was happy when there werefriends about him.

Like Arjuna, the epic hero who coulduse his divine bow with both his hands, Prof.I.V.C. used the speech and written mediaeffectively with equal felicity. There was nota subject on which he did not speak or write.The wisdom of Indian classics, the epics,vedanta, culture and heritage, technology,communication skills, women and their role,the art of living and the like in a simple andstraight forward manner. He would presenthis ideas boldly without mincing words in aneffective language. The audiences who heardhim would leave the halls with gladdenedhearts and enlightened minds. Those who readhis writings would feel informed and delighted.

* Editor, Triveni, Translator.

Author with Prof. IVC


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He rubbed shoulders with Vice-Chancellors, Chairmen, Directors ofspecialized institutions, with renowned artistsand spiritual leaders on equal terms with equalease. He won the hearts and good wishes ofeducationists and top executives with hisgracious manners and erudite scholarship. Hedelivered scores of lectures and producedbooks by the dozens untiringly. GeorgeBernard Shaw is noted for his very longprefaces, I.V.C. for his prefaces of booksbreaking the century mark. As for his talks,there were times when he addressed twogatherings a day at different places.

Until a few decades ago college anduniversity teachers used to visit educationalinstitutions and share their knowledge with theyoung audiences and regale them with theiroratorical skills. Prof. I.V.C. is one of thevanishing tribe of enlightened orators.

Prof. I.V.C. was the Chief Editor ofTriveni for twenty years sustaining andkeeping up the standards maintained by hisillustrious predecessors. His editorials havebeen the highlights of each issue dealing withthe problems of the day written in a forthrightand analytical manner.

As parent and man he was nearperfect, affable, encouraging and cheerful,never hurting others or feel hurt as the Telugusaying goes. He was friendly in his approachto men and matters and won the goodwill ofthose who met him. He possessed a catholicityof outlook with a sympathetic understandingof human nature and the foibles of man. He

has a good word for everyone and a friendlypat on the back of the person who sought hisadvice and guidance. He was proud of hisfamily and his progeny. .

He was the father figure to theteaching community in the realm of highereducation but had no pretences and airs. Withall his popularity he sought no privileges andprizes and set an example by his dedicationto the goal he had chalked out for himself witha missionary zeal for the betterment of thesociety.

I write these lines with great grief onthe passing away of Prof. I.V.C. whom Iconsider as my mentor. I am deeply gratefulto him for the confidence and faith he reposedin me. When I was working as HOD of theEnglish Department in a degree college in aremote place he picked me up to join him asa member of the faculty of the Collegiate Cellof the State Council of Educational Researchand Training (SCERT), Hyderabad. TheCollegiate Cell was the brain child of Mr. M.V.Rajagopal, IAS., Secretary, Education, Govt.of A.P. This Cell was the forerunner of theAcademic Staff Colleges established by theUniversities later, Prof. I.V.C. was the ChiefAcademic Guidance Officer of the CollegiateCell and it achieved a remarkable successunder his stewardship and was the pioneer inthe field of teacher training at college level asit was the first of its kind in the entire country.

At the time of his retirement fromGovt. service in1978 I proposed that I wouldpaint his portrait in oils. He gave me his bust


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photograph and said "Mr Ranga Rao, be trueto yourself". When I presented him with theportrait with the right glass eye included hesaid "You have done a good job. The portraithas come out well".

We were both recruited by the Govt.in 1955, he as gazetted lecturer and I asAsst. Lecturer. Both of us had worked in theW.G.B. College, Bhimavaram earlier. He wassenior to me by nine years.

I did my Post Graduate Diploma inTeaching English (PGDTE) and M.Litt. inEnglish Language Teaching (ELT) at theCIEFL when he was the Registrar.

After my retirement as Principal fromGovt. service, he again took me as theassociate editor of Triveni in 1998 andsubsequently made me the Editor. I assistedhim these eighteen years in the editorial workwith all my heart and served him freely as Iloved him freely. On his part he showered hisaffection on me and treated me with all

kindness. He was our family friend and knewall my sisters who retired as Principals of Govt.Degree Colleges for Women in the State. Bythe way

Prof. I.V.C. lived a full life, a usefullife, a meaningful life and a lovable life. As hegrew old he grew calm and serene and lookedsaintly, clad in his jasmine white clothes athome. He had his day and died with his bootson.

My grief is all the more great as I couldnot be present at his funeral or take part inany of the condolence meetings as I was awayat Guntur, sick and under treatment.However a few days before he passed awayI could talk to him on the mobile.

An epoch ended with him in the fieldof Higher Education and English Studies ofthe two Telugu States with his passing.

Here was a Chalapati Rao. . . . .‘When comes such another?’

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Prof. I. V. Chalapati Rao. The namereverberates the summum - bonum of hislegendary life and symbolizes the love,affection, admiration and respect in which hewas held. His astute wisdom and practicalinsight into the whirligig of life was the productof his illimitable learning, deep understanding,and critical assimilation of all that he imbibed.He was a good judge of men and matters. Allthis and much more is attributable to hisunquenchable thirst for knowledge and hiselephantine memory. His scholarship of Vedas,Upanishads, Itihasas and Sanatana Dharma,perennial values and righteous way of lifederived therefrom on the one hand, and hisunderstanding and appreciation of other coevalreligions and their great books, as well asmodern day scientific and technologicaladvancements and the social and politicalmilieu on the other hand, made him anintellectual colossus.

Another equally great facet of hispersonality was his insight and acumen intoEducational administration, Publicadministration and HRD & ManagementSciences. In the field of his vocation hismastery over English language, literature andworks of great authors of eternal fame togetherwith his multi-faceted character, his readywit and profound conversational skills made

OUR PERIPATETIC PHILOSOPHER

A. Venkat Rao, IPS (Retd.)

his company much sought after. Everyone whocame in touch with him benefitted immenselyin terms of character building and positivemental attitude.

His working career lasted almostseven decades, of which about three decadeswere spent in Government colleges. Hestarted his career as a Gazetted Lecturer andlater was appointed on merit as Principal. Histenure as Principal at SRR Govt. college,Karimnagar lasted nine years as against thestipulated maximum period of three years. Asa result the college made rapid strides ofprogress and emerged as one of the bestcolleges in the State. Thereafter he was chosenand posted as Principal, P.R. Govt. College,Kakinada, one of the oldest colleges in theState. His tenure again was momentous ashe carried out many reforms and furtherenhanced the reputation of the college.

Like all eminent and great men hepassionately implemented his conviction that(Quote from his autobiography) : "The teacheris not merely covering the syllabus andpreparing the student for the examination butto inspire the students, motivate them, powertheir minds and charge their batteries. Theyshould develop dynamic thinking, selfconfidence and self-reliance." He adoptedthis paradigm from Swami Vivekananda'smessage "Excellence is in you, manifest it. You* IPS (Retd.) and Trustee, Triveni Foundation.


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have infinite potential. All the strength andwherewithal for success is hidden in you".

Prof. I.V. Chalapati Rao imbued in hisstudents the true spirit and essence ofeducation and personality development. Herelentlessly propagated and implementedSwami Vivekananda's advocacy of "the besteducation system for India is a combinationof science and technology linked to Indiancultural heritage and values". It is no wonder,therefore, that many of his students becameAll India Service Officers, Vice-Chancellorsand Governors of States.

Prof. I.V. Chalapati Rao was closelyinvolved with Educational administration andTraining. He was responsible for carrying outmany reforms in association with eminentadministrators and educationists like SriPratap Reddy, Sri S.R. Rammurthy, Sri M.V.Rajagopal of the I.A.S. and renowned Vice-Chancellors like Dr. D.J. Reddy, Dr. D.S.Reddy, Justice P.J. Reddy, Prof. RavadaSathyanarayana and Dr. L. Bullayya. On theinvitation of many highly rated colleges in thetwin-cities he functioned as their advisor forlong years. He was on the Governing Bodiesof Durgabai Deshmukh educationalInstitutions. The English and ForeignLanguages University (then known as CIEFL)invited and appointed him as its Registrar,which post he held with great distinction. Headorned every post/office that he held andleft his indelible footprints on them.

Prof. I.V. Chalapati Rao took overthe Editorship of TRIVENI during a lean

period in its uninterrupted and gloriousjourney. This well known literary and culturalquarterly in English of 1927 vintage boasts ofsome of the greatest sons/daughters andcelebrities of India being its contributors, viz.,Sri Aurobindo, Sri Jawaharlal Nehru, Sri C.Rajagopalachari, Rt. Hon'ble Srinivasa Sastry(the silver tongued orator) Smt. SarojiniNaidu, Sri Harindranath Chattopadhay, Sri V.K. Gokak etc. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. S.Radhakrihsnan too patronized this journal.During his stewardship the Triveni Foundationwas established, with a great legal luminaryJustice Avula Sambasiva Rao drafting itsconstitution. He was the Chairman, while Prof.Yabaluri Sreedhar Murthy is the ManagingTrustee of Triveni Foundation. During hisstewardship Triveni's circulation improvedvastly. He proved himself to be an eminentjournalist also.

His oratorical eminence made him amuch sought after speaker in academic centresand Management institutions in twin-cities andall over the State. His forte pertained to mattersof academic interest, training, HRD,communication skills and Golden Heritage ofIndian culture. He was closely associated withthe Ramakrishna Math, lectured there andalso taught the students in the VivekanandaInstitute of Human Excellence. He travelledvery often to different places in the State todeliver lecturers, conduct seminars on a vastvariety of subjects and matters of academic,social and public importance.

Prof. I.V. Chalapati Rao has authored32 books, including biographies, his own


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autobiography and the entire gamut of subjectsand matters elaborated upon in the precedingparagraphs. Sri Yabaluri Raghavaiah MemorialTrust established by a grateful son Prof.Yabaluri Sreedhar Murthy in the memory ofhis father has published many of his booksunder the series title of Culture Capsules.Coming from his fertile and inspiring pen theCulture Capsules contain essays on the vastand variegated spectrum of human life H.R.D.issues and societal growth and State'sdevelopment. The essays are short and sweetwith simple sentences. At every turn they turnour attention to character building, personalitydevelopment, HRD, communication skills,Indian Heritage, Creativity, work and workethics, Indian Democracy, on Science andTechnology, Art, Culture, Writing and Readingskills - the list is endless.

Prof. I.V. Chalapati Rao was acolossus in the world of Indo -Anglianliterature. His writings are copiously illustratedwith quotations from world's great writers ofall genres apart from Vedas, Upanishads,Itihasas and other religious books. The quotesembellish his essays. Reading these books isa great and unforgettable experience, great

because it inspires the reader and reminds himof great essayists like Francis Bacon, WilliamHazlitt, Charles Lamb, James Baldwin,Emerson and great scientists like AlbertEinstein and other HRD/Management experts.His Handbook for College Teachers andAdministrators is an invaluable contributionand is immensely useful as a daily referencebook.

Prof. I.V. Chalapati Rao who livedinto his nineties was made in the mould of atrue Karma Yogi. He always thought of andcontributed his mite to the development andprogress of the students, the youth, societyand the State and the Country.

By virtue of the range and campus ofhis wisdom, suave personality, passionatecommitment to propagate the perennial valuesand thus benefit everyone, society and theState, he stands out truly as a modern dayPeripatetic Philosopher. It is hoped that manyof his books will be prescribed in the curriculaof higher education, while some of the essayschosen for inclusion in the English text booksat High School level. This will be a fittingtribute to his legendary status.

***


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The colossal man has heavenwards rushedWho for three and ninety long years flourishedThe long serene streams of 'Triveni'Bathed him in the sparkling gloryThe thirst of many academics he quenchedAnd into the depths of literaturethem he drenchedAs a beacon of education, he spread lights

THE TOWERING I.V.(In memory of master of masters, Sri. I.V.Chalapati Rao garu)

Thummuri Sharath Babu*

And nudged numerous scholarsto greater heightsHis wisdom and versatilityBloomed him into a man of letters of agilityTo see him from any dimensionIs to reckon a leader and a pleaderfor educationLike the lotus untouched by its bubble-gemsHe never once wedged into 'honours' framesThe colossal I.V has heavenwards rushedWho for three and ninety long years flourished

* Research Scholar, Dept. of English,Kakatiya University, Warangal.

You taught me, you taught himAnd You taught her,Waking up the minds from a deep slumberHere, for ever, is your force and a stirWhere in life meets matter.

Your inner seer knew the Man'sUnrest and his desireAnd how the world breathes and strivesBetween false and the infinite Sire.

AN ODE TO IVC WHO TAUGHT"LIFE KNOWS NO DEATH"

Allu Venkata Appa Rao*

Your words in gold spoken or writtenExplores life without, to turn withinBuilding the minds and soulsTo grow and shine towards goal divine.

Wearing the garb of common humanityYou travelled the worlds thro' cosmic unityThus, your earthly mission fulfilledTo visit and uplift the part you willedTeaching us the way, that by Light we comeAnd to the Light we go!

* Retired Chief Engineer.


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HOW BLESSED WE WERE

Prof. Y. Sreedhar Murthy*

As a young boy of fifteen years I hadthe golden opportunity of meeting Prof. I VChalapati Rao Garu for the first time in theyear 1965. I used to hear about his greatnessfrom my friends, relatives and colleagues,many of whom were his former students.Every one held him in high esteem and it waswell known that for him Work is Worship. Iused to pay my respects to him whenever Imet him in social functions.

I joined Osmania University as afaculty member in the year 1973 and wasassociated with formation of a scientificsociety for Exploration Geophysics started inthe year 1974 which developed well as anational body. During 1990s I was very activeand busy with the Association of ExplorationGeophysicists (AEG).

As the secretary of the Associationand the Editor of the journal of Geophysics,I was to organize and attend several meetingsand was also lecturing on various platforms.In one such meeting organized tocommemorate the Silver Jubilee celebrationsof the Ideal college, Kakinada I was invitedto speak on the role of education in scienceand technology. I made an elaboratepresentation with the help of colourtransparencies. At that time power pointpresentations and computers did not enter theseminars and class rooms . Many friendshelped me in preparation of this lecturewherein I was to showcase the emerging Indiawhich made deep strides in the field of scienceand technology but unfortunately losing itsoriginal and characteristic Indianness. Mylecture was well received and many peoplecongratulated me and to my delight andsurprise Prof. IVC came to the dais, hugged

* Professor, Geophysics, OU (Retd.) and Managing Trustee, Triveni Foundation

Author with Prof. IVC.


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me and congratulated me. I can recall it as awonderful moment.

I stayed in Kakinada during the day.Prof. IVC talked to me briefly about hisactivities and about the publication of Trivenijournal. He was sad that in spite of his bestefforts to publish Triveni Journal, the printerswere not carrying out the corrections properlyand not doing a satisfactory job. He informedme that he would be visiting me in my office atthe Osmania University for further discussionon this aspect.

After my return from Kakinada, Prof.IVC accompanied by Sri VemarajuNarasimha Rao garu, Managing Trustee ofTriveni Foundation, came to the GeophysicsDepartment of Osmani University, travelingall the way by an auto in mid-summer. I wassurprised and visibly moved by theirdedication and commitment to the task onhand. For many years, these two old literarystalwarts took all the strain and ensured thequality and timely publication of Trivenijournal. It was clear to me that Triveni hadvery meager resources for its timely publicationand obviously the printers were not payingenough attention to this journal.

I was already having an establishedoffice in AEG and computers for desktopwork. During this discussion I immediatelyagreed and promised to give them cameraready material for publication of Triveni.

Within a short period, Prof. IVC andSri Narasimha Rao garu visited my office again

with the next issue of Triveni. I got it enteredinto computer; spell checked and brought outthe camera ready version on wax paper to begiven to printer for its publication. Both thegentlemen were delighted that I was able togive them the next issue of Triveni ready forprinting in a very short time. I still rememberSri Narasimha Rao garu offering me Rs.200/- towards the incidental expenses saying thatthis is what they can pay for this wonderfulwork. I told them that I deemed it a privilegeto be of any help to Prof. IVC and promisedthem that I would, from then onwards, providethem camera ready material of Triveni on aregular basis.

During their visits I learnt about thegreatness of Triveni journal and itscontribution to the Indian cultural and literarymovement. Prof. IVC started visiting myoffice on a regular basis at least once a weekand that raised a few eye brows amongst thefaculty of OU as he is a well known and highlyrespected person . I used to feel elated andproud that I was having an opportunity tointeract with such an eminent and greatpersonality. Some of my colleagues also usedto drop in and pay their respects to him. Iwas awesrtuck with the energy he had andwith the highly methodical approach he wasadopting and with the sincerity he took towriting articles even for insignificantinstitutions. I offered services to Prof. IVCfor his lecturers delivered at various placesand offered assistance to provide himmanuscripts for the number of prefaces,forewords and articles he has been writing forvarious institutions and individuals.


18

One day when I told him that hecontributed many wonderful articles whichwere published by obscure printers and veryfew people have occasion to read them, hesaid that when people requested him forarticles "I feel it is my duty to contribute andsupport their activity". He paused for amoment and asked me "why did you ask thisquestion and what do you want to do with thearticles which I am writing?" I stated that thesearticles if put together in the form of a bookwould be wonderful. He immediatelyquestioned "who will publish and who willread?" After a few months, he handed overa file consisting of about 300-400 neatlywritten / typed , edited articles published invarious souvenirs and journals and told me"You may do whatever you want with thesearticles". After due discussion I informed himthat I would like to start a Trust in memory ofmy father and would like to take up thepublication of these manuscripts as part of theTrust activity. He readily agreed.

Encouraged by his support we dulyregistered Sri Yabaluri Raghavaiah MemorialTrust (SYRMT). Then immediately, Myselfand Prof. IVC, together went through all themanuscripts he brought and rearranged them.Later, I got all the manuscripts entered intocomputer and gave him printouts. We togetherreviewed all the articles once again and henamed the ensemble Culture Capsules -Art of Living.

He was of the opinion that the articlesshould be brief to enable the readers to readthem with interest. He also brought a cover

page drawn by a famous artist depicting ayoung man changing over his life time. Irequested him to give some of his own oldphotographs starting from his school daya. Hegave four photographs which put together weused for printing on the cover page. Afterseeing the cover page he was happy but saidthat I was responsible for promoting hisphotographs.

After we discussed on who wouldrelease the book, Prof. IVC requested SriP.V. Narasimha Rao garu, former PrimeMinister, in one of the meetings to release thebook. Sri P V Narasimha Rao happilyaccepted the request and agreed to releasethe book after his return from USA where hewas going for his medical checkup in thesummer of 2001. Meanwhile unfortunatelySmt. Seetha Devi, wife of Prof. IVC passedaway and the book was dedicated to her. Aspromised Sri P.V. Narasimha Rao garu cameto Hyderabad and released the publication on2nd October 2002 in Nizam College in a well-attended meeting organized by the SYRMT.

During this period I started interactingmore regularly with Prof. IVC and as his youngfriend (that is how he introduced me) I usedto accompany him to some of the meetingsand lectures he was involved. During one ofsuch meetings we visited YMCA, Hyderabadwherein the office of Triveni Foundation waslocated. I suggested that it was the time toorganize Platinum Jubilee celebrations ofTriveni as it would provide a launching padfor improving the finances and making Trivenimore visible to younger generation.


19

Subsequently the idea of organizing aseminar was discussed in Triveni Trust Boardmeeting and it was agreed to conduct a nationalseminar on "The Role of periodicals in IndianRenaissance and National Integration - Preand Post-Independence Scenario" duringPlatinum Jubilee Celebration on 3-4 March,2004. In that meeting I was elected as theprinter of the Triveni Journal and also assecretary to the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.Prof. IVC was visibly happy at thesedevelopments. The main purpose of thisactivity was to ensure that the financialcondition of Triveni improves.

I am happy that we were able toorganize Platinum Jubilee Celebrationssuccessfully and conducted the seminar atTelugu University, Hyderabad with an immensesatisfaction and a high appreciation from theveterans and well-wishers of Triveni. Thesupport extended by Mr. Vanukuri Anand Raoand many others in providing up to dateinformation on various topics and in digitizingand placing all the old issues of Triveni from1928 to 2004 on the web and making thisinformation available to readers around theworld free of cost to coincide with the TriveniPlatinum jubilee celebrations pleased Prof.IVC immensely. It is also gratifying that painstaking visits of Prof. IVC and myself to variousorganizations facilitated to receive a numberof donations to Triveni. As a result TriveniFoundation was able to repay its loans andopen Fixed Deposits in its bank account.

Since 2004 my association with Prof.IVC has strengthened enormously and he

started inviting me to various meetings and hislectures on a regular basis.

Later, with the sudden demise of SriVemaraju Narasimha Rao garu on 13-08-2008 the office of Triveni Foundation wasshifted from YMCA to the present office inTarnaka. A meeting of the Board of Trusteesand Advisory Council was held on 14-09-2008 and I was elected unanimously as theManaging Trustee of Triveni Foundation. Iaccepted this position as orders of Prof. IVC.

After my superannuation fromOsmania University in 2009, my relations withProf. IVC grew stronger and almost he wouldbe visiting our office in Tarnaka every weekon Tuesdays. Other members of TriveniFoundation and students and friends ofTriveni started visiting Triveni office which hasresulted in inclusion of several articles fromyounger generation writers in Triveni journal.Since then the activity on publication of theJournal has been very smooth and Prof.IVCwas actively and happily engaged andcontributed excellent books for theirpublication by SYRMT in addition to ensuringtimely publication of Triveni Journal. Thesupport extended by Ms Padmavathi inconverting the hand written text into printerready material is one of the important factorsfor release of these books within a shortperiod.

Till his accident in the month ofDecember 2014, he was a regular visitor toTriveni office and not a day passed withouthis making a phone call for information or with


20

a suggestion. Our staff used to enjoy hispresence. He would never call them in firstperson. Youngsters including my students feltembarrassed and requested him to call themsimply by their name but he did not oblige.Against such enlightened and happybackground I am at a loss on how to acceptthe change of scenario with the passing awayof Prof.IVC.

Prof. IVC was an erudite scholar andmaster of English. He was a relentless andselfless worker. He was always seen eitherreading, writing or guiding and discussing withyoungsters. He wrote articles always in simplewords so that a wide spectrum of readers canunderstand without taking recourse todictionary. The entire English vocabulary wasat his fingertips. He was not interested in givingdictation. Instead, he used to write long sheetson one side of used / printed papers and bringthem to office. This generosity has resulted inpublication of so many books on literary and

cultural background of India and Indiannessas a permanent treasure to future generations.He was a strong believer, practitioner andpropagator of Swami Vivekananda’spreachings. He quoted Swamiji wherever andwhenever a possibility arose, both in hislectures and writings. Prof . IVC lived a lifeworthy of a sage and inspired many youngstersto tread the path of righteousness.

Prof. IVC was a fatherly figure foreveryone in the Triveni family and all thosewho came across him were attracted to himand continue to cherish his association. Hewas a friend to people of all ages andconversed with them on any topic. He radiatedfriendship around him. We, who belong toTriveni Family, were very fortunate to haveelixir of his love and affection for the last 15years. We salute him for all the goodness hebestowed on us. He is a stalwart, likes ofwhom we rarely come across in our lives.

***


21

My father, Sri I.V.Chalapati Rao, isknown more as IVC to all his students duringthe period he worked as a lecturer. He wasvery handsome and a prepossessingpersonality. As a child, at Eluru, I rememberhim riding a bicycle (Raleigh) with a tennisracket to its clamp and books on the carrier,while going to college.

We moved to Cuddapah after a briefstint at Rajahmundry after my father joinedGovt.Service as a lecturer in English and hewas Head of the Department and viceprincipal. What I noticed was my father nevermissed attending college even when he wasrunning high temperature.

From Cuddapah, my father went toCIEFL, Hyderabad, to undergo a trainingprogramme before we shifted again toRajahmundry. Many of my father's studentsfrequented our house at Rajahmundry as myfather used to clear all their subject doubts.My father had the honour of presiding over ameeting addressed by Swami Chinmayanadaat Govt.Arts College, Rajahmundry, in 1956.Avatar Mehar Baba and Mr.C.D. Deshmukhwere invited to the college meetings on otheroccasions and my father took active role in

IVC - A KARMA YOGI

I. Hara Krishna*

organizing the meetings and centenarycelebrations of the college.

From Rajahmundry, we moved toKarim Nagar in the year 1961 when my fatherwas selected by the State Government andposted as the first Principal of SRRGovt.College, Karimnagar. when it was takenover by Government and arrived there onAugust 15th.We were warmly received by theentire staff led by Dr.V. KondalaRao, theVice-Principal, who later became a very closefriend of my father. My father was soonadmired by all for his dynamism and versatility.Apart from his prowess in teaching, he usedto excel in administration and was known forhis strictness and enforcement of discipline.He was also involved in cultural activities andpromoted games and sports in the collegeapart from all literary activities

It is to his credit that within a shorttime, he endeared himself to all the citizens ofKarimnagar and earned a name which is verydifficult for a person, particularly when hesucceeds an eminent person like PadmaBhushan and Jnanpith Awardee, KaviSamratViswanatha Satyanarayana, who was hisillustrious predecessor, and the last principalof SRR College under private management.The chairman of that Management Committeewas none other than Sri P.V. Narasimha Rao,who later on became Minister in State

* Chief Manager (Retd.), Andhra Bank


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Government and handled many portfolios suchas health, law and education prior to becomingChief Minister of the state. He later on movedto Centre as a Cabinet Minister and ultimatelybecame the country's first Prime Minister fromSouth India and brought the country out ofdeep economic crisis by introducing majorfinancial reforms. He admired and revered myfather and whenever he used to visitHyderabad from Delhi, he would send amessage and meet my father and interactedwith him on literary topics. I had the privilegeto accompany my father on a few occasionsand I witnessed SriP.V. Narasimha Raopresenting his book The Insider, with hisautograph, endorsing on it "to my respectedfriend". In fact, he remarked "Mr.ChalapatiRao is my only friend who never asked mefor any personal favour".

It is because of Sri P.V. NarasimhaRao and other ministers from Karimnagar, SriJ.Chokka Rao and Sri K.V. Narayana Reddy,my father's tenure at Karimnagar wasextended for 9 years in spite of the prevalentTransfer Policy of the Government stipulating3 years tenure at a place as all the threewanted continuance of my father's services atthe place in the interest of the developmentof the college. The Deccan Chroniclenewspaper published an Editorial on hisvaluable services, able administration andcontribution to the development of educationat the place, which was exceptional. TheDeccan Chronicle in its editorial commentedthat among Telangana Colleges, SRR Collegein Karimnagar was making rapid progress.

My father was regarded as anInstitution Builder. During his tenure, thecollege moved from private godowns to itsown prestigious buildings. When he took overcharge as the Principal, the student strengthwas a mere 200 and under his able guidanceand dynamic leadership, it shot up tenfold.Thenceforth, the college moved from strengthto strength and presently, it is a full-fledgededucational institution. Sri PV NarasimhaRao, as the then Education Minister of Govt.ofAndhra Pradesh, in his message on theoccasion of Silver Jubilee Celebrations of thecollege mentioned that the present Principal(Mr.Rao)was building the college brick bybrick on right lines.The then DPI, SriL.Bullayya used to advise the Principals, whoever wanted any clarification for a doubt, tocontact my father and follow the practice ofKarimnagar college.

The Governor of Andhra Pradesh, SriPattom Thanu Pillai, Chief Minister Sri KasuBrahmanada Reddy, Sri Boorgula RamaKrishna Rao(former Chief Minister), SriMadapati Hanumantha Rao (FreedomFighter) and literary giants like, Sri ViswanathaSatyanarayana, Sri Gurram Jashuva, SriIyyanki Venkata Ramanayya and one of thegreatest Telugu film actor of yester years, SriAkkineni Nageswara Rao etc., visited theCollege. Most of the dignitaries visited ourhome and I had the honour of receiving them.Mr.Pitchayya, a top Badminton player of thosedays, came to the college and played anexhibition match with the opposite team beingled by Prof.Rao himself, who, as a student ofPR College, Kakinada, led the team and won


23

Prince Chettinad Trophy in Inter CollegiateBadminton Tournament in Composite MadrasState. Such meetings and tournaments wereconducted to inspire and motivate the studentsof the college.He was a member of AP LawnTennis Association.Top Tennis players likeJaideep Mukherjee, SP Misra and Premjitlalparticipated in the Exhibition matches atJagtial Club.

He strengthened Rotary Club andstarted LalitaKala Samithi at Karimnagar. Hewas also the President of District Lalita KalaSamithi which organized many culturalprogrammes and with his contacts andassociation with Mr. S. V. Ranga Rao, afamous Telugu movie actor, his classmate inhis college days, he was able to invitecelebrities and popular film actresses such asRaja Sulochana,EV Saroja, Ratna Papa andYadavalli Rama, and organized their danceprogrammes to raise funds for social welfareschemes.Sri Bimadlal Doshi, RotaryGovernor, Dr.Surti, Sri Gopala Rao, RotaryGovernor and Chairman of Andhra Bankvisited the place.

He toured extensively with Sri.P.V.Narasimha Rao, the entire Telangana, to raisefunds for National Defence during the time ofChinese war.He was the Secretary of NationalDefence Committee of Karimnagar District.He was actively associated with DistrictSports Council and was President of RotaryClub of Karimnagar and instrumental inundertaking many social welfare activities.Heorganized many eye camps by inviting hisfriend, PadmaBhushan, Dr P. Siva Reddy, a

famous eye surgeon, for the benefit of thepoor.

My father represented KarimnagarDistrict in Inter-district Shuttle Badminton andTennis tournaments. Mr. R. PrabhakaraRao,IPS (Retd) former DGP of AndhraPradesh, and Mr C.Seshagiri Rao, FormerED of APSRTC (Brother-in-law of SriC.G..K. Bhupathy) were his doubles partnersin tennis. People used to throng to the courtsto watch Prof.Rao play Tennis, Badmintonand other games.Unfortunately, he lost an eyein a freak accident in his early forties, whichput an end to his playing these games.

He was a good palmist and also hadprowess in music.He was a good Tabla playerand also a Banzo Player and was a memberof his college orchestra team during his collegedays at PR College, Kakinada and Sri S.V.Ranga Rao, Sri Emani Sankara Sastry andVinjamuri Sisters were in the cultural team.

As a student of Nagpur University,he took part in a meeting addressed by AvtarMehar Baba. In his student days, he metMahatma Gandhi at Wardha in the year 1945,who advised him to concentrate on studiesand after qualifying, to serve the country, whichhe did to the core. A sign board was displayedby Mahatma Gandhi to the visitors at thevenue saying "Be brief, be quick and be gone"which impressed Mr.Rao.

At Karimnagar, on one occasion, Ipartnered my father in shuttle badmintontournament. Once, as a father, he objectedmy participation in a cricket match because


24

of my exams, but as a Principal, he consentedwhen the entire team, along with PhysicalDirector, made a request to him to permit meto play.

My father was transferred in the year1969 to P.R.Govt.College, Kakinada, asPrincipal. His tenure at Kakinada was hardlya year or two, when the then EducationMinister of State, Sri P.V.NarasimhaRao,appointed him as Dy.Director of CollegiateEducation telling him that his services weremost essential for all the regions of the entirestate and brought him to the Directorate atHyderabad. Just before the transfer, he metwith another accident while participating in asports event and fractured his hand, whichwas not properly set. When my father gottransferred from Kakinada, he was given agrand civic reception and a rousing send off.

As Dy.Director of Higher Education,or as Director-in-charge of State Council ofHigher Education, he never misused thegovt.vehicle and he used to come homewalking from office covering a distance of 6miles though he was entitled to useGovt.vehicle. He was known for his integrity,decision-making ability, able administrationand helping nature. When he retired fromservice, he was felicitated by Class-IVemployees associationof the Directorate alsofor the first time.

Unfortunately, govt.had taken adecision reducing the age of superannuationof Govt.employees from 58 to 55 at state leveland he retired in the year 1978.Immediately,

in the year 1979 he was offered the post ofRegistrar of CIEFL, presently EFLU, wherehe worked till he completed 58 years and alsogot extension by two more years till hiscompletion of 60 years.

It is a coincidence that he worked asPrincipal of PR Govt.College Kakinada,where he studied his B.A and Registrar ofCIEFL where he was the first batch student.His retirement from CIEFL dwindled neitherhis energy nor his enthusiasm, as he joinedVivekananda Institute of Management,Hyderabad, as Director and got associatedwith many other organizations. On Smt. DurgaBai Deshmukh's request, he got associatedwith the Institutions of Andhra Mahila Sabhaand offered voluntary services as a memberor chairman. He was associated with RamaKrishna Mission and served as a facultymember on Vivekananda Institute of HumanExcellence.

When Sri N.T.Rama Rao was theChief Minister, he was appointed as MemberSecretary & Advisor in the formation ofCommissionerate of Collegiate Education andwas a consultant to the committee comprisingthree Vice-chancellors. He was a visitingfaculty member to many Universities in thestate and also at Hyderabad, a regularresource person, delivering lectures for IndianAirlines Executive officers’ training Centre,APSRTC, RBI etc. and member of AcademicCouncil of Sanskrit University,Tirupati andwas felicitated by its first Vice- Chancellor,Dr.Raghunadha Charya. When UGCEvaluation Committee inspected Central


25

University of Hyderabad in the year 2011-12, the Director read out to them twospeeches delivered by IVC and on theirrequest, the Director gave them two recordedspeeches of IVC. He delivered lectures atCentral Office of Navodaya schools at NewDelhi and was invited by Benarus HinduUniversity, Benares, to deliver speeches intheir university which he declined because ofhis advanced age.He addressed Satya SaiGolden Jubilee Celebrations at Gulbarga. Hisavocation has become a vocation for him.

When Mr.Bhavaraju Narasimha Raoof Machilipatnam approached him andrequested him to carry the mantle of runningTriveni, a Literary and Cultural Quarterly ofIndia, he accepted the responsibility in allhumility and revived its past glory as its Editor-in-Chief and ensured that it increased itsreader-base, and the Journal grew strong dayby day. It became his passion and fascinationas he worked tirelessly for keeping Trivenialive. My wife, Dr I. Satyasree assisted himin all editorial work and in bringing out thejournal successfully. Apart from this, he

authored more than 32 books, wrote prefacesto many books and attended numerousliterary and cultural meetings.

He was a recipient of several awardsfor his contributions to field of HigherEducation and Journalism. He received manyhonours including Pratibha Rajiv Puraskarfrom AP State Govt. he being the firsteducationist to receive this honour. He alsoreceived Viseshapuraskar from RamineniFoundation, P.V. Narasimharao commemorialLife Time Achievement Award and aPuraskaram from Sadguru SivanandaMurthy garu to name a few. He richlydeserved many more honours and laurels.Even at the age of 93, though confined tobed, his mind was still occupied with thethoughts and progress of Triveni and aboutauthoring a few more books and bringing outyet another book in the near future..

He was a genius and a Karma Yogi.I am proud of being his son and miss him verybadly.

***


26

Prof.I.V.Chalapati Rao is a well-known educationist, erudite scholar, prolificwriter and original thinker. Prof. Rao held manyimportant positions in the academic world andserved several organizations in variouscapacities. Prof Rao's services as a spellbinding orator, inspiring leader anddistinguished Management Guru are regularlyutilized by many Universities, National TrainingInstitutions and Academic Staff Collegesacross the country. He is a highly respectedhousehold name amongst the English readingpublic. He has authored 32 books onEducation, Communication, Leadership,Management and Biographies of lasting valueapart from writing over a hundred forewordsto various books authored by other writersand many editorials and articles in variousjournals.

He has been a great source ofinspiration to me. He is a teacher and rolemodel to me. Although I never had theopportunity to be a direct student, I am hisEkalavya Sishya. I look to him as a Guru,Mentor and Guide. He motivated me to pursuemy Doctorate in English and had been theguiding force behind all my academicendeavours.

IVC - AN ACADEMICIAN PAR EXCELLENCE

Dr . I. Satyasree*

His books are repositories ofknowledge and speeches are a pleasure tolisten to. I attended several academic meetings/Book Releases and every time, it wassomething new. He mastered the art of publicspeaking. People eagerly waited for hisspeeches. He is blessed with a phenomenalmemory and would quote extensively fromliterary texts and also speaksextemporaneously. He has a great repertoireof vocabulary and would coin new andinteresting expressions spontaneously anddelight his audience. Very few speakers havethis ability. He is one of those very fewspeakers and authors, who could leave anindelible mark on the minds of his listenersand readers.

He could gauge the audience pulsevery well and adjust the tempo accordingly.He had a wonderful stock of words and thechoice of words that he makes would impressthe audience and this is truly an admirablequality. Yet, he never used high-soundingwords or bombastic expressions that confusethe audience. His language is so simple thateven a layman can understand it. He had aninimitable style of delivering a speech; hewould stop a speech when the audience areasking for more! This is a unique skill that Ihave not found in any of the other speakersso far.

* Editor, Triveni


27

As a Faculty Member atRamakrishna Math, Hyderabad, hemotivated and inspired lakhs of students, whoattended the Personality Programmes offeredregularly at the Vivekananda Institute ofHuman Excellence. He always aimed athuman excellence and he himself practised thatpersistently. He never said 'No' to anyone,who approached him for a Lecture, BookRelease, Book Review, Foreword, Seminar,Conference, Training Programme etc. He hada very positive attitude and would pass onthat energy to others. It is actually infectious.He would tell students to 'put on GREENLIGHTS' i.e positive thinking and 'switch offRED LIGHTS' i.e negative thinking.

He believed in punctuality and if hehad made an appointment, he would neverbreak it, come what may and he would be thefirst one to reach the venue, even if theorganisers are late! It displays his punctualityand commitment to his word. He was a manof simple living and high thinking. He was neverreally bothered about material comforts orpossessions. He was very happy andcontented with what he had.

He was an early riser and kept up astrict schedule. Never did he fail to performhis daily routine duties in time and maintain anactive life style. He was an enthusiastic walkerand used to walk 4-5 kilometres every day.Though he was much older than the peopleattending his meetings in Old Age Homes, andSenior Citizen Homes, he would give themsome practical tips as to how to maintain ahappy and healthy life.

By virtue of being Prof Rao'sdaughter-in-law, I had the great fortune ofmeeting several stalwarts, who used to cometo meet him at our home. I met PadmaBhushan Sri Vavilala Gopala Krishnayya(1906-2003), a staunch Gandhian andfreedom fighter. I got the opportunity to meetSri P.V.Narasimha Rao when he released ProfRao's book Culture Capsules:Art of Livingat Nizam College, Hyderabad, in 2002. I wishto quote a few lines from his speech, "Thisbook is not just a book, it is a treasure. Wehave had many treasures, but this is a specialtreasure. Prof. Chalapati Rao has a uniqueand many splendoured personality with whomI had a long association. Chalapati Rao ji isan educationist, a fine teacher and aneducational administrator, more than any ofthese things, he is a thinking person."

When the most celebrated poet andmulti-talented personality, Sri HarindranathChattopadhyay(1898-1990), visitedHyderabad in 1988, Prof Rao, who was theonly person in the entire State, who couldmatch the wit and wisdom of Harindranath,was selected to interview him onDoordarshan TV. It is a classic interview of40 minutes, where two intellectuals interactedwith each other. In the interview, Prof. Raoasked the poet, "Mr. Harindranath how doyou manage to write so many poems?"Harindranath answered, "I don't write, "IT"writes." And of course, that "IT" is left to theimagination of the viewers! When a referencewas made to his age (he was then 90), helaughed and said "Mr Rao, I am not old, Idye my hair white to look respectable." To


28

another question by the interviewer, "Mr.Harindranath how old are you?" theinterviewee said humourously, "I am 90 yearsYOUNG." How true! Such agile people neverage! And finally Harindranath added, "Thoughthere is Snow in my hair, there is Fire in myheart." What a profound statement!

On every Independence Day, early inthe morning, he would go as the Chief Guestto some academic institution, on invitation, andhoist the National Flag and deliver an inspiringspeech. Surprisingly, he did not break thistradition even when he was hospitalised on14 August 2015. He was admitted intoDurgabai Deshmukh Hospital for an ailment,and all of us felt very sad thinking that he wouldmiss that year's Independence Daycelebrations. But, to our amazement, Dr Ramu,Professor, HOD and a Senior OrthopaedicSurgeon at D.D. Hospital, under whose careProf Rao was taking treatment, invited Prof.Rao to be the Chief Guest and he readilyagreed despite the discomfort he had on that

day. Though he was frail and wheel-chairbound, he attended the ceremony with allgrace, dignity and happiness, greeted all thenurses and doctors and delivered his speech.This kind of national spirit is rare to find amongpeople of his age!

He worked with a missionary zeal tokeep Triveni alive. His contribution to Triveniis truly commendable. He was very passionateabout bringing out the Journal successfullydespite insufficient funds and lack ofpatronage. However, he kept the flag flyinghigh because of his dedication anddetermination. Triveni family will miss hisEditorials, which are full of practical wisdom.

He is one of those rare personalities,who leave a mark on the people around himand we are very fortunate to be in his family.His demise is a great personal loss to the entirefamily in general and the academic world inparticular.

***


29

It is very difficult to describe a greatman like Prof. Chalapati Rao who was anembodiment of learning, teaching and culture.At his age, he was so enthusiastic in editingTriveni which cannot be described in thelimited language of English I know.

He was a lover of books, he wroteon our ancient culture, and was a teacher par

A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT TEACHER

S. Vijaya Kumar*

excellence of our past rich tradition andvalues.

It will be very difficult to replace himas a human being, as a great teacher andcertainly who can tell generations to come ofour values. Every Indian can learn from hisbooks.

We have learned how to make a living,but not a lifeWe have multiplied our possessionsbut reduced our values.* Trustee, Triveni Foundation

***

Alas! With fiend Fate's fatal blow,Laid low has been a lofty literary legend!No more now, the eminent Editor-friendWhose halo had kept "Metverse Muse"aglow!

Quite hale he'd been a couple of years ago,When last we met.That doomsday would descend

LAMENTING THE LOSS OF PEERLESSPROF. CHALAPATIRAO

(Petrarchan Sonnet)

Dr H Tulsi*

On him so soon, - his ties with us to end,How then could I ever guess or know?

As 'father-figur'', always I'd reveredRenowned Prof Chalapati Rao, I V;To students too, himself he'd endeared,With superb teaching skills deserving envy!Though lost an eye,with courage he'd adheredTo chosen path, and reached thePEAK OF GLORY!* Editor, Metverse Muse, Visakhapatnam


30

Sri Chalapati Rao is an intellectualgiant, literally standing head and shouldersabove most of his contemporaries. His incisivegenius and brilliant foresight, cutting sharp atthe edges, soar high beyond our expectations.

He has handsome features with abeaming smile which conceals his scholarshipand literary ingenuity. His simplicity coveredthe burning fervour and incensed passioncovered to check the imbalance, dualities andduplicities of the society and transform it to abetter dwelling place. His incisive eyes probeand critically evaluate the ever wideninginequalities, the impending decimation of familysystem and the infernal religious terrorism thathangs over us like the sword of Damocles.He puts paid to the miasma of distrust thatthreatens to cloud the devotion of the believersin the Almighty. He is nonplussed by the socialorder that stymies social progress and positiverelations.

Sri Chalapati Rao is well groomedand nurtured in Indian culture, Indian thoughtand Indian philosophy. In other words, he isan Indian, pure and simple, an Indian to thecore. His writings display encyclopedicexpanse, kaleidoscopic variety and fascinatingdiversity. Like a virtuoso, a true academician

SRI CHALAPATI RAO - A HAPPY RECOLLECTION

Dr. K. Aruna Vyas*

and diligent educationist, he writesauthentically and authoritatively on literacy andeducation. He is crest fallen and bemoansthe fall in the standards of education. He lashesseverely and unscathingly at the mediocrityand duplicity of pseudo scholars who aretotally devoid of integrity and scholarship andwreck the zeal and lives of sincere aspirantsof knowledge at the threshold of institutionsof wisdom.

He writes profusely if unsparingly, onall subjects. We find a veritable cornucopiaof ideas dealing with social, religious,educational and familial evils that stultify andimpede the growth and progress of society.He writes in all earnestness and devotionabout religion and Indian philosophy. Hesuffuses each word with impregnablemeaning that illumines Vedic thought pouringin ambrosia of heavenly bliss. He discerninglybut definitely and disparagingly evaluates thepolitical spectrum.

His heart bleeds for the aged, theweak and the underprivileged. He warm-heartedly comforts the aged, supports theweak, uplifts the underprivileged and consolesthe miserable. He scrupulously and pointedlyrecommends certain good measures that havefar reaching effect in restoring happiness andbringing in liveliness in their impaired andhazardous lives.

* Writer, Hyderabad


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He like an avowed feminist, daringlyspearheads the movement to champion thecause of the women. He empathizes with thefemale sex though he never exhorts from apodium like any self-styled preacher. But likean intrepid fighter he fights untiringly andceaselessly, tooth and nail for the cause ofwomen. He cries hoarse and clamours withthe courage of conviction for the completeand absolute emancipation of women as manya foetus of females are incessantly, forcefullyand horridly being terminated by the wickedand small-minded people. He offers solaceto the youth hag-ridden by cynicism, self-doubt and groping in a slough of despond.He is infuriated with righteous indignation atthe diminishing and deteriorating values on allfronts.

Sri Chalapati Rao wakes up thesomnolent society that is drugged with inactionand sluggishness with his clarion call to plungeinto action. He laments over the past glory ofthe city which once boasted of extrinsic sylvansurroundings. In his heyday he had seen crystalclear blue sky with tree-lined boulevards. Thetrees then stood erect proudly stretching theirbranches in all directions which gave coolshade, happy breeze and pleasant sight tothe pedestrians. Now the never-ceasing

vehicular emissions coupled with theinveterate human avarice to hoard wealthaccelerated the quick extinction of the floraand fauna of the city.

Most of today's adventitiouselectronic gadgets like i-phone, tablet etc.,were still in the womb of the time whenChalapati Raro was a young man. He wantsto civilize the so called modern, high societywhere still street corners are used as urinalsand garbage bins. He runs eco-friendlymeasures and encourages everyone to live insync with environment. He insists onsystematic comprehensive approach tominimize the hydra-headed pollutionspreading its venomous tentacles in alldirections and threatening to devour the world.

This prestigious magazine Triveniwithout Sri Chalapati Rao will be likeHamlet without the Prince of Denmark. ButSri Chalapati Rao's Triple Stream, likeHeavenly Ganges, never stops but flows onand on inspiring forever.

Men May come and Men May go,But I go on forever . . .

Om Tat Sat

***


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I have this question - "Why do I havea variety of friends, who are all so differentfrom me in their background, character,conduct, family history, intelligence, behaviorand others? How can I get along with all ofthem?" On retrospection, I think, it is becauseeach one of my friends helps to bring out a"different" part of me.

With one of them I am polite. I jokewith another friend. I sit down and talk aboutserious matters with one. With another, I laugha lot. I talk about spiritual matters with one. Idiscuss atheism with another. I have a cup ofcoffee and biscuits with one. I play bridge withsome others. I share my childhood experienceswith one. I hear the experiences of another,as a man. I listen to one friend's problems.Then I listen to another one's advice for me.

I share my knowledge and expertisewith some. I learn from experts about theirknowledge, expertise and experience on othersubjects. I try to be egoless with my friends.

FRIENDS AND FRIENDSHIP(Article dedicated to my GREAT FRIEND, Late Prof. I. V. Chalapati Rao Garu)

M.L. Swamy*

I expect my friends to be egoless in theirminds, their expressions and actions.Egolessness is a virtue that brings you lot offriends around you.

My friends are all like pieces of ajigsaw puzzle. When solved, they form atreasure box. A treasure of friends! They aremy friends, who understand me better thanmyself and who support me morally andmentally through my good days and bad days.We all pray together and for each other.

Friends are good for our health. Wecan name them 'Vitamin F (F for Friends)' andcount the benefits of friends as essential toour well being. Research shows that peoplein strong social circles with bonds have lessrisk of depression and terminal strokes. Ifyou enjoy with friends (Vitamin Fs) constantly,you can be up to 30 years younger than yourreal age. The warmth of friendship stops stressand even in your most intense moments, itdecreases the chance of a cardiac arrest orstroke by 50%.

Friends and friendship are beyondcaste, creed, language, culture, color, status,religion, country and gender. Friendship willbring all of them together, as VasudhaivaKutumbakam, one great family. Friendship

* Former first Engineer-in-Chief, Irrigation andCAD Dept., Government of combinedAndhra Pradesh State; Consultant WorldBank and USAID; founder Secretary,FOSWL (USA) Cupertino, California.


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will reduce the intensity of stress, strain andgrief during calamities. Friendship will increasetenfold the joy and happiness in times of happyoccasions and celebrations.

Summing up, we should value ourfriends and keep in touch with them constantly.We should try to see the funny side of thingsand laugh together, and pray for each otherand one another in our tough moments andalways. We should be like FOSWL (FriendsOn Same Wave Length) loving one another,sharing with one another, caring for oneanother, respecting one another, helping oneanother and praying for one another. We, inour FOSWL groups in USA and INDIA, areall brothers and sisters, respecting and lovingone another. Remember the 'Rakhi', whichsisters tie to their brothers' wrists every year,as reminder of their relationship. Friendshipshould be like the one between Lord Krishnaand his childhood friend Kuchela, without anydifferentiation between rich and poor and

social and official positions. As Seniors(above 75 years) and Super Seniors (above85 years and 90 years), our golden years areshort , very short. Please make the best useof this short time and try to be friendly, healthyand happy. If you are all this, you are not aburden to anybody.

True friendship is that which fits intothe axiom "I do not want anything from you -You do not want anything from me." It isselfless. It does not mean that friends do notand should not help each other and one anotherin times of need. They should and they do.

Friendship is like a golden thread thatbinds two hearts. Let us be happy that eachone of us has a stock of Vitamin F, a group ofgood and enlightened friends! Let us be happythat we are FOSWLeans (Friends On SameWave Length). Let us spread this message inUS and India and round the world.

***


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Triveni, India's Literary and CulturalQuarterly; deserves encomiums for its richliterary values and varied cultural interests. Dr.V.K. Gokak appreciates Triveni for its merits,"… it was indeed a step in the direction offederation of cultures, arts and literaturesthrough identification of their similarities and across-fertilization of ideas." (Jan-Mar, 2003).

The Chief Editor, Prof. I.V.ChalapatiRao has to his credit 'the triple streams' inTriveni to reflect his multisided genius andmulti-dimensional learning like Francis Bacon.His triple streams aim at establishing cultural,moral and human values, building andrebuilding India to renew and revive her pastglory and splendor; name and fame;recognition and reputation; crowning her theideal and the model nation to other nations.He cannot think of the degeneration ordecadence of values in India, "It looks asthough the country has run out of intellectuals,men and women of true heroic stature andsimple living"(Oct-Dec, 2012). His 'triplestreams', essays are real 'attempts' to preservehuman values and moralistic standards in theworld in general and in India in particular. Theyreflect his deep anguish for the downfall ofhuman values as he is human in relation,

QUEST FOR HUMAN VALUES IN TRIPLE STREAMS OFI.V. CHALAPATI RAO: AN OVERVIEW

Dr. Katta Rajamouly*

humanistic in approach and humanitarian infeeling. His philosophy is humanity and hisessays are the lessons in humanism.

Prof. Rao's essays are characterizedby lucidity, for avidity. They are free fromobscurity and difficulty of Bacon's Essays. Thereader finds in his essays the felicity ofexpressions due to his lightness and ease. Hissentences are crispy in style, weighty inthoughts, moralistic in teaching and humanisticin spirit. They are conveniently short unlikethose of Bacon. His essays, therefore, markterseness of expression and beauty in brevity.His grammatical compactness suits histerseness of expressions. Finally his aphoristicstyle is remarkable for we find in it quotablesentences and knowledgeable maxims. Forexample, 'Life is not a celluloid world of makebelieve', 'Teachers should lead by example'(Oct-Dec, 2011), 'Happiness is not a gift ofaccident', 'It is not chance but a choice' (April-June, 2003), etc., are at once crisp andaphoristic.

Prof. Rao composes various types ofessays for his social documents, characterportraits, biographical sketches, treaties onhumanity, etc., apart from his works: IndianRenaissance, Ancient Wisdom ModernInsights, Culture Capsules - Art of Living,Living through Changing Times, etc. For

* Professor of English, Ganapathy EngineeringCollege, Warangal.


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him, morals and ethics are very essential in allwalks of life as they lead man to honesty,responsibility, humanity, orderliness, fairness,frankness, justice, etc. When one is committedto them, one will be away from the lures,temptations and provocations of vices:corruption, deception and exploitation.Today's newspapers are filled with the newsof rapes, murders, mass-killings, thefts,robbery, ragging and kidnaps. Who and whatare responsible for these inhuman acts?Cinemas, TV channels, etc., are the root-causes and "weapons of mind pollution, massdistruction, rampant consumerism, casual sexand commodification of women" (Jan-Mar,2010).

For him, man-to-man relation shouldbe healthy and harmonious for mutualencouragement and enlightenment. Gentle pat,charming smile, hearty hug, kind advice, etc.,should motivate fellow citizens to do rightthings to come up with flying colors in life since"it is human relations job"(Jan-Mar, 2012). Hefeels that the teaching of morals and ethics isthe most essential ingredient of his essays topromote humanity. Man's thinking in the rightway brings about right actions and righteousdeeds "for individual and socialevolution."(Apr-Jun, 2008)

Whether mother is great or themotherland is great is the question on theoption of a citizen for integration. Accordingto Prof. Rao, the worthy citizens say thatMother India is greater than Mother. He is aworthy citizen for his patriotic fervor andnationalistic zeal to the core. He quotes not

only lessons from scriptures, sermons instones and teachings of saints but also fromthe lives of great people and the Constitutionof India to sow the seeds of patriotism andtranscend "religious, linguistic and regional orsectional diversities; to renounce practicesderogatory to the dignity of women; and tovalue and preserve the rich heritage of ourcomposite culture" (Oct-Dec, 2011). Healways reflects his woes and throes of MotherIndia for corruption, bribery and indisciplinetoday.

According to Prof. Rao, man is a partof society and he plays the most vital andpivotal role in the welfare of the society helives in. The orderliness of society dependson man in the way the quality of a tree dependson the quality of a seed. Man-to-man relationshould be pure and sure to promote the welfareof human society and ensure man's well-beingbut it is otherwise in the age of science andtechnology. Man's intelligence is deliberatelyused in the fulfillment of coveted goals andvested interests. Prof. Rao opines, "Artificialintelligence will replace human intelligence."(Apr-June, 2005) and feels sorry for the mostunwelcome change. He welcomes scientificadvance and technological progress forconstructive purposes in the promotion ofhuman values. The progress of science andtechnology goes meaningless and senseless"when the poor are denied their meager mealand aqua!"(Jan- Jun, 2002).

Mr. Rao applauds science for itsadvances and inventions by looking at itspositive side but criticizes its negative side


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reflecting on its destructive potential. Allscientists start their invention with 'doubt'rather than 'faith'. He reiterates, "It is plaguedwith several short-comings: indeterminism,irreversibility, uncertainty, non-linearities, etc".He supports the view of Prof. Planck:"Science cannot solve the ultimate mystery ofnature…" He further adds that it "is beingused by the vested interests to exploit andfurther impoverish the poor." He too looksat the destructive side of science, "It hasbecome the hireling of politics and is destroyinglife and property by producing nuclear bombsand other means of mass destruction.'(April-June, 2005)

Prof. Rao is an out-and-out humanistas well as a lover of nature: flora and fauna toreflect his human touch. He emphasizes theneed for ecological balance, environmentalcare and nature proliferation for humanwelfare. He ascribes the colossal losses ofMother Earth: deforestation, pollution, etc.,to man for he is the one "who commitsmatricide". It is very essential on the part ofman to conserve nature by all means. Heopines in 'Nature Endangered' that trees areto be grown as a remedy for pollution andother problems, 'the cure for the present ills isthe study of scriptures of the past to learnlessons' (Oct-Dec, 2012). Man should forgethis suicidal war against nature to prove hisinsightful wisdom in the preservation ofhumanity and bio-diversity.

India is famous for its traditional andcultural varieties. It has a pluralistic society forits rich variety of social, ethical and religious

values. Though it has diversity, it has unity in-tact to achieve harmony. The essayist is happythat some British scholars too appreciatedIndia for the treasure of her literatures,cultures, customs, traditions, arts, games, laws,archaeology, wisdom, etc., in spite of theirhatred. In the age of globalization or the worldbecoming "a true global village-a mini multi-cultural world", it witnesses all unwelcomechanges in the name of modern fashions andcultures: "proliferation of vulgarity, unabashedluxury and commoditization of women" (Jan-Mar, 2010). All cultural values have becometopsy-turvy due to various reasons withoutany ways for solution by means of goodthinking..

For the solution of ills, evils, entanglesand riddles in today's society, the preachingof scriptures helps the man today as they serveas a beacon light for the flight of life. Prof.Rao exhorts man to approach the scripturesfor the solution of the cruel deforestation andecological imbalance and for the salvation ofmankind sans miseries. 'Unity in diversity' isthe message of the Vedas. In the same way,sculptures in holy places are sermons andlessons in humanism. They shape the mindsand the personalities of on-lookers. Ourculture and heritage, embedded in scripturesand sculptures, serve to be reservoirs ofwisdom for the education of the people today.Prof. Rao feels that apart from scriptures andsculptures, the teachings of great men andwomen retold in their biographical sketchesstand as the compass for the voyage of life.He is influenced by the lives of SwamiVivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, etc.


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Vivekananda influences him by the spiritualconcept of The Gita: "Nishkama Karma". Headmits Tagore's view of "the slavish system ofeducation which encourages parrot-likerepetition of lessons from the text-book." Forthe student, the text serves as a pretext andthe teacher is to quote many things from hiswide knowledge and rich experience in theobservation of the society around, "Trueeducation comes even from thecompanionship of trees and the presence ofNaure" (April-June, 2012). His essay, 'NewWinds Blowing in the Corridors of HigherEducation' presents an exhaustive list ofCommissions and their obligations to improvethe quality of education. His extensive readingand comprehensive understanding of thescriptures and the lives help him conceive triplestreams for the readers to receive the fruitsfor assimilation.

Like Bacon's essays, the triplestreams reflect the multisided interests of Prof.Rao. He touches all subjects with equaldexterity. Arts and fine arts like music are tobestow on man indefinable experience andpleasant feeling. Prof. Rao says, "Thequeenliest of the fine arts", "music soothes thefrayed nerves and reduces the level ofmetabolism"(April-June, 2002). He talks ofmany Indian musicians and music lovers givingmusic spiritual status as it presents bliss and

cures diseases as well. He refers to the art ofletter-writing too for it is very much missingwith its warmth and gaiety in the modernscenario. He expresses his anguish over thevanishing of the art, "We lament the loss ofmany good things and positive features of theby-gone times." The art of playing meant forhealth and happiness is in the dire need ofencouragement. Games and Sports areinstrumental in the promotion of internationalunderstanding and mutual development. Nowmatch-fixing and misunderstanding replace thevalues already established for games andsports. In a positive vein, he heartilyencourages games and sports, giving room inhis triple streams.

In the concomitant and convenientgenre of compositions, Prof. I.V.ChalapatiRao, as a humanist and true patriot has hadvision and mission; an objective and aperspective of his own for the revival of thepast glory of India in all respects to see it atthe crest of the list of well-cultured countries.He does not mind much though it does notadvance in respect of science and technologybut, in his triple streams of Triveni and otherwritings, he minds much for its status as a nationof humanity. The concept of humanity dealtwith fine dexterity has won universal appeal.

***


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I have had the pleasure and privilegeof going through the editorials and articles ofProf. I.V.C. for sometime now. His versatilescholarship is evident in every article. Mmindboggling and amazing is the range of hissubjects. The selection of topics is varied andall embracing. Everything under the sun hetouched, found it brick and left it gold. So deepand intensive is his scholarship that whatevertopic he dealt with he showed it in a newperspective and threw new light on it. Hiscritical acumen, analytical powers, extensiveknowledge, wide reading are all pervasive. Hehas the unmistakable penchant for going tothe roots of the subject and projecting it in anenlightening manner. The amplitude of thependulum, I mean the range, has a majesticsweep covering various and sundry topics.

'Gandhi, Media's Peerless Paragon'projects Gandhiji as a journalist 'parexcellence' and in its truest sense. As he rightlypoints out, 'Mahatma Gandhi was an idealjournalist' who said 'Journalism should neverbe prostituted for selfish ends' and for whom'journalism was a sacred profession'. Gandhijimade it his mission to enlighten and generatepublic opinion in favour of a a good cause'.Again, Gandhiji brought to Journalism the

SRI I.V. CHALAPATI RAO -THE EMINENT MAN OF LETTERSA Short Review Of His Editorials And Articles

V. Chiranjeevi*

highest qualities of the noble profession -respect for truth, observance of objectivity,courage in crisis, pursuit of public causes etc.

In the editorial, 'Are There Limits ToLuxury' (Jan - March, 2015), he severelycastigates the morbid tendency of some filthyrich to flaunt unabashedly their luxuries as if itis a great achievement. As somebody hasput it, 'display of superior intellect is sufficientlymortifying and even more mortifying is thedisplay of superior wealth'. As he observes,'the lives of the super rich show that there areno limits to human extravagance andunrestrained gratification of desires'. Asexamples are cited the awesome weddings ofMaradona, Princess Diana and nearer homeJayalalitha's adopted son. Instances oflimitless luxury can be multiplied viz., Honackerthe deposed President of Germany, NikolaeCeasesell, the autocrat of Romania, Britain'sRoyal Family, nearer home again the erstwhilePM of India, who went on a trip to USA intwo jumbo jets, each costing one crore a day.But at the other end also are persons like BillGates, Azim Premji who lead a simple lifeavoiding ostentation. Here he very rightlyexhorts these stinking rich to cut down ontheir display of riches and utilize at least a partof their wealth for philanthropic purposealleviating the misery of the needy at least tosome extent.

* Writer, Ongole


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Again, his editorial (Oct - Dec 2014)Bhagavad Gita's Motivational Message toMankind' is another illustration of his masterly,yet fundamental appraisal of the message ofthe universal book of wisdom, 'The Gita'. Theimmortal and time honoured message is put ina nutshell. The style, particularly in this article,reminds one of the aphoristic style of FrancisBacon known for his short , pithy and laconicway of driving home the message eg. 'Readingmaketh a full man, conference a ready manand writing an exact man'; 'some books areto be tasted, others to be swallowed and somefew to be chewed and digested'. Thisaphoristic style is used to the maximumadvantage, for it is aphorisms that easily findtheir target i.e. the reader.

'Action is good, inaction bad'.'After failure success comes like sunshine afterrain'.'Failure is a detour but not defeat''When self is in, sense is out''Be disinterested but not uninterested'

These are just some of the manyaphorisms that one comes across.

'The Vanishing Art of Letter Writing'(Oct - Dec 2010) conveys a deep sense ofregret and annoyance that like many goodthings of the past, the art of letter writing isgiven the go-by. With a touch of agony theauthor brings out the salient and cardinalvirtues of letter writing. In his own words 'handwritten letter has a personal touch and offersemotional satisfaction to the sender and thereceiver'. A letter gives the feeling of the senderliterally talking personally and face to face

with the receiver. It carries the warmth andaffection as also the deep concern of the letterwriter. Time there was when letter writing wasdeveloped as an art and the letters of somefamous personalities like Keats, Rt Hon'bleSrinivasa Sastry, Gandhiji, Nehru et al arepublished as books and preserved asmasterpieces of literature. Thanks to the onsetof internet, chatting, tweeting etc., the art ofletter writing has fallen on evil days and hasalmost become a thing of the past. In thewords of the author these are the days of'soulless mechanization of life'. The letter, likea good book, is the precious life blood of aperson clamouring to pour out his heart. Theauthor feels extremely sorry that the great artof letter writing is buried fathoms deep underthe layers of oblivion. He strongly condemnsthe senseless addiction of the present day youthto electronic gadgets.

'Rafi Mohammad - Magician of theVoice' is a glowing tribute to the mesmerizingand spell binding voice of the musical legendRafi. The author observes, 'Rafi, a name toconjure with, shone on the musical firmamentof Bollywood and strode like a colossus forfour decades'. One can feel the ecstasy andenormous love almost bordering on infatuationof the author while glorifying the singing talentof Rafi. Not to be reckoned less is the author'sauthentic information about Rafi's personallife. This speaks volumes for the passion andrapture the author possesses and enjoys. It isalmost a magnificent obsession and justifiablyso. 'For generations to come his (Rafi's)melodious voice will be remembered' is a fittingtribute to the dear departed.


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‘Reports of the Commission onHigher Education' shows the impatience of theauthor at the dodging tendency of the Govt.concerning the recommendations of successiveEducation Commissions. He minces no wordsin cajoling the Govt. for its weakened policiesand its lackadaisical attitude. Here he usesantithesis to good effect e.g. 'going back tothe past is a good step to go forward' or again'a desperate remedy for a drastic malady'. Healso rings a note of warning saying, 'there aretoo many eggs in the basket, let us not countthe chicken even before the eggs are hatched'.Once in a way he can be bitterly sarcastic,'education is the last change on the nationalrevenues'.

'Tagore the Poet of Renaissance'highlights the outstanding facets of the grandpersonality of Tagore the Viswakavi and theGurudev, a rare combination of a poet, anovelist, a dramatist, an educationist, aphilosopher and above all a great humanist.Further, in the words of the author,'Rabindranath Tagore is the high priest ofIndian renaissance of art and Literature'. AgainTagore never 'believed in narrow nationalismand parochialism.' Also Tagore 'condemnedasceticism and rejection of life'. He wasessentially a child of nature like Wordsworthand reveled in the freshness and beauty ofthe mornings, basked in the warmth of thesun and enjoyed the majestic music of thecascading waterfall. He 'lived and workedfor freeing the minds of man'. He is worthy ofemulation and a source of inspiration to theyouth for his admirable genius, versatility,'Vitality and Zest for life'. The article

concludes paying a glowing tribute to Tagore'the Leonardo Da Vinci of the Indianrenaissance of art and literature'.

Going through the editorials andarticles of Sri I.V. Chalapati Rao, one cannothelp the feeling of being in the presence of anintellectual giant endowed with an intuitivegenius that makes us exclaim 'what a piece ofwork is man! How infinite in faculty! In formand moving how express and admirable! Inaction how like an angel! The beauty of theworld!' Each of the editorials and articlesindividually is a beautiful pearl but strungtogether they are a necklace of diamonds atonce illuminating and resplendent. One canvisualise him poring over books odd andsundry, with diligence and tucking awayinformation in his mind only to bring it back tohis facile pen when the occasion demands it.He can be downright candid anduncompromising where principles areconcerned and severely caustic where thereis dillydallying concerning the implementationof good and beneficial measures. Nor doeshe fight shy of calling a spade a spade . Tosum up, Sri I.V.Chalapati Rao is fair injudgment; frank in opinion; forthright inattitude; fearless in expression; formidable inargument faithful in presentation; fastidious inobservation; fantastic in conception; facile inthought and execution, fascinating in outlook;fervid in feeling and to cap it all far sighted invision. As Sri Chalapati Rao is a prolific writerit is beyond my scope to review all hiseditorials and articles. And also for constraintof space I have selected only a few.


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'He most lives who thinks most, feelsthe noblest, and acts the best'.

Prof.I.V.Chalapati Rao makes anexcellent example for the quote.

As I try to pen a few lines to expressmy respect and gratitude to the departededitor, the observations of many great mendefining life tempt me to mention the same asthey are aptly applicable to our professor.

'To live is not merely to breathe. It isto act' opines Rousseau. 'Thousands of menbreathe, move and live; pass off the stage oflife and are heard of no more.' Our editor isnot one such. He has not lived as one of themultitude. He has made an indelible mark onpeople around him and has left his foot printson the sands of time.

As a litterateur, his contribution isvaluable and immense. He travelled the pathof 'Shakespeare, Sidney, Spenser and the rest

A LIFE FULL AND FRUITFUL(A Tribute to Prof. I.V. Chalapati Rao)

V. Lalithakumari*

who made our land an island of the blest.' Hiseditorials in Triveni and Twilight Life, hisseries of Culture Capsules, his treatises ontopics from epics and his books on varioussubjects manifest his erudition and wisdom.They testify he is both rational and spiritual.'The more facets a diamond has, the morebrilliantly it sparkles'. The quality of his life isrich and many sided. As administrator, adviser,co-ordinator and resource person, hisaccomplishment is laudable. He is a goodjudge and a shrewd critic.

For all his knowledge and scholarship,his achievement and reputation, he is a humbleand simple human being. His nobility andgraciousness are evident in the way he hasinspired and encouraged youngsters.

Even in his advanced age, our-editorhas evinced the vigour of youth. The April-June 2016 edition of Triveni carries hiseditorial. Not many can breathe their lastwithout resting on their laurels. Only a selectfew like Dr. Abdul Kalam enjoy the privilege.Prof. I.V.Chalapati Rao belongs to that class.

***

* Writer and Poet, Guntur


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Prof. I.V.C.R, our revered editor!As one who has enjoyed your patronageMy heartfelt tribute, I humbly offerAs would disciples to a noble sage

Blessed I am to find space in a pageOf Triveni your journal prestigiousThat has ably survived bad weather's rageWith you at helm, captain illustrious!

A BOUQUET TO THE EDITOR PAR EXCELLENCE

V. Lalithakumari*

Prolific writer! Co-ordinator!Bloom where you are planted, says the adage:As teacher, mentor, administratorYour acumen has harvested rich vintage

The stream of your writing has flowedEnriching your editorials splendrous;You have employed to utmost advantageGood health, long-life and intellect precious

In Indian English literary welkinAmong savants 'n' doyens of the regionReminding one of Dr.IyengarYou're sure to shine like a luminant star

* Writer, Poet, Guntur

A teacher par excellence was heA true legend in his own lifetimeHe is gone now, no more to be seenBut his soul speaks to us every day.

Can we forget a gentleman like him?No, never, if we had known him wellWit and wisdom personified was heWith a golden heart and pleasant voice.

PROF. IVC LIVES IN OUR HEARTS

Prof. G. Surender Reddy*

***

An exemplary experience his companyElegant gait and a quiet grace had hePacked with power were his speechesInspiring were his culture capsules.

Wielded he his pen with great easeMaking literary skills work for social goodHow do we commemorate his memory?By living up to his noble ideals, of course.

* Director, IEDC & Dean, Industry - InstituteInteraction, SNIST, Hyderabad and Trustee,Triveni Foundation


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Knowing great people and workingwith them is one of the greatest blessings oflife. I am fortunate to have known Prof. I.V.Chalapati Rao, fondly called Prof. IVC by hisinnumerable friends and admirers. Prof. IVClived a full and eventful life. He was born on25th April, 1923 in Kakinada (in the unitedAndhra Pradesh) and passed away inHyderabad on 27th April, 2016, just 2 daysafter completing 93 years. It may be moreappropriate to say that inimitable Prof. IVCvisited Planet Earth during this period. He wassuch a remarkable man, full of life and amazingzest for it. In his long innings, he occupiedseveral important positions with great dignity

REMEMBERING A GREAT FRIEND,PHILOSOPHER AND GUIDE

Prof. G. Surender Reddy*

and distinction. It is quite apt to say that heenhanced the importance of the positions heheld. He is a teacher par excellence. He isremembered for his scholarship, authorshipand editorship. Above all, he was a greathuman being. All those who knew himpersonally and closely were hypnotized by hisendearing personality and indomitable humanspirit.

His demise is a great loss and it hascreated a void which is difficult to fill. Doingjustice to his memory is not easy. And payinga tribute to him is quite tough. We lack theright words to express our sentiments andwrite a truly good adulation. Perhaps nonecan do it. No article, irrespective of its sizeand style, can describe the life and work ofProf. IVC. He was an eminent teacher, eruditescholar, prolific writer, educational wizard,cultural ambassador and a great humanist.

Prof. Rao was perhaps God'sAmbassador to Mother Earth. He arrived instyle and departed in glory. He was a visionaryand an optimist. His personal voyage andprofessional journey were eventful andpurposeful. He was an embodiment of wisdomand humility. Intellectuals like him should gracethis world more often to inspire the multitudeand to make this world a better place to live

Author felicitating Prof. IVC

* Director, IEDC & Dean, Industry - InstituteInteraction, SNIST, Hyderabad and Trustee,Triveni Foundation


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in. He wielded his pen like a sword. He wasequally fascinated by prose and poetry,although he was more at ease with flowingprose. His prose was actually like poetry. Hecould quote extensively from famous authorsand poets known to the English reading publicall over the world. He used to read extensively.This helped him write better and communicatehis thoughts with great felicity and clarity.

His interests were wide and varied.He used to watch cricket matches and followpolitics with great interest. He was concernedwith deteriorating standards in public life. Healso was dismayed at conflicts in different partsof the world. He was aware of issues relatingto global warming and currency wars. He waswell informed on many subjects which madehim an adorable conversationalist and anadmirable companion.

I wish to end my tribute to thisillustrious Guru by reproducing the e-mail titled"A Conversation with God" which I had sentto my friends, just 3 days before he passedaway:

“On coming to know that Prof. I VChalapati Rao garu was admitted intoDurgabai Deshmukh Hospital of AMS atVidyanagar for a special intensive care, I calledon him last evening. While I felt sad to see ourGuru in such a frail condition, I was happy tonote that his memory continued to be sharpand his intellect quite agile.

I was with Prof. IVC for two hoursand I was lucky to get an exclusive time withhim for one full hour. In a free-wheeling chat,we touched upon many subjects ranging fromliterature to philosophy. It was like myconversation with God Himself. During mylong and continuing association with thisadmirable gentleman, I have learnt many newthings - wise and beautiful. They go beyondthe art of living and the art of writing. When Itold him about the theme of my latest poemtitled "All the World is an Idea", Prof. IVCremarked that there was actually no differencebetween prose and poetry, I told him thatthere cannot be a better proof of this dictumthan his own writings. We all can see poetryin his prose.

Yesterday, despite his ailment, Prof.IVC talked to me about Shakespeare andJulius Caesar, communism and climate change,education and politics. He enquired about mychildren and grandchildren and proudly talkedto me about his two great grandsons.

May God Almighty bestow goodhealth on this Acharyaji of ours so that wecontinue to benefit from his wisdom. I trulywish that he lives for a full hundred years. Thisliving legend has already orbited around theSun ninety three times in a great style and in apleasant voyage on Planet Earth in a class ofhis own.”

***


45

My muse is still young - W.B.Yeats.

At the age 89, Sri Chalapati Raoscripting his autobiography realised thatshadows were lengthening around him butasserted that morning was in his heart.

On many occasions Sri ChalapatiRao had to respond to earnest enquiries abouthis age. Sporting a subdued smile, he used tosay that his warranty period had not expired.Further he would quote Gautam Buddha "Thesecret of health for both mind and body is notto mourn for the past, not to worry for thefuture, or not to anticipate troubles, but to livein the present moment wisely and earnestly."In 1962, Sri Chalapati Rao (49 years), losthis right eye in a freak accident in which aflying splinter of a burst soda bottle piercedhis iris, while sipping a cup of coffee at a wayside make -shift hotel during his journey fromMysore to Bangalore. He lived his rest of lifewith one eye drawing inspirations from thewords of Milton "My eyes were not lost, theyhave turned inwards". Positive optimism washis wont.

Sri Rao did his M.A in Englishliterature from Nagpur University. He delveddeep into the realms of not only Englishliterature but also Telugu and to some extentof Sanskrit. He had a brilliant academic

GNYANAJYOTI - SRI I.V. CHALAPATI RAO

P. Purnachandra Rao*

* Secretary, SPACE

innings. He chose teaching profession to ignitethe minds of the young to explore the "universeand its treasures" and stay put in search of"Truth".

Sri Rao felt "that the task of theteacher is not merely covering the syllabus andpreparing the student for the examination butto inspire the students, motivate them, powertheir minds and charge their batteries. Theyshould develop dynamic thinking, self-confidence and self-reliance. We should tellthem that doubt and diffidence will short circuittheir minds and remind them of Vivekananda'smessage- Excellence is in you, manifest it.You have infinite potential. All the strengthand wherewithal for success is hidden inyou..........., positive thinking isnecessary........ (P.104. What Life TaughtMe by I V Chalapati Rao)

Sri Chalapati Rao was a completeman. He was neither elated by pleasures nordeflated by pains. He was a repository ofknowledge requiring no replenishment, moreyou take out more remains.

Isha Upanishad Invocation :

Om !, Purnamadah, Purnamidam,Purnaat, Purnamudasyate, Purnasya,Purnamadaya, PurnamevaavasishyateSums up Sri Chalapati Rao's long innings ofhis life.


46

This year we have lost severaleminent personalities. Of course, life neverstands the same. Men may come, men maygo may be the order of the day. But when wehear the sad news of the demise of personslike Prof. I V Chalapati Rao, we certainlyfeel the society has lost a person who alwaysstrived hard to enrich the society throughouthis life through his deeds and writings.

I came to know more about theProfessor through Dr. Velchala Kondal Rao.He held him in high esteem. Dr. Velchalanever talks about any dignitary as much ashe talks about Prof. IVC.

Prof. Chalapati Rao had nationalreputation. His love for the Nation and oursociety is boundless. How he acquired allsuch qualities in these times when limitlessselfishness rules is the question.

People who were born prior toIndependence were exposed to MahatmaGandhi and Gokhale and others who hadneither personal ambition nor any hiddenagenda for their selfish ends. Prof. Rao hadhis early innings as a lecturer which mouldedhim to become the follower of guruparampara. Knowingly or unknowingly he

A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT MAN

Cheekolu Sundaraiah*

conducted himself as the Sishya to his Gurusand later on as Guru to hundreds of Sishyaswell within the Parmpara. This is somethingunique and people started admiring him forhis sage like social behaviour.

Prof. Rao was no doubt born in awell-to-do family. Rich people of thatgeneration, either were in the NationalMovement or were mostly carried away bydictatorial tendency of Zamindars. If we lookback, rich people participated in the nationalmovement caring less for luxuries. IVCRchose the Gandhian path of awakening massesand educating them for better lives. He usedteaching as a weapon and paved the way formany. He never confined himself to classroomlessons only. He taught with zeal, he explainedwith lots of insights, he motivated with newthoughts and he instilled the spirit of unity,oneness and brotherhood. As a teacher hewas second to none.

Besides teaching, he shouldered theresponsibility of institution building which infact made him the pioneer. He almost spent adecade in such activities. SRR Degree collegeof Karimnagar still stands as the best examplewhich he along with Dr. Velchala shaped it.

He held the positions of DeputyDirector of Public Instruction, Deputy Directorof Higher Education etc. where he raised the* Journalist, Hyderabad


47

standards of public administration which werehailed by the then politicians, his colleaguesand the media.

Later he served in many institutionsand became the Director of SCERT atHyderabad. He was also associated withAndhra Mahila Sabha and also with severalinstitutions where he offered his valuablesuggestions.

He participated as speaker, chiefguest, president at hundreds of meetings,book-releasing functions, seminars etc. andimpressed the listeners with chaste Englishor Telugu. He used to quote several Sanskritauthors, English writers, Telugu poets to suitthe occasion. He had superb memory till theend which made him a wonderful speaker.

As a writer and translator he nevercrossed his fields of spiritualism, worship,personality development, ways of learningetc .

He continued his relations with goodold friends talking over phone, writing cards,greeting on birthdays, paying personal visitsand participating in selective gatherings till hislast breath, sometimes all alone andsometimes with some assistants. He mouldedhimself as a good human being, an activesocialite and a teacher par excellence andinspired many. Reading his postcards writtento his friends some years ago makes us feelthat Prof. IVCR is looking at and talking tous.

***

I met him but a few timesThat, too, when he was agedYet on me he madeA very distinct impressionOf a lively and engaged mindThough in an aging bodyThere was a twinkle in his eyeAnd a smile that was gracious

ON PROF. IV CHALAPATI RAO

D. Samarender Reddy*

He spoke with a sharp witAnd a distinguished accentHis canvas was very broadAnd his sympathies wideAnd to the very last breathHis intellect shone gloriouslyNow he is conversing intelligentlyWith those in the heavens above.

***

* Poet, Hyderabad


48

The news of Prof.Chalapati Rao'sdemise has grieved me deeply. I had theprivilege of being associated with him forseveral decades, receiving his timely advice,guidance and blessings. Words cannot expressmy feeling of sorrow and incalculable loss.Known for his extensive knowledge andprofound understanding of literature, he wasan excellent teacher and educationist whodevoted his life to teaching and writingthought-provoking articles on a variety ofsubjects in his characteristic manner, alwaysclear, elegant and graceful.

I wish to quote briefly some of his best,inspirational comments and messages. In hisarticle 'Dare To Be Different From TheCrowd', he says "Democracy is not truedemocracy when people do not haveindividuality and do not think for themselves.Dissent is the soul of democracy. Man shoulddare to be different to stand up and becounted." In the essay on the art of letterwriting, he expressed sadness that the art ofintimate communication, personal touch andemotional satisfaction" have disappeared andin "Get Back To Gradualness", he describedthe bygone days when we could "enjoy the

emerald beauties of nature and share thereflections of Kalidasa, Wordsworth andThoreau who could say" Let Shakespearewait. I have an appointment with the dew-drop." In his latest editorial on femaleinfanticides, he has forcefully urged the peoplein general and parents and doctors inparticular to stop crimes against women andstart taking concrete action to end the inhumanacts of killing the girl child.."Women aresilenced before they are born."

In his writings on the Vedas andUpanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Vivekananda,Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel andmany other thinkers and poets, he alwaysupheld moral and spiritual values andhighlighted the finest aspects of our heritageand culture. Some of his highly instructive andinspiring articles should be included in schooland college textbooks. He can be bestdescribed in the words of Shakespeare "Hislife was gentle and the elements so mixed inhim that Nature might stand up and say to allthe world, 'This was man!'” - a true teacherworthy of emulation. The best way ofexpressing our gratitude is to read andencourage the youth in particular to benefitfrom his brilliant writings and follow his nobleexample.

PROF. CHALAPATI RAO - AN IDEAL TEACHER ANDACCOMPLISHED EDUCATIONIST

M.G. Narasimha Murthy*

* Principal (Retd.) Hyderabad


49

He was a stalwart among men,Values were resplendent in himlike gems in an ocean.Incomparable intellect anderudite scholarship,He was a blend of disarming dignity andnatural benignity.He brought modern insights intoancient wisdom,'Triveni' the confluence of the Ganges,Yamuna and Saraswati wasthis sage's Kingdom

He always patted the pen of many abudding writer,To every aspiring writer, his words were"You write well, you should write more".

His name itself is the Lord of Seven Hills,Like a light house he stands tallBeckoning all to live, love and write,He has slept one short sleep,To wake up eternally and not make us weep.Bliss it was to have been blessed by himNow to go over the book of his saga isexperience divine,O God! When do we get to discover the likeof him again!

IN MEMORIAM

Dr. R.M.V. Raghavendra Rao*

* Associate Professor in English (Retd),Hyderabad

***

Tall in height, high in literary light;Placid in visage, lucid in adage;Streamy in writing, silvern in speaking,Quick in reading, slick in proofing.

Golden in heart, any cubhe'd emboldenAnd make them sweetly beholden.Single in eye, yet maxi in vision,Nothing ever would escape his attention.

THAT WAS I V CHALAPATI RAO

U. Atreya Sarma*

Wise in words, noble in deedsSimple in living, high in thinking,And in mien and manners suaveThat was I. V. Chalapati Rao.

Generations of boys and girlshe had nurtured;Generations of men and womenhe had inspired;Generations of writers and readershe had regaled; Andgenerations would keep his memory alive.* Poet-Writer, Editor, Translator, Hyderabad


50

Prof. I.V. ChalapatiRao, an academicand journalist, rolled into one , is no more. Hewas the senior most journalist, who had beenthe Chief Editor, Triveni since 1997. It is theoldest journal purely devoted to Art,Literature, History and Culture established in1927.

How many of our officers and headsof departments receive their visitors with asmile? Perhaps a photographer alone canmake them smile. But Prof. Rao was different.He was of prasanna vadana (smiling face),prasantatma (tranquil mind) and poorva bhashi(first to speak ) all the time. I was 25 yearsjunior to him in the academic world. Still hereceived me always with warmth and treatedme as a friend.

His autobiography What Life TaughtMe is a masterpiece in literature, and a textfor budding journalists . His most famousstatement is "We write to express, not toimpress." My first article for favour ofpublication to Triveni was on Vidyaranya'sAdvaita Philosophy. He could have simply

A TRIBUTE

R.R. Gandikota*

rejected it. He wrote a long letter to me. Thewriter (contributor ) should know the pulse ofthe reader and write what he is interested in.It was the first lesson in journalism I learntfrom him.

He met Mahatma Gandhi and gotinspired and led a down to earth simple life.He was the most affable academic. Anyonecould approach him for any favour orcounselling.

His series of books CultureCapsules are masterpieces. He was a spellbinding orator and most sought after publicspeaker.

He had no desire for prominence,dominance and affluence. He was simplicitypersonified. He once said "Old students aremy visiting cards". How true! The galaxy ofhis old students include Smt. V.S. Rama Devi,Ex. Governor of Himachal Pradesh andKarnataka, Sri.C.S.Rao, Film Director, SriD. Rama Rao Retired Principal, (80 years)and many more . He inspired and encouragedseveral young people to write. He very muchlamented that the art of writing was dwindling.May His Soul Rest In Peace .* Retd.Principal MSNC, Kakinada

***


51

I heard about Professor I.V. ChalapatiRao garu from one of his students who was alecturer in English in C.R.R.College, Eluru,My friend used to tell how excellent andcompetent Prof. Chalapati Rao was as alecturer in English. From what my friend usedto say, I could imagine the respect hecommanded among his students.

It was in the nineties I saw Prof.Chalapati Rao garu at a literary seminar inTelugu held in Potti Sriramulu TeluguUniversity premises in Public gardens,Hyderabad. My former Professor in AndhraUniversity, Dr V.V.Ramanadham used toconvene these literary seminars almost everyalternate year, coming from USA where hesettled after his retirement from United Nationsas Director, Public Finance. Although his fieldis commerce and economics, he is very muchinterested in Telugu poetry and literarycriticism. I was introduced to Chalapati Raogaru at this seminar by Sri R. Krishna Murty,a colleague of Chalapati Rao garu inKarimnagar. I also learnt about ChalapatiRao garu from another colleague of his, SriD. Ramakrishna Rao garu, who, like me, alsobelongs to Vizianagram.

I learnt from Sri R.Krishna Murty thatProf. Chalapati Rao is the Chief Editor of the

HUMBLE OBEISANCE

Kharidehal Venkata Rao*

quarterly journal, Triveni devoted to literary,cultural and spiritual topics. Before that, Prof.Y.Sreedhar Murthy, former Professor inOsmania University gave me two bookswritten by Professor I.V.Chalapati Rao. Theyare: (i) The Art of Living and (ii) The IndianRenaissance, both were published by SriYabaluri Raghaviah Memorial Trust for whichProf. Sridhara Murty is the Managing Trustee.After reading the above two books I decidedto subscribe for the journal Triveni.

During the last six years, I visited theTriveni office quite a few times. Prof.Chalapati Rao used to come to TriveniFoundation office every Tuesday. So, I madeit a point to go to Triveni Foundation office onTuesdays so that I could meet Prof. ChalapatiRao garu besides Prof. Sreedhar Murthy. Ihave also contributed about five or six articlesto Triveni during the last five years.

It is amazing that even at an advancedage of over ninety years and vision problem,Chalapati Rao garu writes the editorial. Hiseditorials reveal his depth of scholarship andcommand over English language. It is afterreading his editorial, I read the other articles.

I take this opportunity to offer myhumble homage on his demise. May his soulrest in peace.

* Writer, Hyderabad


52

Prof. I.V. Chalapati Rao garubelonged to a different genre and a differentage. Yet he belonged to all of us. His fame asa man of letters and impeccable values spreadfar and wide. He had a rare charm andconcern for all. Since he was an altruist,everybody irrespective of his/her demographiclabel was near and dear to him.

He shared our sorrow when my sonCapt. Veera Raja Reddy was killed inOperation Parakram (an Anti-MilitancyOperation) in Rajouri Sector of Jammu &Kashmir in 2002. He was the Chairman ofthe Selection Committee of the YouthLeadership Awards jointly instituted byAmerican Telugu Association (ATA) andCVRR Foundation.

As a member of A.P. High Court BarAssociation, I had the privilege of inviting Prof.IVC to address our members. The participantsheard his spell-binding talk in pin-drop silence.He spoke on the importance of ethics and alsoeffective communication. Our joy knew nobounds.

Whenever I interacted with him, Ilearnt new things. His description of theattributes of a teacher always stays fresh inmy memory. The theme of the sloka he recited

deals with the nine qualities of a vishist guru.Our ancient scriptures have listed the attributesof a great teacher in a famous sloka titled"Desiko Navalakshanaha" as Suchir,Vaachaswi , Varchaswi, Dhrutiman,Smrutiman, Kritihi, Namrataha, Utsahiand Jijnasau.

Accordingly, a good teacher isexpected to have the following nine qualities:1. a pure body and mind, 2. goodcommunication skills, 3. a bright countenance,4. moral courage, 5. sound memory, 6.creativity, 7. humility, 8. enthusiasm toparticipate and motivate, and 9. curiosity andthirst for knowledge.

The world usually expects clear vision(Darshana) and experience coupled withwisdom (Anubhuti) from all those who aspireto become teachers. Teaching is truly a noblecalling as well as a challenging and rewardingprofession.

I conveyed this message to mystudents and friends in many a fora. I haveread most of his books and editorials inTriveni with enthusiasm and excitement.

The Professor's words continue to ringin our ears and his voice vibrates in our minds,lungs and hearts. May his soul rest in peace.May his memory continue to inspire thegenerations to come !

* Professor & Principal, Krishna MurthyInstitute of Management, Edulabad,Ghatkesar Mandal, RR.Dist. Telangana.

WE KNEW HIM, WE MISS HIM...

Dr. Rapol Kondal Reddy*


53

On the demise of Professor I.V.Chalapathi Rao garu (IVC) a condolencemeeting was jointly organised by DurgabaiDeshmukh Mahila Sabha (Andhra MahilaSahba), Triveni Foundation and Sri YbaluriRaghavaiah Memoril Trust (SYRMT) at DDH& RC Auditorium, DDMS (AMS) HospitalCampus, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad onMonday 2nd May, 2016 at 11 am. It wasattended by dignitaries, well wishers andfriends.

Smt. N. Usha Reddy, Vice President,DDMS, initiating the meeting, described SriChalapathi Rao as a great person who servedmany organizations and after retirement servedthe English and Foreign Languages University,a renowned institution. He provided inputsto many institutions including DurgabaiDeshmukh Mahila Sabha (AMS). He was agreat human being - like Mahatma Gandhi,simple and humble. She added that it seemedsomething like a myth that Gandhi walked onthe earth again.

Dr. G.L.K. Durga, Member EC DDMS,presented a brief life sketch of Prof ChalapatiRao.

Guruvandanam, recital of Bhagavadgitaslokas relating to Sthitha pragnatha - freefrom attachment and emotion, and verses fromKoran and Bible followed.

PROF. I.V. CHALAPATI RAO CONDOLENCE MEETON 2nd MAY 2016 - A REPORT

The following are the extracts of thespeeches:

Dr. V. Kondal Rao, Editor, Jayanthi and aformer colleague of IVC with long association:Prof. Chalapati Rao was directly recruitedby Andhra Pradesh Public ServiceCommission as Principal of a first gradecollege. He took charge of SRRCollege,Karimnagar after ViswanadhaSatyanarayana. He was tall and handsome anda repository of cultural values. A person likehim brings all the difference in the literaryenvironment. He created literary and culturalenvironment in Karimnagar. He was vibrantand conducted several social and intellectualactivities, inspired by BandaKanakalingeswara Rao, TennetiViswanadham and PV Narasimha Rao. It wasa great pleasure to listen and enjoy his lectures.He was an active participant and promoterof games, sports and cultural activities. Heused to play badminton, conduct picnics andexcursions and time-table-basedprogrammes. He was one of the three greatpersonalities remembered, others beingViswanadha Satyanarayana, and DVLNarasimharao. He was an academician andnot a mundane administrator. He was not awriter at that time. He started writingbiographies and became a writer. He was agreat orator. He could speak on any subjectwith equal grace and ease. He was close toPV Narasimharao garu. He was so dignified


54

that he did not ask for any favour at any timefrom anyone. He was far above any awards.His demise created a great void.

Sri R. Prabhakar Rao, IPS, DirectorGeneral of Police (Retd): Chalapati Rao garucomes from a great tradition of principleoriented individuals and institution builders.He (IVC) identified and provided guidanceto youngsters like him. His language appealedto youth. Instead of what he wrote, one mustthink why he wrote.

Dr. I .Achyutha Rao, Deputy Director(Retd), Def Res Dev Org., Prof. I.V.C'sbrother: Prof. IVC was seven years old whenour father expired. My brother(IVC) playedthe role of father. He had natural leadershipqualities. He encouraged the ideas of others.He observed and implemented the dictumParopakaram idam shareeram. Help all andharm none was his credo. We tried to emulatehim. Yad bhaavam tad bhavati - if youwant to remain happy, you should always thinkand say that you are happy. He was a sourceof inspiration.

Smt. Bhavana S Chari, Daughter ofMangammal Chari : Prof. IVC was a man offew words and down to earth. Shraddanjalito him.

Padmasri Dr. D.P. Rao, Former Director,NRSC: Despite our acquaintance for lessthan a decade, Prof.Chalapati Rao left apermanent and a lasting impression on me asa man of great virtues that one rarely findseven in well known personalities. His trait that"he never seeks but always gives" is indeed

laudable. As Prof. Kondala Rao mentionedhe was an outstanding speaker and oratorduring his teaching days and became a prolificwriter after he gave up teaching on retirement.I draw a parallel here to the gift of nature thatis precious water. Water on land flows freely,ultimately reaching the ocean. If there isobstruction to flow, it takes a different route.Similarly Prof.Chalapati Rao's "flow" ofknowledge was evident through his orationas a teacher and through prolific writing as awriter later in his life. He left an indelibleimpression of his outstanding qualities andqualified as a yugapurusha. We rarely findsuch personalities. He was morally, ethicallyand spiritually strong. If we bring out theessence of his books under the title ‘Sayingsof IVC’, future generations would benefit.

Prof. R.V.R. Chandrasekhar Rao, FormerVice-Chancellor, BR Ambedkar OpenUniversity: We gather more to celebrate alife than mourn. He was a combination of allpositives. He had a strong mind and a softtongue. Prof. Rao belonged to the greatstream of academicians since the beginningof formation of Andhra Pradesh. PV andIVC were close; they were birds of the samefeather. It would be befitting naming a collegein each of the States - Andhra Pradesh,Telengana and Tamilnadu in his name.

Sri S.V. Rao, Chairman, DDMS (AMS)DDH&RC: Prof. I.V. Chalapati Rao playeda very constructive role in building educationalinstitutions. He has been associated withrecruitment and training of administrators. Wesupport if an institution is set up in his honour.


55

Prof. DVR Vithal, Professor (Retd.),Osmania University: He was an asset toDDMS (AMS). All DDMS majorpublications were embellished by his adviceand contributions. His demise is a great lossto lovers of books. His versatility anderudition were beyond compare, knowledge- encyclopedic, and wisdom - long lasting.He was an acharya who taught all and spreadknowledge wherever he went.

Sri A.Venkat Rao, IPS (Retd.): I amfortunate to have had two decadesassociation with Prof. IVC, a person who hadmost practical view of life. He was a greatsecularist. His books are highly secular, yetencompased concepts of major religions. Asimple and great writer who could narrate allthe nuances and experiences and his writingsare a treasure house of wisdom and culture.His writings are universal in appeal, everywriting a gem. He had a simple profile andhad profundity. Author and philosopher, helaid path to many youth. Youth should imbibehis qualities. Very little or nothing had beendone to honour this Telugu splendour. Hewould never pass away from our memory.

Dr. Laxman, son of Dr Krishna Murthy:IVC meant I We See. Impact of his presencewas felt wherever he went. He was a resourceperson. My father used to greet him (IVC)first on every teachers' day. They exchangedinformation on post cards. He kept himselfactive. He shared his knowledge. Dr.Laxman announced an endowment ofRs.1.00 lakh through his social serviceorganization Veda Vyasa Vigyana

Bharathi towards scholarships on his(IVC) name.

Smt. N Seetharambai, EC member DDMS(AMS): I am like a daughter to him. He wasvery disciplined and punctual. He used todelegate responsibility and never interferedthereafter. Even when hospitalized, he said hewould come back to work with AMS.Manchitananaiki maranam undadu.(Goodness has no death)

Sri Valliswar, Journalist: Prof. IVC was agreat journalist and patriot, a repository ofknowledge and an expert in presentation of asubject. I felt inexpressible happinesswhenever I met him. He breathed life intoTriveni.

Sri C Subba Rao, English Professor(Retd.): Prof. IVC is beloved to those wholoved scholarship. He viewed money merelyas means of survival and had contempt forriches. He was a prolific writer with highliterary value and a great intellectual havingexceptional communication skills and personalcharm. He recognized merit and was verygenerous at heart. He left a great legacy.

Sri P Purnachandra Rao, Former GeneralSecretary DDMS (AMS), Managing Trustee,Hum Sab Hindustani: After the demise ofDurgabai Deshmukh he(IVC) compiled thehistory of AMS under the title Stone thatSpeaketh - vol 3, a lasting contribution. Hewas also associated with Achryakul foundedby Vinoba Bhave. He was a person loving alland hating none.


56

Sri A.V. Appa Rao, Former Chief Engineer,Govt. of AP: I am proud to say that I was hisstudent. This Mahamanishi was a keenobserver and an ocean of knowledge.

Prof. Y Sreedhar Murthy, ManagingTrustee, Triveni Foundation and Sri YabaluriRaghavaiah Memoral Trust: I recall my closeassociation with Prof. I.V. Chalapati Raoduring the past 15 years and thank him forshowering his love on me and my associates.Prof. IVC was my friend, philosopher andguide. Every question on culture, ethics andvalues had an answer in his books that ourFoundation was privileged to publish. The nextissue of Triveni would be in hiscommemoration.

Prof. Sreedhar Murthy moved the followingcondolence resolution which was passed:

"Prof. IV Chalapati Rao, a well knownacademician, man of letters, a teacher parexcellence, spell binding orator,contributed immensely to the cause ofeducation and culture, promoting moraland ethical values in social life. Hispassing away is a great loss which cannever be filled. May his soul rest in peace.We convey our heartfelt condolences tothe bereaved family".

The assembly stood in silence for a while inhomage to the departed soul.

***

Thou hast spread the light of literary treasureAuthored many a book of pain and pleasureDelivered inspiring speecheswithout any leisureVisited many universitiesfor young minds' nurtureEducated educatorsto make them highly matureOpined 'Merit and Motivation'are teacher's measureTranslated great classics

A LITERARY TREASURE'S IMMORTAL DEPARTURE

A. Mahesh Kumar*

with the spirit of adventureGifted valuable articleson Indian culture and literatureGuarded the ideal of 'Triveni' andits classic cultureEncouraged budding writersfor their bright futureStruggled for the welfare of societyto revive its natureReceived 'Prathiba Rajiv Award'a sample of thy statureDepicted thy glory in these linesan act only in miniatureTravelled into the Ocean of Peacean immortal departure

* Assistant Professor, MVGR College ofEngineering, Vizianagaram

***


57

The editor of Triveni has laid down his penTo join the choir of immortal men

A nonagenarian has a right to leaveThis vale of sorrow however much we grieve

Bravely he fought against the ravages of ageWhich no exception make, even for a sage

HOMAGE TO I.V.CHALAPATI RAO

N.S. Rachakonda*

A friend and father he was to those he taughtAn educator from first to last-- wealth henever sought

His voice won applause in halls of academiaA bridge he was between the old and newIndia

Success followed success in every roleIn which he threw his heart and soul

Humane and kind, he smiles from high aboveIt is for us to do our best to deserve his love.

* Poet, Translator, Visakhapatnam


58

I Appreciate Triveni Foundation andDDMS (AMS) taking the lead to organizeProf. I.V. Chalapathi Rao (IVC) condolencemeet on 2nd May, 2016. The expression ofsense of loss, admiration and gratitude at thecondolence meet were genuine.

The following measures were proposed at themeet– an institution to be setup in his honour– institution named after him in AP,

Telengana, Tamilnadu– an IVC quotes booklet– a Rs 1:00 lakh endowment towards

scholarship to students - Veda VyasaVijnana Bharati

– commemorative volumes - Triveni, Jayanthi– A comprehensive bibliography may be

made citing - his books, articles,forewords/ editorials, speeches.andarticles about him etc.

– In this Triveni Foundation to take the lead.– On Prof IVC's 94th Birth day, 25 April,

2017 it would befit recording completion/progress.

Prof. DVR Vithal, Osmania University

Oh, guru of gurus, how we all missyou. You were such great inspiration for ourfamilies, in India and abroad. It is irreparableloss. Of course, Jatasya MaranamDhruvam! May your soul rest in peace. Nowords in dictionary can describe my feelingsto your family. Om sai ram….

Lakshmi Sarada Gadi

He is a guide and philosopher toevery teacher. Till his last breath he strove toinspire every peace loving citizen through hisinspirational writings in his books. May his soulrest in peace. Thank you Triveni for yourefforts to bring late Chalapati Rao Garu closeto people.

Prof. Umamaheswara Reddy

Sri Chalapati Rao garu is a very highlyqualified and learned person. We read manyof his books. Whenever we extended ourinvitation to any of our book release functions,even though he had to come with an escort hecame all the way and obliged. We are evergrateful to him. With due respects to thedeparted soul and our condolences to thebereaved family members.

Suseela Venneti

I cannot console any one. I share andshoulder the heaviness of the hour. To say thatIVC is no more, is not far from the truth, yet itis not what it is! Who can remain untouchedby the fact that the most admired and adoredis nestling in his permanent abode! The worldof Literature, is in tremors, the army ofdisciples has lost its Captain and Triveni issearching for its Saraswati. As is his wont,IVC, loving all, hating none, begins hisperorations from above. Let us catch his"capsules" albeit with a heavy heart. Let usjoin Walt Whitman (1819-1892) in echoinghis poem "O Captain! My Captain"

P. Purnachandra Rao

READERS’ MAIL - TRIBUTES


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Shri Chalapati Rao garu was anerudite scholar, an agile story writer who couldweb words into thousands of sentences toform a book in one go. His writings rarelyneeded editing for publication. He lived withthree generations and yet was up-to-date tomake company with younger persons. Hecould vividly remember thousands of eventsencompassing all fields of human activity. Werarely get an opportunity to meet such a greatpersonality, a gift of GOD. I am sure his bookswill continue to inspire several generations ofIndian youth. My heartfelt and sincerecondolences to his family members and praythat his soul may rest in peace.

Radhakrishna Madduri

Remembering the great teacher,scholar , editor and administrator - In allthe interactions with IVC, I was greatlyimpressed by the profundity of hisscholarship , without putting on airs. Hewas truly a man of culture inspiringgenerations of writers and scholars.

Devarakonda Ramakrishna

Deepest condolences. Indeed it is agreat loss not only to the academicians butthe society. I happened to interact with him acouple of times and was awestruck by themesmerizing persona of sir.

Dr. Sandhya Tiwari

It is a great loss to 'street of ink'.Till the last issue of Triveni (Jan - Mar ), hehad been contributing most valuableeditorials. His is an indelible mark of ink in

the field of journalism. He had been a friend,philosopher and guide to me and many more,new to the field . His paternal love towardsme is quite unforgettable. Whenever I wrotea letter, he used to reply promptly. Recentlymy son-in-law, Prof. D. HanumantaRao,(Principal Matrusri Engineering College)and his father Sri D. Rama Rao, RetiredPrincipal, A.P.T ,Kakinada (80 years), an oldstudent of Prof. I.V. C.R. at Eluru SirC.R.R.College met him. He was very muchdelighted to see an octogenarian old studentcoming to greet him and embraced him. It issuch love towards his students that made hima great teacher.

G. Ramakrishna Rao

May his divine soul rest in peace.There are beautiful articles in Triveni. WhenI read those articles, I realized the greatnessof our immediate elders who lead their life forthe cause of nation and its people.

Mahendra Ambatipudi

At the age of 93, Prof. I.V. ChalapatiRao passed away leaving a number ofintellectuals to mourn and a void is createdas he is inseparable from us. "May his soulrest in peace". I invoke the blessings of LordSrinivasa to shower on lovers of Triveni toprosper well in the days to come.

Dr. A. Eswara Reddi

Aksharam (alphabet) is eternal andhas no death so also is Sri Chalapati Rao Garuwho is the embodiment of Aksharam.

Dr. A P Ranga Rao


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I read with sorrow the demise ofChalapati Rao garu. May his soul rest inpeace. His contribution to literature is too well-known for me to repeat. I had read his Englishtranslation of Tanguuri Prakasam Panthuluand continue to revisit it whenever I amdepressed at the current state of politics andpoliticians.

Dasu Kesava Rao

I just learned that the eminent scholarand Chief Editor of Triveni, Sri I.V. ChalapatiRao passed away about a week ago. Thismessage was conveyed to me by my dearfriend, Mahathi who introduced me to themembership of the Triveni Journal in 2015.This is sad news, and I wish to convey mydeepest condolences to members of theTriveni Foundation, all members of the TriveniJournal, Sri. I. V. Chalapathi Rao's family andfriends. May Lord Krishna's Blessings guideus all in this time of deep and sincere loss.

Leonard Dabydeen (Canada)***

Youcannotlose a friendwhen he transits:

WISH HIM WELL

Leonard Dabydeen*

his memory is rock-solid for life.You may let him take leave, as he must do;the choice not yourswish him wellwithouttears.* Author, Brampton, Canada

It is a great loss to the academic worldthat Prof. Iyyanki Chalapati Rao passedaway today the 27th. He was a great teacherand prolific writer. It was my good fortunethat I used to meet him at lunch every week -end at the office of Exploration Geophysics,Tarnaka, headed by Prof.Y. Sreedhar Murthy"Triveni" Magazine is also published from thatoffice during the last few years by Sri YabaluriRaghavaiah Memorial Trust. Prof. I.V.Chalapati Rao has published a series of"Pearls of Wisdom" under the Trust. Hemastered the English language and in one ofthe notes of dedication to his late wife Prof.I.V. wrote the memorable pearls: "Herpresence is all the more compelling in herabsence". I pay my homage to Prof. I.V. andpray that his soul rest in peace.

Vunnava Nageswara Rao


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I.V.C's family background:

I was born in Kakinada at mymaternal grandfather's home in 1923. Myfather belonged to Machilipatnam in Krishnadistrict. We lived in Lakshmi Vilas, our ownhouse which was a two storied buildingsituated in a prime locality.

My great grandfather was IyyankiSubbarayadu. My grandfather was I.V.Chalapati Rao after whom I was named. Myfather was Venkata Krishna Rao who owneda zamindari estate. He ran a mill and animported bicycle business. He played bridgewith the District Collector, Kundwa, ICS. Myfather used to smoke a tin of Scissorscigarettes a day and possessed a Webley Scotrevolver.

I came of a cultured family butfinancially not well-to-do. Because of the greatdepression of those days our family fell intodebts and father had to dispose of the house.The financial crisis gave me a philosophicalbent and taught many lessons. I realized theimportance of education. I learnt that moneyand status are not permanent and everyoneshould stand on one's own legs. My fatheradvised me not to smoke and took a promisefrom me that I would not smoke or get intobad company.

INTERVIEW WITH PROF. I.V. CHALAPATI RAO BYSRI ATREYA SARMA HELD IN 2012 - EXTRACTS

When the estate of thirty acres wastaken over by the government, unable to afforda lawyer, I myself appeared before the EstateTribunal. Many land owners managed to retaintheir lands by producing fake documents. Ilearnt that honesty and truthfulness will causesuffering. Yet one should be honest. I learntfrom my father the importance of honour andintegrity.

My salary as a lecturer at Kadapawas only Rs 250. I used to supplement mysalary with a couple of tuitions. I refused towrite a guide when a local publisher offeredRs 2000/- I had to sell my silver plates andbrought stainless steel plates.

The other members of IVC's family:

My father died when I was expectingthe S.S.L.C results. My mother, Damayanti,looked after the family denying herself allcomforts. She never visited a cinema theatre.She wore simple khaddar sarees and whiteblouses. Being well read and highlyaccomplished she regaled us with stories fromRamayana, Mahabharata and the teachingsof Bhagavadgita and this introduced us toscriptures and our cultural heritage. She couldrecite the slokas of the Gita from memory.She played the veena and taught music to mysister. She was our mentor and first guru.Matru Devobhava. Her spiritual thoughts


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sustained us. She lived for 84 years withoutany ailments and died on Ekadasi day aspredicted by her with no diseases andhospitalization.

My sister was Lakshmi. Achyuta Raoand Subba Rao were my younger brothers.Lakshmi was proficient in music. Achyuta Raowas good at Mathematics. He did his M.Sc.and D.Sc. in physics and retired as seniorDirector of DRDL under the captaincy of Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Subba Rao was adouble post graduate and retired as CircleManager of Sarabhai Chemicals. Sistermarried Desiraju Krishna Rao who becamethe Director of Meteorology and later was aU.N. Expert.

When I was in my B.A. course Imarried Sita Devi to satisfy my mother's wish.Sita Devi was very understanding, helpful andcooperative. She was a good writer in Teluguand published some poems. She was also goodat Hindi and Urdu. She was always cheerfuland was a good host.

Persons who influenced him during hisimpressionable phase and his concept ofan ideal teacher:

Dr. Koka Ahobala Rao Naidu. Hegave prescriptions to the poor and also gavethem money to buy the medicines. He used totreat the family members of Dr. BhogarajuPattabhi Sitaramayya although the latter wasa practicing doctor. When Dr Naidu passedaway hundreds of people attended his funeral.

The other person was Dr. Pattabhihimself who was a dynamic personality. Mymother and Pattabhi's wife were friends. Iused to go to their house with my mother.Pattabhi's younger son was my friend. At thattime I did not know that Dr. Pattabhi was agreat national leader and a freedom fighter.My English teacher during the high schooldays expected perfection from us and atcollege it was Brahmarshi RaghupathiVenkataratnam Naidu, the great teacher andsocial reformer. It is my conviction that theteacher is the sheet anchor of education. Thefuture of the country depends on the youthand their future depends on teachers.Teachers are the salt of the earth. Bill Gatessaid 'I owe my success to my mentor, a highschool teacher.' More than 3000 years agoAlexander the Great observed 'I owe myliving to my father and living well to my teacher,Aristotle'. In ancient times teachers impartedboth sacred and secular education and weregood counselors like Vasishta and Agastyato Sri Rama.

How I.V.C. developed his writing andspeaking skills :

I was the student editor of the collegemagazine during my P.R. Govt. College daysat Kakinada. I learnt a thing or two about theart of writing then. This proved a launchingpad into journalism and editorship. A fewarticles written by me in a journal from Punjabwere published while I was in my B.A. course.It is nostalgic to remember that I had theopportunity of editing the souvenir in Englishof the Ist World Telugu Conference.


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As a lecturer at the Govt. ArtsCollage. Rajahmundry I addressed a publicmeeting for the first time on the anniversaryof the formation of Andhra Pradesh. This firstpublic appearance stuck an instant rapportwith the people and students. I was invited tospeak at social, cultural and educationalmeetings and there was no looking back.

This experience came in handy in mylater life. Communication skill gives accessto the choicest society. It is the secret ofleadership. Unfortunately a vast majority ofstudents who leave universities lackcommunication skills. Something should bedone to remedy this defect.

His interest in co - & extra-curricularactivities :

I was active in extracurricularactivities, sports and publication of collagemagazine. At school moral culture wasincluded though it was not in the syllabus. Atcollege I was a badminton player and led mycollege team as its captain. Later I startedplaying tennis and became a member of theA.P. Lawn Tennis Executive Committee.Games teach us leadership equalities, teambuilding and equanimity.

Impression of IVC on life at Nagpur :

I shared rooms with students whospoke Hindi and Marathi who extended theirlove and support to me. Students were notinfected then with feelings of regionalism andLinguistic fanaticism. The women of Nagpur

were progressive minded and girl studentsattended college on their bicycles. Womenwere held in great esteem in Maharastra. Ivisited Wardha where Gandhiji stayed. Therewas a board which read Be Breif, Be quietand be gone! Gandhi had a brief chat withme and my friends.

I.V.C.'s impressions & experiences ofcolleges where he worked :

I liked the W.G.B. college atBhimavaram for its rural atmosphere whichreminded me of the Gurukula Ashramatmosphere. Later working at Eluru in theC.R. Reddy College, I could come intocontact with great artists like BandaKanakalingeswara Rao and HarindranathChatopadhya. Getting selected by the Govt.I was posted to Govt. Arts College,Rajahmundry where I I could get the goodcompany of worthies like Col. Raju thepersonal physician to Netaji Subhas ChandraBose and Swami Nithyabodhananda,President of Ramakrishna Math. In 1958-59 Swami Chinmayananda, the spiritualleader, visited Rajamundry and I learnt a greatdeal listening to him about the technique ofspeaking.

Swami Nityabodhananda advised menot to omit a reference to our great literaryand cultural traditions in my speeches. I beganto study our own Telugu and Sanskrit writersto restore balance in my talks. Col. Rajuinspired me to write about the lives of the greatfreedom fighters of India who gave their todayfor our tomorrow.


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On his stint at Karimnagar as Principal:

I was directly recruited as Principaland posted to the Karimnagar Degree Collegeand placed first in the order of merit of threecandidates selected.

It is my considered opinion that acollege is not merely a citadel of learning butalso a launching pad of social service. Ihappened to be the only Principal in the Stateto be appointed as Secretary of the Peoples'Defence Committee for Karimnagar Districtduring the critical period of Chinese invasionand the subsequent Pakistan aggression.

As Deputy Director of Higher Education:

After my long spell as Principal of theKarimnagar college and the Rajahmundry ArtsCollege, I was posted as the Dy Director ofHigher Education, Hyderabad for the entireState of AP. As I as easily accessible andcourteous I was popular with the Principals,teachers and the support staff.

I was often invited by the NCERTand NIEPA to participate in their programmes.I was examiner for IAS, UPSC and otherExams.

Work after retirement:

I retired from Govt. service in 1978.I did not get a single promotion in Govt.service. I got the posts by direct recruitmentand selection by competition. But the Govt.always honoured me. I was selected for the

prestigious award of Pratibha RajivPuraskaram for 2009.

After retirement I got many offers butI chose the Registrar's post of the CIEFL,now the English and Foreign LanguagesUniversity (EFLU).

After my CIEFL stint I was Directorof the Vivekanda Institute of Managementstarted by Dr. V. Kondal Rao, my friendwhich was affiliated to the Newport Universitywhich awarded degrees. The students of thisinstitution became entrepreneurs by startingtheir own industries and business. This was acreative experience off the beaten track whichwas a forerunner for our Govt. decision toinvite foreign universities to India to raisestandards of teaching and research.

His present journalistic and writingactivities:

A retired man is a free soul and canenjoy complete freedom and take up anywork. I wanted to take up book writing orjournalism for a change. At this time I wasoffered the Chief Editorship of the oldestliterary and cultural English quarterly, Triveniwhich was started in 1927, founded by thewell known freedom fighter and journalistKolavennu Rama Koteswara Rao. Thecontributors were national leaders, poets,philosophers and other such celebrities. Ihave been the editor of this prestigious journalfor the last 20 years. The journal has beendigitized and put on web for free access toreaders anywhere in the world.


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I have been editing Twilight Life,earlier called Senior Citizen, a monthlynewsletter, for the last 15 years, the Englishsection of Aradhana, a bilingual magazine ofthe Endowment Dept. of AP. I am also on theEditorial Board, Andhra Mahila Sabha for allits publications.

His writing output:

Beginning from 1969 to 2011 I havewritten 32 books, a number of articles ondifferent topics of interest for varied readershipdealing with the lives of great patriots andfreedom fighters. My books deal with culturalaspects and ethical values which should inspireand motivate the youth, some deal witheducation and some on spiritual leaders likeAdi Shankara, Satya Sai, SwamiVivekananda. On the whole I am a cheerfulman, an extrovert, I derive pleasure incompany, although occasionally I wish to bealone. Solitude is not loneliness. Lonelinesshurts but solitude fulfills.

His ideas on strengthening education:

All education should aim at cultivatingindependent and original thinking. Teachingshould not be one-way method but aninteractive process. While science andtechnology are the strong points of the West,culture and philosophy are the strong pointsof India.

Education needs to be liberated fromthe clutches of politicians and bureaucrats.

There is a need to revive the Indian EducationService which existed until 1947 and makeit autonomous.

The present scenario of 'Fair is fouland foul is fair' needs to be changed so thatmodern science and technology has a humanface. Our education is thus a clear case ofNiagara of Reports and Sahara of action.

On old age and retirement:

Retirement is a blessing for realmaturity and maximum efficiency are reachedonly after sixty. Retirement is not a terminalpoint but a starting point. It is a launching padinto a new life. It is wrong to think that one'swarranty has expired.

My post-retirement life seems to bemore productive than my service life. I do notbelieve in old age. Age is arterial, notchronological.

My idea of leisure is not having nowork to do. That is idleness. Monotony in anyform debilitates the mind. Change rejuvenatesthe mind. From 9.30 p.m. to 11 I enjoy listeningto music - classical and light- in my bed on thetransistor. I get up early and the regular walkand meditation keep me cool and balanced.

We should affiliate ourselves withcauses that work towards the welfare of thesociety. There will be unlimited opportunitiesif only we are alert to the next big change/chance.

Courtesy: Muse India


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NEW MEMBERS

The following is the list of Donors/ Members who have joined the TRIVENI family duringApril - June 2016. The TRIVENI FOUNDATION welcomes them.

AN APPEALJournals like TRIVENI devoted to literature and culture, naturally cater to a limited

number of intellectuals and are not to be considered as successful business propositions inany country. They need the active support of the cultured few. We earnestly solicit thepatronage of philanthropic persons to enlist themselves as Patrons and Donors and extendtheir co-operation to the cause of Indian literature and culture. Donations to TRIVENIare exempt from Income Tax, Under Section 80G (2) &(5) of the I.T. Act, 1961. videProc. No. DIT (E)/HYD/ 80G/52(04)/Ren/08-09, dated: 21-08-2008 of Director ofIncome Tax (Exemptions), Hyderabad, deemed to have been extended in perpetuity videIT Circular No.7/2010 [F.No.197/21/2010-ITA-I] dt.27-10-2010. Donors are requestedto draw Demand Drafts/Cheques in favour of ‘Triveni Foundation’ payable on any bank inHyderabad.

Our dear subscribers may note. In view of the escalation of the paper cost andprinting charges it has become increasingly difficult to meet the expenditure of the journal.Weare constrained to increase the annual subscription to Rs.200/- and life subscription toRs.2000/- We shall be grateful if our old members also cooperate with us by sending thebalance amount. Donations are welcome.

TRIVENI FOUNDATION

Annual Members:Sri M BalajiSri B K NairSri S.P. Sekhar RaoSri G. Srinivasa RaoSri L Dayanand Kumar PatnaikPondicherry UniversitySDS College of Arts & Applied Sciences

Life Members who paid Additionalamount in response to our Appeal

Sri N Srirama Murthy Rs.1000/-

Donors:Smt. A Satyavathi Rs.5000/-Smt. S K Mangammal Chari Rs.2000/-

Life Members:Sri Sreebhashyam Shashi KumarSmt. Roopa Sujana


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Documents

TRIVENI JUL. -SEP. 2016 - Yabaluriyabaluri.org/pdffiles/2016/JulSept2016_F1.pdf · TRIVENI JUL. -SEP. 2016 3 ... Sri R. Prabhakara Rao, IPS ... astrology, diverting the attention