HOPPING MEMORIES

Dr A P RANGA RAO
HOPPING MEMORIES
By
Dr A P Ranga Rao
Copyright@2018 Dr AP Ranga Rao

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 Acknowledgments
My grandson Ved Aitharaju sent me a mail when he was 8
years old from USA asking me if I could recommend any book
to read in English about the life in India during our childhood.
He could not read or write in Telugu but could speak it fluently.
I wrote to him that I would try and send few pages of typed
material about my memories of past every week which may
be more relevant to him as to how his ancestors lived. In
addition, I sent him some books in English which were coming
closer to his expectations.
It was solely intended to be a family and friends book
sharing our past. I did that over a period of a year when I had
free time and completed covering the period of life from 1942
to 1996. I shared it with few other relatives and friends.
Bhandaru Srinivas Rao translated couple of chapters into
Telugu. Few gave suggestions, and many encouraged to write.
Professor Maramraj Satyanarayana Rao Garu, and Jandhyala
Kameswari gave some useful advice.
Jwala Narasimha Rao has brought out this in few copies
printed for circulation amongst friends and relatives. Some
others helped him in this.
I thank all the above for the time and effort and above all
for their love and warmth.
My profuse thanks to Aditya Krishna Roy for writing the
“Introduction”; to V Jwala Narasimha Rao and VJM Divakar for
writing “Unfolding Memories or Yours Truly Dr AP Ranga Rao”;
to Anil K Jampala for writing “Dr Aitharaju Pandu Ranga Rao I
know”; to Venkat Changavalli for writing “Dr Ranga Rao I
Know” and to Bhandaru Ramachandra Rao for writing “About
the book and author”.
My thanks to Prema Malini Vanam for the cover design and
to National Information Services for publishing the book.
Dr AP Ranga Rao
Author
 Introduction

It is my absolute privilege to introduce “Hopping

Memories”.
Penned by a great scholar, unparalleled humanist and
realist of our times, whose mere existence and an unexpected
chance crossing of paths with has transformed innumerable
lives, this book is a window to the simple way in which he has
lived a very complex and multidimensional life, never losing
sight of the immediate for the unknown, yet never missing out
on the unknown for the safe.
The nature and style of narrative that the author has
adopted, speaks to the very foundations of his personality and
is a window into his brilliant life.
Read this book to experience the simple building blocks
that went into creating a person who has transformed the
understanding and practice of the field of public health,
definitely in his state of birth and arguably across India.
Read this book to understand how simple traditional
family values, ordinary family connections and upbringing,
helped create a doctor whose life has taken him across
multiple continents, and whose pursuit of knowledge and the
ability to use that knowledge has seen no limits.
As you turn the pages, I hope you will recognize, as I
did, that a book is defined by the author, the author by his
words, and the words by his thoughts. Hold this book in your
hands, knowing that the author’s unflinching pursuit of life has
converted itself into simple, yet innately meaningful words
and thoughts. That combined with a fierce ability to see and
say things as they are has helped leave indelible marks on
every person or domain he has ever interacted with.
Any book can potentially deliver the author in his
entirety to the audience, but as anyone who has met the man
in person will know, you will never have enough of him. This
book does a great job of merging the written with the real.
 And I am sure Kipling would agree that here was a man
who talked with crowds, yet did not lose his virtue, walked
with kings, yet did not lose the common touch.
Read on, it’s a journey worth taking.
Aditya Krishna Roy
 Unfading Memories
Or
Yours Truly,
Dr AP Ranga Rao

Daivam Manushya Rupena (Lord will not manifest Himself

in the kind of form that we see in pictures of deities, but His
manifestation can be felt through acts of people who try to
help us). This is what essentially and in essence Dr AP Ranga
Rao is. He is truly like an elder brother in a huge joint family
who takes care of everyone under his fold often ignoring his
own personal needs and desires. He is a Good Samaritan for
everyone who came to him. People gained wisdom from his
words, humility from his deeds, compassion from his services.
For many of his admirers and followers, Dr AP Ranga Rao is like
cool shade on a harsh summer and warm shelter during bitter
winter. During his 75-odd years of life experiences, Dr AP
Ranga Rao had weathered many a storm, wade through the
floods and always with his sheer grit, dedication and
commitment, gave back to the society more than what society
gave him.
From Khambhampadu in the erstwhile Madras Presidency
to Hyderabad, from 1948 till date, Dr Ranga Rao has a vivid
and photographic memory of every incident in his long
journey. While recalling his early childhood, Dr Ranga Rao
writes, “The smell of the roasted coffee beans, the whizzing
sound of the manual grinder the swirling smoke of Beedi and
red ambers of the fire wood are the associated memories.
There are many such frames of minor detail of day today life.
Another was lying in the cloth cradle tied to the roof beam and
someone would go on swinging it. The other is the monthly
administration of castor oil to the children. The child was
wrapped and held on the outstretched lower limbs of elder
and mouth forcibly opened, and an ounce of castor oil
administered. This was supposed to cleanse the bowel of the
child”.
 “Another frame that comes to my mind is the morning
breakfast. In the house we were nearly 10 children and
another 15 adults. It was a great strain on my grandfather to
bring up such a big family. All the children were fed with the
leftover cooked rice from the previous evening mixed with
“Aavakaya” (a pickle unique to Telugu people) and curds for
breakfast. The children used to assemble after their morning
rituals and the mixed rice was distributed by an elder a morsel
each till our bellies for full. No plates were used. The adults
had coffee or milk.”
In his long and very successful profession as a Government
but non-practicing doctor, activist, trade unionist, consultant
to many national and international health projects Dr Ranga
Rao also involved himself deeply in active politics though not
connected with political parties. So much so that at one point
of time, Dr Ranga Rao is tipped to be the president of the then
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee, by none other than the
then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi himself. Dr Ranga Rao is also
responsible for making and training many political leaders who
attained some very important positions later. His proximity to
Rajiv Gandhi and other top political leadership like PV
Narasimha Rao did not deter him to plan many innovative
schemes, programmes for the benefit of the people in general
and the poor in particular especially in medical and health
sector.
Beginning his government service in 1966, Dr Ranga Rao
has successfully combined his professional life with his passion
for social service. Be it associating himself with Dr Sethi, the
inventor of Jaipur foot, or working for the leprosy patients,
getting new innovations done in the field of medical care. His
long association with the Red Cross Organisation, Chethana, a
NGO started by the then Governor of AP Smt Sharda
Mukherjee, National Institute Social Action and host of other
organisations, helped these organisations flourish in their field
of work.
Dr Ranga Rao’s narration of his experience as a doctor from
Red Cross in the strife torn Jaffna in Sri Lanka during the
bloody battle between the IPKF and the dreaded LTTE is both
scary and nail biting. His narrative is like a gripping screenplay
of a war film. What impresses the readers, in the entire course
of his narration is, Dr Ranga Rao’s ability to stay cool even in
the dangerous situations in life. Even among those deadliest
and most scary situations, one is sure that Dr Ranga Rao must
be smiling as his wont, always.
Of the many achievements and innovative schemes that Dr
Ranga Rao designed and successfully implemented for the
better of the people, one programmes stands tall and shiny,
though it does not find place in this book. The way he
conceptualized 108 services is alone sufficing to show the
innovative mind of Dr Ranga Rao, which helped lakhs of people
to survive. His passion, his dedication and his commitment to
whatever he undertook is worth emulating. Taking cue from B
Ramalinga Raju, Dr Ranga Rao and his close team have
designed and implemented 108 services, which became a
torchbearer for many states in the country. 108 services are
the single game changer in the annals of the country’s medical
services history and the first of its kind most successful Public
Private Partnership. It is this service helped political leaders
like Dr YS Rajasekar Reddy get back into the power for a
second term. After reading through his Memoirs, one would
get a feeling that Dr Ranga Rao should have at length dwelled
upon one of the greatest and most innovative programme in
the country, the 108 services. For reasons best known to him,
Dr Ranga Rao did not mention in detail about these emergency
medical services, which have become a milestone in the
annals of medical services history in the country. We are sure
Dr Ranga Rao would find time to reminisce his contribution
and memories as well as the great work done there in yet
another Hopping Memories which part two in the series could
be. Dr Ranga Rao is equally credited with 104 services and
Fixed Day Health Services as well as the popular Tele-Medicine
projects.
Yet another feather in his cap is the way he conceptualized
and implemented another innovative project called Essential
Medical Services, popularly known as the EMS. Through EMS,
Dr Ranga Rao made essential and emergency medical services
within the reach of common man especially the middle class
among the bureaucrats. At the EMS, Dr Ranga Rao himself
supervised and overseen the day to day services, much to the
relief of a large chunk of middle class then who could ill afford
the costly medical services and treatment.
Dr Ranga Rao’s Hopping Memoirs, gives us not only a peep
into the life of him but also gives us a wide landscape of our
society in all its splendour through various stages of happiness,
sorrow, setbacks, victories, small mercies, wonderful human
relationships within the family as well as outside of it.
It also gives the reader a bird’ eye view of the political,
social, economic landscape of the country vis-a -vis the world.
Dr Ranga Rao also garnishes the narrative with certain
milestones of the past such as Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to
Khammam, assassination of US President Kennedy etc., The
entire auto biography also touches upon his own family tree
and important events like marriages, births and deaths within
his clan.
Dr Ranga Rao never minced the words not ever tried to
push matters under the carpet. He walked the talk and he
continues to do so. This is not a mere auto biography, but a
compilation of rich experiences, incidents, anecdotes,
compassion, love, humility, service to people and above all a
guide to good, meaningful, contended living.
We are sure and confident that Dr Ranga Rao’s hopping
memories will be immense use for the researchers,
academicians, historians, journalists, social scientists and
above all for those who still believe in basic human values and
ethics. The following poem by Robert Frost’s almost
summarises Dr Ranga Rao and his wonder life experiences.

The Road Not Taken

By Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both,
And be one traveller, long I stood,
And looked down one as far as I could,
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other,
as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.

V Jwala Narasimha Rao

And
VJM Divakar
 Dr Aitharaju Pandu Ranga Rao I knew

I was reading a book “The Road to Character” by David

Brooks. I thought would it not be great to document my
impressions of Dr Ranga Rao, whom I greatly admire for his
vast medical experience abroad and in urban, rural and tribal
areas of India, public service, leadership, innovation,
creativity, frankness and clarity of thought. Note that this is
predominantly covers EMRI-108 related work I am very
familiar with. I wish we had similar success with Geriatric
Management and Research Institute (GMRI) in which he was
also interested later.
Our initial meeting
After I agreed to join the “Emergency Services” project
Ramalinga Raju contemplated (in 2004), I started working with
Dr Balaji Utla, head of Satyam Foundation. Dr Balaji took me
to Dr Ranga Rao’s home one evening; it was around 7 or 8 PM
and we had good discussion about emergency services
concept.
Pre-EMRI days
It was Dr Ranga Rao who promoted the idea of
Research and Training as a must, in addition to Emergency
Services. The result is a very unique institution (EMRI) in the
world. Even the definition of Emergency used by EMRI had
been drafted mostly with inputs from Dr Ranga Rao.
Dr Ranga Rao, Dr Balaji, Srikanth, my friend Hiranya and
B. Srinivasa Rao (another Advisor, retired Andhra Bank official)
would have daily discussions. I remember a 2-day
brainstorming session at Satyam Technology Center, mind
mapping various types of emergencies and how to handle
them.
EMRI days
Dr Ranga Rao played a key role in Ambulance design
(and what goes into the ambulance) and Patient Care Record
(PCR) helping YNS Kishore. Dr Ranga Rao helped Ashok
Kondapi in finalizing the EMRI’s Care Manual.
 I would pick up Dr Ranga Rao and on our long drive to
EMRI campus from his house in Somaji Guda, we would
converse. Once, he shared an insight given to him in his early
days in UK after he recommended discharging a patient, an old
lady. He was told he was medically right but on compassionate
grounds, the patient could have stayed in the hospital for
some more time. I am sure it had an impact on him; I always
felt he was very passionate and compassionate.
I was sharing with Dr Ranga Rao a story I heard at
Mysore Palace tour. According to local legend, a priest had a
curse on a Mysore Maharaja and said the Maharajas will NOT
have male heirs in the future. True to that, they did not have
heirs and had to adopt. Dr Rao has an easy, rational
explanation: He said Priests usually bless the rulers in the
evenings daily. If they introduce any herbs in the “Teertha”
(holy water) that would prevent conception, then, Maharaja
will not have any kids, and this could happen for several
generations! Entirely logical and feasible explanation!
Dr Mohan Kanda, then Chief Secretary to Govt. of
Andhra Pradesh, suggested we meet district and local officials
ahead of 108 launches. So, Dr Ranga Rao, Venkat Changavalli
(who became CEO of EMRI in April 2005) and I travelled to
Vijayawada, Warangal, Vishakhapatnam and Tirupati, the first
four cities outside of Hyderabad where 108 was to be
launched. Where ever we went, Dr. Ranga Rao had plenty of
contacts in medical fraternity. In Tirupati, Dr. Ranga Rao took
me to a government office established years ago to help
handicapped people, during NTR’s regime; some of the staff
did recognize him. (Dr Ranga Rao brought the Jaipur foot to
Andhra Pradesh) His leadership was instrumental in EMRI
establishing good rapport and contact with medical
professionals.
Vizag visit: Venkat, Dr Ranga Rao and I were in Vizag to
meet hospitals and officials. Next day morning, we were
supposed to be in Hyderabad for a meeting with Raju. Due to
heavy rains, Vizag airport was closed (runway was inundated
with water). Swaroop, our regional manager, was hopeful he
would get us berths on the night train in Emergency Quota.
Unfortunately, it did not work. So, he managed to get one
upper berth for three people! The person who was the
occupant of lower berth had a tail bone problem. Dr. Ranga
Rao gave him a “chitka” (advice) for his condition. Either for
that reason or whatever, the gentleman took the upper berth.
That allowed three of us to sit on the lower berth for several
hours, till the train reached Vijayawada and we were happily
discussing even at that late hour. Finally, we got two more
berths and got few winks of sleep.
Dr Ranga Rao was also keen on accreditation of
hospitals and regional trauma centre so that quality of
emergency care provided can be standardized. Unfortunately,
we did not have great success in these areas.
Dr Ranga Rao was in favour of Red Cross type, district
based EMRI centres with greater autonomy and local control.
Instead, we had a strong, centrally controlled organization.
(Each had its own merits and de-merits.) Dr Ranga Rao
advocated for paid inter-hospital transfers or hospital to home
transfer as a means of raising revenue for the service,
mortuary vans and boat ambulances (where navigable water
is the main transportation). I showed him the picture of golf
cart ambulance Toronto EMS had and he immediately said
three-wheeler (Auto) ambulances would be a great idea to
reach patients in slums or where streets are very narrow for
regular ambulance. Dr Rao was very keen to develop
indigenous tools, techniques, and training methods that suit
Indian conditions much better.
Our visits were not limited to AP alone. Whenever I
needed another view, I would request him to accompany me.
I will mention few such visits:
Bihar visit: Early on (2004 or 2005), Bihar Government
Health officials were keen to know what we are doing at EMRI
and invited us. Dr Ranga Rao, I and one more visited Patna and
had fruitful discussions. We visited the Patna General Hospital
in the morning hours and I was taken aback by the stretchers
bringing out dead-bodies covered with cloth. Dr Ranga Rao
calmly explained that they must have died in the night.
Too bad, Bihar till now does not have 108 services.
Delhi visits: Two visits were memorable.
Dr Ranga Rao, Srinivasa Rao, Venkat, Kishore and I were
working late till 2 AM drafting and revising some documents
for discussions with Dept. of Telecom officials later that day. I
was the youngest in the group, yet everyone was fully active
and engaged. Such was the passion.
When Dr Ranga Rao worked in Bhadrachalam area
(known for the famous Rama temple and part of tribal area),
he became good friends with IAS officers and they later
occupied senior positions in AP and Delhi. He also knew Sanjay
Baru, who was working with PM Dr Manmohan Singh, very
well. Dr Ranga Rao was gracious enough to invite them to a
dinner with Venkat and me. It was a very fruitful evening. Few
weeks later, one of the IAS officers, J. Hari Narayan, became
Chief Secretary to Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Perhaps in 2009, I took Dr Ranga Rao’s help to visit
Reliance Foundation officials, in their sparkling new offices in
Navi Bombay. After few hours of wait, finally, the Vice-
President met us and shared his experience about USA 9-1-1.
Dr. Ranga Rao, with a poker face, said, our visit was a big
waste. The Vice-President was taken aback (and so was I). Dr.
Rao said to him “you exactly understood why we are here in
no time and we need help of Reliance to take 108 to other
states”. Unfortunately, not much came of this visit, due to
many reasons.
Karachi Visit: Dr Ranga Rao and I spent 48 hours in
Karachi, Pakistan from early hours of 9-November-2006 to
early hours of 11-November-2006 since Ramalinga Raju asked
us to visit Edhi Foundation which was running the largest fleet
of volunteer ambulances in the world and see what we could
learn from them. We received a warm reception from one and
all we interacted (at Edhi foundation, Civil Hospital, Aga Khan
University, Pakistan Red Crescent-Red Cross, Saint John’s
ambulance service). As D Ranga Rao said, we did not find even
a single difference!
When we met Abdul Sattar Edhi, Dr. Ranga Rao bent
down and touched Edhi’s feet (a typical Indian custom to show
reverence, particularly to elders). I was surprised, and I asked
him later why he did that. Dr Ranga Rao replied “Edhi is doing
a great humanitarian service.”
Dr Ranga Rao, the magician: while we were waiting at
Aga Khan university, we were chatting with our Pakistani
colleagues. Dr Ranga Rao said, “I can make a person levitate
without touching him”. No one believed and challenged him
to prove. A chair was brought, and a Pakistani colleague sat in
it and we were watching with our fingers crossed, holding our
breath. Several seconds later, the person did levitate few
inches. I still cannot believe this feat!
Tail piece
Whenever I read something interesting or innovative, I will
email him a link with a note and he would respond with his
insights. He always appreciated my internet-based research
work at EMRI. He also used to tease my colleague SS Sriram
saying Sriram would have a mobile phone chip implanted in
his ear soon.
On August 15, 2015, Dr Ranga Rao organized an
impromptu 10-year anniversary meet of 108 launches at a
short notice. Most of the people who played a key role were
able to attend and reminisce about “good old days”.
Ranganatham Veluru might have audio recording of some of
the conversations. It was a great evening.
I am sure the book written by Dr Ranga Rao-his
autobiography like, the Hopping Memories will be of immense
use for the future and present generations.

Anil K. Jampala
 Dr Ranga Rao I Know
I met Dr Ranga Rao first time on 16th April 2005 at
Hyderabad, Second day of my joining as CEO of EMRI. It was
the 1st review meeting with Ramalinga Raju, Chairman of
EMRI. He was part of many review meetings and would speak
only when necessary.
I have been meeting Dr Ranga Rao since then for the
last 13 Years. He is extremely positive person. He is ever willing
to do good for others. He is vey Tech Savvy, innovative and
helpful.
Before launching 108 services in August 2005, I
travelled with him to Vijayawada, Vizag, Chittoor and
Warangal to meet district officials like Collectors and
Superintendents of Police. He advised me how to respect
district officials. I recall one incident where he advised me that
I should get up and leave the collector’s room before he gives
you signal to leave.
I spent almost a week with him at Delhi preparing IENA
document (Indian Emergency Number Authority) in July 2005
for setting up National Emergency Services and submitted the
same to Secretary, Telecom Dr J Sreedhar Sharma and
Minister Dayanidhi Maran.
I also travelled with him to various cities and towns in
AP to meet private hospitals and doctors who have their own
private ambulances to get their views about our 108 project.
One person who must be credited for EMRI for ideation
and preparatory work is Dr Ranga Rao (ably assisted by Anil
Jampala, YNS Kishore, Sudhakar Varanasi and Dr Balaji). He
gave extensive inputs later, on the processes, technology and
training.
We used to meet twice a week for designing
ambulance. With his inputs, the design is integrated from
functional, clinical, patient/relative friendly and aesthetic
perspectives. He invited his anaesthetist friends to get their
views on ambulance designs.
 He guided us on conducting successful doctors meet
before launching the scheme and made sure that
hospitals/doctors perceived it be helpful to them.
I am happy that we launched 108 ambulances in
Khammam (Dr Ranga Rao’s native District) on 27th February
2006. He spoke extremely well during the launch. I got the
opportunity to speak about Dr Ranga Rao and felicitated him
for his contributions.
Last, I worked with him was on the Highway road safety
project for insurance companies.
I am not today what I am, but for his inputs, guidance,
support and wishes.
I consulted him number of occasions personally for my
family/health issues.
I am fortunate that I attended many of his family
functions and it was my privilege to have known such a great
person.
I am confident that his book Hopping Memories will be
highly useful to all those who would like to adhere to lofty
principles and ideals the way Dr Ranga Rao observed always
and all the time.

Venkat Changavalli
 About the book and author
My strong desire to write a few words about the book
and about the author got stumbled to some extent due to
some equally strong inhibition. Reason is the author Dr A P
Ranga Rao happens to be my closest nephew and friend, who
is just ten days elder to me and who was born in the same
village and same house along with me. Because of this
intimate family and extremely intimate personal relationship,
I am forced to ration out some of my most genuine
expressions of love, admiration and appreciation about the
book and its author.
The book, very aptly titled HOPPING MEMORIES makes
a comfortable and interesting reading about his childhood
remotest memories, in ordinary and backward villages
belonging to maternal and paternal grandfathers. The life in
two contrasting villages-one in the then Madras presidency
and the other in the then Nizam state about 70 years ago has
been beautifully scripted. There is very interesting narration
about the village festivals, rituals, beliefs, deliveries of women
with the help of illiterate village Dai, mantras for scorpion,
snake bites etc.
There are some interesting incidents about his chance
meetings with Andhra Kesri Prakasam Pantulu and Bhogaraju
Pattabhi. My brother-in-law and his father being a staunch
freedom fighter, Dr Ranga Rao’s memories reveal a thread of
nationalism and patriotism. The most notable and interesting
part of this book and in fact the life and essence of this book is
about his long stay in Bhadrachalam as Government Medical
officer. In my view, Bhadrachalam reinvented Dr Ranga Rao. It
was in Bhadrachalam, a new RANGA RAO was born, a
reformist, a people's doctor, a relentless fighter against
malpractices in his own medical department, a one man army
who changed the face of Government hospital and a fearless
warrior against corruption. He used Bhadrachalam as his
laboratory for all his daring experiments in social and medical
fields.
 The fighter Ranga Rao, then landed in Hyderabad and
many more experiments followed. There are interesting and
truthful narrations in this book about various pathbreaking
reforms and projects in AP Handicapped cooperative finance
corporation, Indian Red Cross etc. Though he did not try to
take much credit, he really proved to be a great institution
builder by starting EMS, NIS etc.
He also mentioned in the book his intimate association
with some of the outstanding, highly people-oriented IAS
officers, with unquestioned integrity like Chandra Mowli,
Harinarayan, Jainder Singh, PVRK Prasad etc. The narration
about his meeting with late Rajiv Gandhi is also interesting.
This book, in a way, is incomplete. Dr Ranga Rao along
with his visionary friend Dr Balaji is the architect of two most
popular schemes 108 and 104 in combined Andhra Pradesh.
His contribution will be written in golden letters as long as
these two schemes are there. I hope someday Dr Ranga Rao
will write on this also as it will become an inspiring story for
younger generation. In this book, Dr Ranga Rao mentioned
that his father always had a soft corner to weaker persons in
his family, community, village and society in general. Dr Ranga
Rao inherited this noble quality in most abundant manner.
Hundreds of our relatives received his help and support
without asking. Perhaps no one in our family did so much for
his native place-JANMABHOOMI.
Dr Ranga Rao has unmasked, unhidden, open and
brazen contempt against injustice, hypocrisy, artificial display
of humility and corruption-both financial and intellectual.
There is always a fire in him-a burning fire and fighting spirit.
Surprisingly, we don't see that fire in this book. Possibly, he
wanted to be modest. The book has got all elements-except
self-praise and hatred against others.
That is why, I commend this book to all our relatives
and his vast circle of friends.
Bhandaru Ramachandra Rao
 INDEX

S No CONTENT

1. 1942-Infancy
2. 1943-1947- Childhood
3. 1947-1949- Middle childhood…. Political history
4. Memory Lane- my remotest memories
5. Village life at that time
6. Festivals
7. Earliest experiences with illness
8. Breast-feeding
9. Rituals
10. Delivery by a Blind Dai
11. Exposure to Vaccination
12. Adoptions in Family
13. Early Education
14. Clothing and Footwear
15. Lighting and Making Fire
16. Cooking on the Firewood
17. Daily routine in the middle-class families in the
village
18. Early Marriages
19. Transport …. Commuting usually by walk
20. Communications mostly by Courier
21. 1949-1952- Late Childhood
22. 1953-1958- Adolescence
23. Studies in Kama Reddy
24. SR&BGNR Collage, Khammam:1957-58
25. Becoming a Doctor: Hyderabad-Summer 1958
26. Arts and Science college, Warangal:1958-59
27. Gandhi Medical College:1959-1964
28. April -1961 to June -1962: 2nd Year and 3rd Year
(Jr) in Medical college
29. Stay at Narayan Guda…June-62 to May 63:
(3rd year (Senior) and 4th year (Junior)
30. My Marriage
31. Houseman ship: January 64 to December64 at Gandhi
Hospital
32. The Rural Medical camp
33. As Civil Assistant Surgeon Khammam: January
1966
34. Medical Officer- Burgumpad: 1966-68
35. Tommy
36. Family Planning Programme
37. Vasanthostavalu and Godavari Floods
38. Flood Baby
39. That day I decided to learn more of Obstetrics
Floods-No water to clean
40. Misplaced Charity
41. Tribal-Sustainable nutrition
42. Epidemics – Disobedience
43. Sivaratri
44. Assembly elections
45. Going to be a Father… Opportunity to go to UK
46. Preparation to go to UK Obtaining NOC from
Government of AP
47. Obtaining Passport and “P” Form
48. My first Air Travel
49. Arrival in UK
50. Stay in United Kingdom…Dumfries
51. In Pontefract
52. My first case - Electric shock
53. Driving License
54. Pay and other details
55. Social needs and Health care
56. Health care and System failures
57. Misuse and Health Care
58. Birth of Bharath
59. Park Hospital, Davyhulme, Manchester
60. Buying my first Car
61. Drums and Emergencies
62. Marriage of Harinath and Kalpana
63. Karuna and Bharath in UK
64. Locum Jobs
65. Tredegar
66. Mother-in-law died: Karuna’s departure for
India
67. Hope Hospital… Dr Pulliah Chetty
68. Loss of Passport-Stranded in UK
69. Illness
70. Bangladesh Born
71. Ladywel Hospital - Resigning a job
72. Chinese Doctor
73. As a Student of Tropical School
74. Friendship with Tom
75. Manohar arrives…. Bye to UK
76. Life in UK
77. Return to India
78. Government Civil and ID Hospitals- Bhadrachalam 7th
October 1972 to 14th October 1978
79. My experience with private practice
80. Misuse and Disuse of medicines
81. X-Ray Plant restoration
82. Fixed day Pediatric Services
83. Repairs and renovation
84. Guest House for Hospital
85. Anesthesia Equipment
86. Establishing Hospital Kitchen
87. Dr NRV Swamy and Temple honors
88. Additional Residential Accommodation
89. I too bribed!
90. Two trousers torn for learning Scooter driving
91. Andhra agitation
92. Harinarayan as Sub Collector
93. Tom and the riddle
94. Most admired Fake Doctor
95. Law of torts
96. Gupta Sahayam
97. The Case of Missing Medicines
98. The Slap
99. A fostered case
100. Bidam- Pamnoor Hills
101. Chatty Chandrasekhar
102. Chakradhar Rao the RDO
103. Jainder Singh as Sub Collector
104. PVRK Prasad: Collector Khammam
105. ITC Group
106. Failures and Challenges
107. Usha illness
108. Maya (Jainder Daughter) Born
109. The Three Krishnas
110. Family planning programme-Emergency
111. Breeding Bulls
112. Van- Fixed day and fixed route services
113. Snake Bites
114. Ruptured Uteruses
115. Branded as Extremist!
116. Allegation
117. Cultural Divide
118. Meeting G. Krishna the Journalist
119. Accident-Paraplegia-Suicide
120. Post Jainder
121. CM Jalagam Visits Vallabhi
122. Jubbi (Vani) Marriage
123. Divi Cyclone
124. APPSC Selection-CMs intervention
125. Demise of Father in law
126. My stay in Bhadrachalam
127. Family planning operation Visits to
Bhadrachalam
128. Exams- Postponement
129. House Surgeon Stipend
130. TACASA- District Branch
131. Government Doctor's Guest House
132. Activating Civil Assistant Surgeons Association
133. APCASA
134. Association Office
135. Guest House at Anantapur
136. A Madan Mohan- Minister for Health
137. APCASA Newsletter
138. First Strike Notice
139. Second Notice-Strike
140. Curfew-Communal Riots
141. Hotel Haridwar: Strike Office
142. Who is Dr Ranga Rao?
143. Resign and join me
144. Medical Services declared as Emergency
Services
145. Court Cases and Suspensions
146. Calling off strike unconditionally
147. Welfare activities for Doctors
148. Posted in Hyderabad
149. Meeting Kaloji Narayan Rao
150. Leprosy training
151. Visit to Konark, Puri, and Bhubaneswar
152. Gandhi Hospital- Anesthesia Department
153. Treasure Hunt with KS Bhargava
154. 1000 lights festival-Ramappa Temple
155. Visit to Vellur
156. Brahmotsavam
157. Moving to Punjagutta Quarters
158. Nela-Nela Vennela
159. Working with differently abled AP Handicapped
Coop Finance corporation
160. UNICEF: Childhood disability
161. BDL: Blind and Fuse Wires
162. IPM: Rehydration powder
163. Handicapped Survey in Medak-Gayathri help
164. Anwar-Recruitment
165. Sound Library
166. Braille Press
167. Hearing Aids
168. Jaipur Foot
169. Release of Jaipur foot Indira Gandhi's participation in
ZP meeting
170. Tricycles: Mobility Aids
171. Teacher Training programme for mentally retarded
172. Foot Care by Foot Wear
173. Raju - The attender
174. Elections in the State
175. National Institute for Mentally Handicapped (NIMH)
176. Operation Blue Star
177. Birth of EMS (Essential Medical services)
178. ESMEDS Medical Shops
179. Stint in State TB Centre (STC)
180. National Information Services
181. Kala Bhairava Kennel Foundation
182. AP State Red Cross Society
183. National institute of Social Action (NISA)
184. Verni Residential school for the children of Jogins
185. HKNS (Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh)
186. Panchavati
187. Bharath Higher Studies
188. Sustaining a Fracture
189. Advisor IRCS- IPKF- Northern Sri Lanka
190. Meeting Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi
191. Trip to Kaulalampur
192. Freedom fighter Assignment of land – Toopran
193. Divining Water
194. Comfrey Plant
195. Homeopathy: Ten tissue salts
 1942-Infancy

I was born on 20th September 1942 in a small village in

Khambhampadu, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh (at that
time in Madras presidency under British rule), in a tiled house
at 9.30 am on a Sunday.
The house belonged to my maternal grandfather who
was the head man/ revenue official of the village (Karanam)-I
was the second child to my parents. I was delivered by a born
blind birth attendant (Dai) who also delivered my mother. She
delivered many more in my family without any deaths of
either mother or the child at birth. All most all births happened
at home in those days.
The day I was born the situation in Great Britain was as
under-
20th September 1942: As part of British war effort to conserve
fuel every household is asked to bathe in no more than 5
inches of water, the royal family is leading the way with black
lines painted on all baths in the royal household at a depth of
5 inches with posters all over the palace reminding all the need
to conserve energy.
My mother had no modern antenatal care. Neither she nor
I were immunized against tetanus. My mother didn’t receive
any iron supplementation. She was taken to her parent’s
house few months before expected delivery and was made
more comfortable with lot of rest and comfort and affection.
After delivery the cord was cut with a sickle and I was put in a
basket. The placenta was buried. I was given a wash and
breastfed. No one was allowed into the room for 12 days and
no one was allowed to touch us. The birth attendant collected
the soiled clothes and it was her right to keep them. She was
paid some grain. A horoscope was drawn, and all relatives
were informed. My mother received a hot bath with water
boiled with herbal leaves (Vavilaku) on third day. She received
her daily baths in such fashion for 9 more days and on 12 th day
had the big bath with turmeric paste etc. and a pooza was
performed and a special rice dish (Pulagam- Rice and Jaggery)
was cooked and eaten. Then she was free to move in the
house and mix with people. I too was given daily baths by
elders or the birth attendant. They used to spread a cloth
under my bottom and remove once it was soiled and wash and
dry and reuse it.
On 21st day after birth I was a given a name and I was also
put in a cradle. During infancy I was not given any vaccination.
I was breast fed till my younger sister was born after two years.
However, at nine months on an auspicious day my first semi
solid weaning supplementary feed was given to me in a hill
temple 20 Kilometers away at a ceremony (Annaprasan). It
was rice boiled with Jaggery (Payassam). Similarly, I had my
first hair cut in a ceremony at the age of one year. I was taken
care during this period by three of my maternal aunts who
were not married then who were older to me by 13 to 9 years
supervised by my maternal grandfather’s mother and her
mother who were both widows. I was mostly nursed in a cloth
swing tied to the beam of the roof or in a wooden cradle.
Being the eldest born in my generation of the family I was
most affectionately attended. All 24 hours someone attended
on me and I was never left alone out of sight. There was no
electricity in the house and kerosene lamps or castor lamps
were used in the night. Almost every month my growth was
marked by ceremonies and the miles stones of development
were monitored. On the ninth day after my birth my
grandmother delivered a male baby in the adjacent room and
same birth attendant delivered him. We grew together and
shared many joys of infancy together.

1943-1947- Childhood
My recall memory for this period is very inadequate. I
remember very little of this period. I don’t remember any of
my elders telling me any time about my growth and activity
during this period. I don’t know where I spent my childhood
days. It could only be in my village Vallabhi in Khammam
district at that time in Hyderabad state (Nizam state) or in my
maternal grandparent’s house where I was born which was in
Madras presidency in Krishna District under British rule. My
village was the border village between two states. The
distance to my maternal grandparents’ village is only 15
Kilometers and the only mode of transport was bullock cart.
There was no laid road. We had to cross a river to reach that
village.

This was the period of Second World War and the Indian
independence movement. My father at that time being citizen
of Hyderabad state was actively involved in uprising against
Nizam rule.
He passed his matriculation and was articulate and
influential in the community. He was the first matriculate from
the village. He was the only one who could read, write and
speak English, Telugu, and Urdu in the village. My grandfather
could speak and write Telugu and Urdu. The official and court
language in Nizam state was Urdu. It was compulsory in the
schools. My father was given in adoption to his uncle who had
no children and inherited 200 acres of land in the village. His
adopted father died in his thirties and my father from
adolescence was the head of the family.
The crops grown at that time were mostly (90%) rain
fed dry crops like Jowar, ground nut, sesame, and pulses and
tobacco. The lands were cultivated with the assistance of
servants. He used to employ about 20 servants and had herd
of bullocks, cows and goats and sheep. We had irrigated land
under the village tank. Probably at that time he was the
biggest land owner in the village. The leaders of the uprising
demanding democracy from autocratic rule of Nizam in the
district of Warangal to which our village belonged to were Mr.
Jamalapuram Keshav Rao, who was a very popular mass leader
and Madapati Hanumanth Rao, Madapati Ramchandra Rao,
and Bommakanti Satyanarayana Rao. My father was a follower
of Jamalapuram Keshav Rao who inducted him into politics.
They have become state leaders in course of time. Incidentally
all these leaders were related to each other.
 There was rationing of kerosene, sugar, food grains in
those days because of war.
The world war was over with Hitler’s suicide on 30 th April
45 and dropping of atomic bomb on Hiroshima on 6th Aug
1945. India got its independence on 15th August 1947 from
British rule but not Hyderabad state from Nizam rule. So, the
struggle continued and was intensified. I stepped into my
adolescence and my recall memory has commenced.

1947-1949- Middle childhood

Political history

My younger brother was born on 21 June 1947.

My father was imprisoned in early 1948 as a political
prisoner for offering Satyagraha by hoisting the Indian
national flag and singing the Indian national anthem in my
village in front of my house along with his cousin brother.
They were imprisoned in Warangal Central Jail for
nearly one and half years. Even though India got
independence in 1947 the then ruler of Nizam state didn’t
accept to merge his state either with India or Pakistan. He
wanted it to be an independent nation. Kashmir was another
such state. The population in the state of Hyderabad was
mostly Hindu and the ruler was Muslim. In Kashmir the
population was mostly Muslim, and ruler was Hindu. There
were up risings against the rulers. Many great leaders of the
movement like Jamalapuram Keshav Rao, Kolipaka Kishan Rao,
Kolipaka Ramchandra Rao, Kaloji, Dasaradhi (poets), Hiralal
Moria etc. were the jail mates of my father. In addition to this
there were other leaders like Bommakanti, Vengal Rao,
Channa Reddy etc. who were active outside organizing.
Swamy Ramanand Thirtha, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao,
Konda Venkat Ranga Reddy, Ramanuja Rao, Melkote, Vinayak
Rao Vidyalankar, VB Raju, etc. were some of the other state
leaders. There was also a parallel movement of communists
started at that time headed by Ravi Narayan Reddy,
Devulapalli Venkateshwara Rao, Narasimha Reddy,
Makhdoom, and Swarajya Laxmi. The communist movement
got inspiration from leaders like Pucchalapalli Sundariah, Nagi
Reddy, etc. from Madras presidency.
To counter this popular demand Nizam instigated and
promoted a Muslim by name Kasim Razvi who in turn
organized a private army to suppress the movement. They
were called Razakars. They used to indulge in loot arson and
rape. To protect themselves from these atrocities many
families fled to neighboring Madras state, Bombay state and
Karnataka State. Many students left their studies and joined in
other states. Two of my uncles went to Machilipatnam in
Madras presidency to continue their studies. Our family i.e. my
mother, my elder sister, and my younger sister Vidyavathi, left
to my grandfather’s village in madras presidency. My father
continued to be in jail. For some days we were also in an
adjacent village “Gandrai” at 2 Kilometers distance along with
my paternal grandparents. This village was in Madras
Presidency.
Gandhi was assassinated on 30th Jan 1948.
Nehru was the prime minister of India; Sardar Patel was the
deputy prime minister and Babu Rajendra Prasad was the
president. After prolonged agitation in Hyderabad state for
merger with Indian union, Sardar Patel decided to move and
find a solution. He ordered the Indian army to march into
Hyderabad from all the directions and secure it and merge
with India. It was in the second-third week of September. It
was called Police action. There was no great resistance and in
5 days Hyderabad state was secured and merged with India
(Sep 17th, 1949). Nizam surrendered and Kasim Razvi, head of
Razakars fled to Pakistan where he died. Nizam was made the
Raj Pramukh i.e. Governor of Hyderabad state. KM Munshi
was appointed as the administrator. After few months Kutti
Vellodi was made the first chief minister and administrator till
elections were held. Elections were held in April 1951 and
Burgula Ramakrishna Rao was elected as the chief minister.
 Memory Lane- my remotest memories

The first memory I could recall from my remotest past was

of the year of 1948. The first photographic memory was me
sitting in the lap of my maternal grandfather and looking at the
fire on which he was making his early morning coffee. He had
the habit of roasting the coffee beans and grinding them and
brewing the coffee at 5 am every morning. He would pick me
up from bed after grinding the coffee beans and would lit the
fire and squat in front of it cuddling me, and would smoke a
“Beedi”- This was the first photograph memory that is
imprinted and stored in memory lane.
The smell of the roasted coffee beans, the whizzing sound
of the manual grinder the swirling smoke of Beedi and red
ambers of the fire wood are the associated memories. There
are many such frames of minor detail of day today life.
Another was lying in the cloth cradle tied to the roof beam and
someone would go on swinging it. The other is the monthly
administration of castor oil to the children. The child was
wrapped and held on the outstretched lower limbs of elder
and mouth forcibly opened, and an ounce of castor oil
administered. This was supposed to cleanse the bowel of the
child.
Another frame that comes to my mind is the morning
breakfast. In the house we were nearly 10 children and
another 15 adults. It was a great strain on my grandfather to
bring up such a big family. All the children were fed with the
leftover cooked rice from the previous evening mixed with
“Aavakaya” and curds for breakfast. The children used to
assemble after their morning rituals and the mixed rice was
distributed by an elder a morsel each till our bellies for full. No
plates were used. The adults had coffee or milk.
Behind our house was the Shiva temple. We used to offer
our prayers there and play in the compound. They used to light
the “kartheeka deepam” on the “dwaja sthambham” on all
nights of Kartheeka maasam. This was the most delightful
sight. This too remained as a photographic memory.
 Another memory was seeing my father. My father was
released in the last week of September 1949 after Hyderabad
state was merged with Indian Union after police action
ordered by Sardar Patel. He came to see us in my maternal
grandfather’s house in Khambhampadu. He came by walk
from Penuganchiprolu a village 5 Kilometers nearby. There
was a bus up to that village. He came by bus to that village and
walked to my maternal grandparents’ village. Few of us, the
male children ran in his direction waving the national flag and
shouting “Jai Hind”. For few minutes he was in doubt about
the identity of his son since he has not seen him for a year and
half. Slowly he recollected and picked me up and hugged me.

Village life at that time

The house in which we were living was a big house with lot
of open space. Most of the time we used to spend in the open
space playing, or underneath the trees conversing- There were
three of us of the same age group in the family who were the
youngest and we were always pampered by other elder
children or adults. They used to tell us many stories and teach
us many games. Mostly we used to play hide & seek. All used
to have two daily baths. Mostly it was with cold water drawn
from the well. The bath water used to irrigate banana trees
and other vegetable garden. All used to go to the nearby fields
for defecation. For emergency or for night needs there used
to be a place in the court yard for this purpose which was
enclosed. There used to be three kerosene lamps in the night.
Mostly we used to sleep in the open court yard, open to sky
which was the most pleasant experience. We used to sing and
play in the moon light. In each cot two of us used to sleep. The
cots were of bamboo frame woven with jute thread. They used
to pull the ends every evening to tighten so that they don’t
sag.
We were put in the village school where the mother
tongue was Telugu. The school was a thatched shed and there
used to be one teacher. He taught us Telugu alphabet. Mostly
it was memorizing. There were no benches or chairs for us to
sit. We used to squat on the floor and in the sand. None had
shoes with exception of my grandfather. We had no books or
slates. We used to practice the writing alphabet in the sand
with our fingers. Total strength of the school was not more
than 15 out of which 8 were from my house. There was no
electricity or piped water supply or road to this village. We
were given oral rewards by the teacher like Sri, Chukka etc.
We used to come home for lunch. Lunch used to be rice,
soft lentil dal, vegetable like Brinjal, beans, Cucumber, ladies
finger, Papad, Lentil soup (Pappucharu), Aavakaya and lentil
powder, ghee and curds. We were served the food in
aluminum plates, or in the leaves like “Vistari” or banana leaf.
For the dinner we used to have similar menu. There were
three widows at that time in the house. They were not taking
the usual dinner. They would be served “Uppudi pindi”- My
grandmother and her sister in law, and my grandfather’s
mother used to cook for all the people. They used to observe
“Madi”. We were not allowed to touch them. If we had to
touch we had to remove all our clothes and go naked.
My grandmother and her sister in law used to bring the
drinking water from a well about 300 meters from the house.
The water in the well in the house was of hard quality and was
not fit for drinking. The vegetables were mostly grown in the
yard or in the fields. We used to have cows and she buffaloes
for milk, curds and ghee. We never used to buy them- They
were all home grown are home made. They were in plenty. We
were self-sufficient for food grains like rice, lentils, pulses, oil
seeds, vegetables etc. The oil was obtained from the “Ganuga”
by crushing the ground nut or sesame seed. All the daily used
clothes like ladies’ sarees, and dhotis for men were woven and
supplied by the weavers in the village. Only for some functions
they used to buy vegetables like potatoes or tomatoes from
market in town. Fruits were mostly the ones grown in the
orchards or grown wild. They were seasonal. They were mostly
Banana, Guava, Apple custard, Mangoes, Seema chintha, wild
Regi kayalu. They were never bought.
 In those days many festivals were observed and
celebrated. The most interesting and important were
Vinayakachaviti, Gowri vratam, Kartheeka maasam,
Bathakammalu, Dasara, Deepawali, Sankranti, Ugadi, and
Vanabhojanalu, etc. In addition, there were some other locally
observed festivals. There were also ceremonies. Many
“Vrathams” performed which were optional.

Festivals

Vinayakachaviti: It is an important festival that all used to

observe in the village. The delightful thing about this was
collecting the needed leaves (Patri) and flowers (Pushpalu) to
decorate and use for worship (Pooza) of the God. The list is
prescribed and is there in the Stotram. All the children used to
go the fields and collect them. It was a challenge to find them.
Children by the age of 9 yrs. could identify most of them and
also knew their location. We could go anywhere and collect
them. There were no restrictions. For collecting lotuses, we
used to take the help of elders. Usually all these were collected
the previous day or early in the morning of the pooza day.
Usually children were brought new clothes and after head
bath we used to wear them and perform pooza. The idol was
made up of mud. It used to be prepared by Potter (“Kummari)
and given every year. The Brahmin used to come and perform
pooza and all the children used to place their books and slates
etc. at the feet of the Idol. The Brahmin would narrate the
story, and everyone was to listen to that to ward off evil
curses. Lunch was served afterwards with special dishes like
“Undrallu” and “Bakshalu”- In the evening we used to throw
“Undrallu” on the house tops. We were prohibited to see the
moon that night. Next day we used to collect the idol along
with all the flowers, and leaves and leave it at the base of any
plant or throw it in the river, pond, lake or well.
Gowri vratam: It was performed by the females for the
wellness and prosperity of the family. It was performed on
Tuesdays and Fridays in sravana maasam. The newly married
used to perform on all days for the first three years and others
on any Friday. They would make an idol with turmeric paste
and put it on a beetle leaf and on a copper vessel
(Marachembu) and new blouse piece wound round it and
anointed with turmeric and Kumkum. The lunch used to have
a sweet, and vegetables of the season. Ladies would invite
other ladies and relations to each other’s houses to see the
idol and take “Vainam”- They would apply turmeric paste to
the feet of married elder ladies (“sumanagalis”) and seek their
blessings. Rich would give a blouse piece and others would
give sprouted whole lentils. The children and adults were
served the fried sprouted in the evening which is very
delicious. Entire month used to be a festive season.
Kartheeka maasam: During this month, the light the
moon and the sky have the most beautiful special glow. Small
oil lights were lit in small earthen dishes (Pramidalu) and kept
around the house and in the temple. It was a most delightful
sight. A lamp used to be placed on the top of the Dwaja
sthambham of the temple which could be seen from far away.
Some such lights were left on the top of leaves in the streams
and lakes which would float. During this month (“Kartheeka
Vana Bhojanalu”) community feasts (Mostly of the same
caste) were organized in the Orchards. All the ladies would
jointly cook and serve. They used to tie ropes to the branches
of trees and swing. There would be community singing and
dancing. Children would play “Kothikommacchi”, hide and
seek and kabaddi. Adult males would play card games.
Dasara: It was another festival which children used to
enjoy a lot in those days. It used to be a ten-day long affair
culminating on “Vijayadashami”. All the children in groups
would go to each house and seek Jaggery and lentil for
themselves and Coins for their teacher. They would wear fancy
dresses during such outings. They would carry bow and
arrows. The collected lentils and Jaggery were eaten by them
and coins given to the teacher. Street actors would come from
other villages and towns wearing the masks of gods and in the
fancy dresses of “Dashavataras”. The transport vehicles like
carts etc. would be decorated and pooza performed for them
and agriculture implements.
Ladies of all castes would play “Bathakammalu” for 10
days during this period. Plates would be decorated with
combination of various flowers of the season in the center of
which they would place the Gowri made of turmeric paste in
each house and carry the same either to the temple or to the
water tank “Cheruvu” and all households would place them in
a circle and go around it dancing and singing. At the end of
each days playing and singing they would immerse the in the
water of the Cheruvu. Usually the flowers that are used are
local wild flowers like Tangedu, Gummadi etc. On plates they
would decorate On Vijaya Dashami day all would go to
“Jammi” vriksham and collect the leaves and share with all
with a hug and greeting. They would try and sight the bird
“Pala Pitta”. Then they would go to the temple.
Deepawali: It is a festival of lights, sound and smoke.
Festivities would start few days before the festival which
would fall on the darkest night “Amavasya”. On the day of
Amavasya all would wake up early in the morning and have a
head bath. The head bath was a great ritual. All would
assemble at one place and the eldest lady would anoint every
one’s scalp with oil and a “Harathi” is given. Mangala Harathi
is sung. All the males would gift some coins for the ladies in
the plate. Then all would apply oil to their bodies. A past made
of Rice powder and lentil powder is applied and after drying it
is rubbed off and a hot bath is taken. Children would burst
crackers. In those days a local instrument made of iron was
most popular “Rolu-Rokali”. One would fill that with some gun
powder like powder and hit against the wall or stone and
would make big sound. The other popular were “Tapakayalu”
“Kakarapu Vattulu”, “Tara Juvvalu”, “Mathabulu”, “Chicchu
Budlu”, “Seema Tapakayalu”, etc. Mostly the village rich could
only afford.
Sankranti: This is a festival of grain coming home and
celebrated for three days- Bhogi, Sankranti and Kanumu-
Usually all the family members including those married and
settled would come and receive gifts specially the son in laws.
The festival would come on every year on 14th Jan. The sun
would move to “Makara rasi”. It is in winter months. Ladies
and girl children would get up early and decorate the streets
and porticos with various designs of “Muggulu” and in the
center of which they would keep the “Gobbi” made of cow
dung and go around it singing. Children and others would
gather around a fire and warm themselves. “Gangireddu” a
bull decorated would be taken around the village by
“Gangirodu”. It would dance by shaking its head or moving its
legs to the command of the Gangirodu. An exhibition of all
toys would be held in each house and children would spend
lot of time collecting and arranging them. All would go to each
other’s houses to see them. Young children would be
showered with “Regi pandlu”. The special dishes during these
festivities were “Chakkilalu”, Minapa, pesara vundalu,
Pulagam etc.
Ugadi: This is the commencement of New Year of Telugu
speaking people. Usually people would buy new clothes for
this festival. They would all have head bath in the morning.
After that they would all have “Ugadi Pacchadi “made of
Jaggery, Vepa pootha, Tamarind- After the festive meal in the
evening they would all go to the temple to listen to
“Panchanga sravanam”
Krishnansthami: Birth day lord Krishna is celebrated on
this day. The main event of the day was “Vutlu kottatam”. An
earthen pot is filled with some red colored concoction and is
tied to a rope and hung on a pulley is drawn by a person. All
the people would assemble underneath it with sticks and
attempt to break the pot by hitting it while the person
operating it would try and would pull it up from the reach.
People would climb one over the other to reach it and break
it.
Sivaratri: This is dedicated to lord Shiva. Mostly people
would observe fast on this day and also observe “Jagarana”
wakefulness by not sleeping and perform Abhisheka.
 In addition, there were many minor festivities like “Kappala
Panduga” “Kukkala Panduga”, Atla Thaddi”, etc. Festivals for
village goddesses were also performed like Katta Mysamma,
Pochamma, etc. Mostly they were performed whenever there
was any epidemic of disease or floods or fire.
“Thirunala” was another event on which day people from
all villages would congregate at a village where it is held. There
were many Thirunala sites of which one was close by to
Khambhampadu- “Penuganchiprolu”. Villagers would
decorate their carts and hoist a “Prabha” (An assembly of
decorated poles) and carry it to Thirunala site.
In the summer there would be lot of community events
when people were at most leisure. They were “Burrakdha”,
Harikatha, “Veedhi Bhagavatham”, “Purana Sravanam”
dramas etc. organized at the crossings of four roads in the
village or in temples or some other public places.
Snacks and Tiffin: Varieties of snacks were made for
children for their evening bites. They were both cooked and
uncooked. The uncooked were mostly rice flakes (atukulu,
Pelalu, Bongu Pelalu Or Maramaralu). They were mostly the
flakes of rice or jowar. Children used to eat whenever they felt
hungry. They would satiate the hunger and fill the belly.
Sweets with good shelf life like Sunniundalu, Pesarundalu,
Kobbari louvsu, Karjikayalu, Pappuundalu, senagundalu,
Ariselu etc. were made with respective lentils and jaggery. The
hot in taste snacks were Karappusa, Manuguburelu,
Chakkilalu, etc. The cooked snacks were mostly fried flakes,
Upma, Uppudi pindi, Attu, Gare, and Vada and chapati or
rotte. Idly and poori were rarely made. Seasonally there used
to be some dishes like Makka Garelu, Makka Burelu, Pela pindi
etc.
Biscuits and cakes were not known. I tasted biscuits when
I entered high school and cake when I was in medical college.
None of the children used to drink coffee or tea till they were
in the high school or college.
 Earliest experiences with illness

My earliest experience with illness, which I can recall now,

was the affliction with Scabies a skin disease, probably when I
was 4 years old. I was staying in my maternal grandfather’s
house in a small village along with my mother and elder sister
(two years older to me). There were six other children of our
age group staying in the house. They were my mother’s
younger sisters and brothers, along with my maternal aunt’s
children. We all had to stay in the same house, as my father
and uncle were prisoners at that time. We, the children, used
to sleep huddled together at nights. All of us had the same
problem of itching, sores, and white blebs. We used to scratch
so much that we used to bleed from the sores and they used
to become painful. The treatment that was administered was
application of cow dung over the blisters and sores and
sometimes “Cybol”, a commercially available ointment,
packed in a cute little flat tin box. The application of ointment,
used to soothe the pain and we used to get relief after some
days, from the affliction.
In summer all of us including the elders used to develop
boils. Elders used to say that they are because of excessive
sweat. A paste of lime and water used to be applied over the
boils thickly after hot fomentation. In few days the boil used
to soften and subside or burst expelling pus. Elders used to
press over it to expel the pus. They also used to apply hot rice
powder paste, which used to stick on to the surface for few
days and the fate of the boil used to end in same fashion.
Sometimes pinkish eruptions used to erupt all over the
body and they used to itch a lot. We children used to scratch
ourselves and each other with a comb, obtained secretly,
when the itch was severe. Elders called the eruptions in our
local language as “Chamatakayalu – Prickly heat)”. The
treatment for Chamatakayalu used to be pleasant. They used
to fan us when it was itching and when we were sweating.
They also used to paste our body with freshly prepared
sandalwood paste. We children used to compete with each
other in preparation of the pastes. We used to smell each
other’s body after the application of paste and giggle.
When one developed fever he had to fast till it subsided. It
was not really fasting. We were deprived of routine feeds like
rice, Dal etc. We were given mostly fluids like milk, gruel, and
if fever persisted for long we were given Bun, obtained from
nearby town along with albukara dry fruit, grapes and juices of
Battaya fruit. Sometimes the other children who were not sick
used to mimic illness to have the pleasure of being served the
same as a change from the routine. If one had diarrhea again
one had to avoid the routine foodstuffs, till it subsided. They
were only allowed buttermilk, java, and gruel. The day
diarrhea subsided we were given little rice with “Shonti
Charu”, “Karappodi”, and “amla chutney”, and milk with
sugar.
The most dreaded and hated monthly ritual was the
administration of castor oil. The elder, usually the mother or
grandmother would sit, stretch her legs and make the child lie
on her extended legs, the hands and feet of the child tightly
held by someone, an ounce of Luke warm castor oil was
poured into the mouth and the mouth kept open till one
swallows. This was followed by denial of food till the process
of purging was complete. Afterwards “patyam” food i.e. rice
with Charu and Karappodi was given to eat. We used to enjoy
the spiteful act of holding the hands and legs of others when
they were administered the monthly dose of castor oil.

Breast-feeding

All the children were breast fed till the birth of next child,
which often used to be 18 to 24 months. Most children could
not be weaned off easily. Some had to be breast fed till they
were 5 to 6 years old. Mothers used to try all sorts of tricks.
Often a wet nurse used to be found to breastfeed and she was
usually rewarded with Jowar grain. Some mothers used to
smear neem paste around the nipples, which would taste
bitter when the child attempts to suckle. It used to be
Herculean effort in some cases to wean.

Rituals

In addition to these, often reliance was placed on other

rituals to ward off evil spirits, which were supposed to cause
ailments, more of chronic type. One ritual used to be very
simple, where the elder usually a grandmother used to take a
fistful of salt in the palm and wind it round the head of the
child clock wise thrice and anti-clock wise thrice. Afterwards
the salt used to be thrown in well or fire or deposited in the
village square where four paths meet.
Another method was burning an old rag of cloth in a vessel
and then the vessel with the burning cloth was taken around
the child’s head thrice in clock wise and thrice in anti-clock
wise fashion. Afterwards the vessel was immersed top down
in a high edged plate with water in it. The amount of gurgling
sounds it used to make was the measure of the severity of
influence, the evil spirits had on the child. There used to be
many variations of such practices. If none of these simple
techniques succeeded then offerings were made to the village
goddesses like Pochamma, Mutyalamma etc. The offerings
used to be simple like sending the offering of buttermilk and
rarely a cock, a goat, or sheep
Another variant of these rituals was what I have come to
know when I was little older and had younger sisters and
brothers born, and living in a town. I must have been ten years
old, and I was given the regular duty of visiting an elderly
respected person of modest living, to report the illness and
seek the Tayattu, a black thread that was blessed by the
person I was going to. It was to be tied on the wrist of child
that was ill or worn round the neck. Usually it used to be a
simple black thread, and some time the black thread with a
copper disk attached. The later was given for small fees.
A fakir dressed in black, carrying a bunch of peacock
feathers and earthen pot emanating the incense smoke, used
to visit homes, and elders used to seek cures from him for
chronic illnesses of the children. He used to mutter something
and used to blow softly on the body of the child for few
minutes and brush softly with peacock feathers, and then he
used to yawn for a long time. The number of yawns was
indicative of the severity of illness.
For whooping cough, the prescription used to be herbal
twig coated with turmeric paste to be worn round the neck.
If illness appeared to be serious the mother or some of the
loving elders used to take vows. Often, they used to be
offerings of coconuts or scalp hair or likes to gods or visits to
temple. Rarely did they use to be very serious vows like
offering the gold, silver, wealth, or difficult rituals like crawling
to the top of the hill where the Gods abode is located
(Temple). It depended on one’s capacity, belief, and
seriousness of illness.
The earaches were treated with instilling castor oil mixed
with Kumkum in the ears. Conjunctivitis was treated with
instilling breast milk in the eyes.
The scorpion and snakebites were treated with “Mantra”.
My great grandmother knew the Mantra for scorpion bites.
My mother practiced it for some time. Now I also know it and
had the occasion to practice it with success for scorpion bites.
None of us the children were treated during that period for
any illness by a modern Doctor. None of us remember to have
swallowed a pill or tablet or medicine or received injection.

Delivery by a Blind Dai

I was told that I was delivered by a blind Dai a local

traditional midwife. She was credited of delivering my mother,
six of my aunts, three uncles and my sister and younger
brother. She was supposed to have been born blind, and learnt
the art from her mother. She is credited with a record of not
having lost a baby or mother in all the deliveries she
conducted.
 Most of these treatments and cures were attempts by
elders to give solace and comfort to the sick, as there were no
doctors of any type of medical discipline available in reach.

Exposure to Vaccination

The first exposure we had to any modern medicine man

was when a person-carrying icebox with live vaccine of small
pox wearing a black coat and hat was summoned to administer
the vaccine to all children in the family. He used to put few
drops of vaccine on the lateral side of the left upper arm, and
twist over that with a lancet. They used to call it Royalvari
vaccine. It was a private vaccine. It used to take fifteen days
for the scab to form and fall. We still have the scars of the
same. It has given us the lifelong immunity. It took another 35
years after my birth for the world to eradicate smallpox the
most killing, scarring and blinding disease from the world. It
was mainly possible by development of dried and frozen
vaccine, concerted effort of Vaccination of all, and
surveillance. In those days whenever there was epidemic the
villagers used to practice offerings of cocks and Kallu (local
liquor from sap of toddy or Eeeta chettu) to the local village
Goddesses (Mutyalamma or Ganganamma) to ward off the
evil. If someone was afflicted with small pox they were put on
a bed made of neem leaves. So was also the practice, with
persons afflicted with chicken pox or measles. They were
mostly given the diet of Buttermilk.

Adoptions in Family

In fact, my father was richer than my two grandfathers

(maternal and paternal) as he has inherited more property
since he was given in adoption to his father’s brother who had
no children. In fact, my paternal grandfather has given three
of his sons in adoption to two of his blood brothers who had
no children (in his own village) and to his own father- in- law
who had no male child. My paternal grandfather had six
brothers (two own and four first cousins) in the village. Except
himself and another brother, none of the others had children.
The other brothers who had no children died young below the
age of 30 years. Their spouses survived till sixties. All of them
have adopted the sons of my paternal grandfather and his
brother and thus in the process protected their ancestral
property for the clan.
The causes of deaths of so many adult males below the age
of 30 years were never established. So were the causes for
infertility. The period in which so many adult deaths occurred
in males in the family was between the years 1915 to 1930. It
is said that all of them died of some chronic illness. Those dead
were not known to have temperate habits. There were many
young widows in the family during my childhood. They
survived till late in life. They were of immense help to the
family. But for them, most of the male children (Sons of my
paternal grandfather), in the family, would not have been
educated. They used to take care of the home and children, in
the town where the children were kept for studies.

Early Education

I was born on 20th September 1942 at my grandfather’s

house in a village. I am the eldest male of my generation. My
horoscope was immediately drawn by the local purohit. My
birth date was recorded in Government school at the time of
my first admission as eleventh November Nineteen forty-one.
It was a deliberate act and was based on the calculation that I
would be Sixteen years when I would be appearing for my
matriculation examination. In those days it was essential that
one was sixteen years to appear for the examination. If not,
one is detained till one reaches that age. My mother gave birth
to ten live children and had two abortions. She was married at
the age of ten. A dowry of Rs 116 was given. My father was 16
at the time of his marriage. He has passed his matriculation
examination by then. My mother comes from a family of 11
children and she was the eldest.
 Three of her younger brothers are junior to me in age. My
father comes from a family of 8 children and he is third in the
family and was born in the year 1917. My paternal grandfather
was the village revenue official “Karanam” and he was literate
in Telugu. My maternal grandmother could not write but could
read. She could recite the great epics “Mahabharata and
Ramayana”, without referring to the book. My maternal and
paternal grandfathers had school education up to 7 th standard
and could read and write Telugu. My paternal grandfather
could also read and write Urdu, which was the official
language of the state of Nizam to which state our village
belonged. My maternal grandfather’s village was in British
presidency. The border was only separating these two villages.
My father was proficient in Telugu, English, and Urdu. He also
learnt Hindi during the period when he was imprisoned for
political agitation and freedom struggle. My mother could
read and write Telugu and also used to use few English words
in her conversation.
On both sides, the families were dependent on agricultural
income only and income derived on the salary of Karanam was
extra for my maternal grandfather. Still my paternal
grandfather was financially sounder.
My early childhood (till I was 7 years old) was spent in my
maternal grandfather’s house with occasional stay for few
months in my paternal village.
I was put in school in the village along with my elder sister,
cousins, aunts and uncles of my age. It was a Government
single teacher school in a thatched hut. The teacher was from
the same village. There was no furniture. We used to carry
mats woven with the leaves of Eeeta chettu to squat. We were
the lucky ones in this respect. Most of the children did not
even attend this school. There were very few children in the
school and regular were too few. Initially there were no slates.
We used to write with our fingers in the sand. Entire alphabet
was learnt like that. We were mostly memorizing what was
told and had to repeat often. On return to home we had to
practice it in the evenings before going to bed. This activity
would be rewarded by bedtime story told by my Great
grandmother or her mother. They were most respected elders
even though they were widows (they were widowed at
younger age). They were most affectionate and knew how to
handle children. They could recite the two great Hindu epics
without referring to a book. In addition, they knew lot of
literature of Telugu and would also invent new stories every
day. They had a pool of rewards to train and discipline us. We
were lucky that these two great souls survived till we reached
our adult hood. We always used to go back to them for
counseling.
Similarly, the teacher in the school was also using the
reward technique, mostly rewards of recognition for
punctuality, regularity, observance of personal hygiene,
academic improvement and good behavior. We hardly used to
carry any books to the school. It was almost so till I graduated.
After scribbling in the sand with the finger and learning the
alphabet we were provided with slates to write on. The official
prayer in the school in my maternal grandfather’s village was
“God save the king”. It was a prayer like that in Urdu seeking
blessings of Allah for the ruler of our state of Hyderabad, “The
Nizam”, in my paternal grandfather’s village. By rule it was
necessary that we had to offer such prayers daily before start
of the school. This rule was not observed in practice daily and
was only observed on the day of inspection or visit by higher
authorities. Rest of the days we used to recite either
“Vandemataram” or some religious prayer.

Clothing and Footwear

Whenever we visited our paternal grandfather’s village

and were attending the school we had to wear “Sherwani” and
the Turkish topi. I also learnt Urdu alphabet during such
periods of stay. Normally the dress we used to wear was a
slightly longish shirt with which you could conveniently
dispense with the need for a short. It used to be so for the boys
till we were 7 or 8 years. After that we used to wear an under
wear till we were 11 or twelve years after which we were
provided with half shorts till 14 or 15 years of age. We never
wore shoes or “chappals” till we were in high school. If it was
very hot and we had to walk back from school the servants or
the elders used to carry us so that we did not burn our feet.
We never had more than two or three pairs of clothes.
They were woven with cotton thread. Every day they were
washed and reused. New clothes were purchased on the eve
of festivals, or marriages. Most of the males in the villages had
only a loin cloth (Gochi) to wear. Most had only an upper
garment. Women used to wear thick sarees mostly woven in
the village by local weavers and most often aged and children
were without any upper garments. Male children below the
age of ten used a cloth to cover their genitals like a safety
napkin.
In our family we were provided with cots to sleep. They
were of lightweight and could easily be carried inside out. The
cots were woven with jute threads. The cots were provided for
the fear of snakes and scorpions. No mattresses were
provided for the children. The mattresses were a luxury mostly
provided to the newly wedded. For others there used to be
two sheets one to cover and another to spread on the cot.
Pillows were only for the elders. Others used the folded
clothes or a stone as pillow.
The entire family used to have one or two trunk boxes
mostly to keep the costly sarees given at the time of wedding.
The clothes used daily, were hung on a bamboo staff.
Washerwoman used to come daily and collect the clothes and
take them to the village tank for washing. Beating on a stone
washed them. They were not ironed. Clothes ironed were used
only in marriages and festivities. However, my father always
used to wear ironed clothes, since he could afford.
It was compulsory that everyone has at least one bath
a day. There were no bathrooms. All children used to have the
bath at the wells. The water was drawn from the well
(Sometimes by the servants) and was poured on us. Soap was
not used for children. Adults gave small children bath. The
children were laid on the extended legs of elders who were in
sitting posture, and a bath was given with Luke warm water.
First the child was anointed with oil and subsequently rubbed
with a paste made from rice and lentil powder. After it dried it
was slowly rubbed off by pouring water. Once in fifteen days
or on the eve of a festival, which usually occurred almost every
month, a head bath is taken. Older children and adults used
Soap nut for washing purpose. Hand washing was only with
water. Some used either ash or earth as rubbing agent.
The utensils were washed and cleaned by
washerwoman. She used to use ash or tamarind to scrub and
clean the utensils. She was paid in kind once a year in grain.
Payments to servants were only in kind including those who
were providing services like washerwoman.
Persons belonging to different castes were providing
different services. Even some of the other transactions were
in kind. The teacher, the priest, washerwoman, the person
supplying footwear, person weaving bed sheets, person
supplying pottery, person making agricultural implements,
person supplying baskets, etc. were all paid in kind. Families
belonging to different castes providing these services were
rotated annually to provide services to different families who
could afford them. The caste structure was very powerful. No
one else was permitted to do the job of a particular caste. No
inroads by others were allowed. None, however powerful one
may be, could tamper with rotation system.

Lighting and Making Fire

To make fire, one used the embers of cow dung cake

that were not put off. They were added with new cow dung
cake and fanned to make fire. Usually they were stored in
earthen plates (Matti Chippalu). When I was seven years old, I
happened to squat on one of them accidentally resulting in
burns of my bottom. I was treated with application of paste
made of fried, cooled and grounded paste of the flowers and
leaves of a shrub in local language called “Tangedu”.
 In those days matchsticks were not always available in
the villages. They used to rub two white stones called
Chekumiki rallu to make fire with piece of cotton kept in
between. Few smokers (especially Chutta (Cigar) smokers)
used to carry these in a pouch. It was thrilling, watching these
people make fire with such contraption. Such was the poverty
in the villages. Once by chance I observed a city dweller
making fire with a magnifying glass, holding it on some paper
against the sun. For lighting in the nights the rich villagers used
Kerosene lanterns. The poor used to finish their chores by dusk
and go without a light. Sometimes they used castor oil to
provide light. Mostly the light that guided them was moonlight
only.

Cooking on the Firewood

The cooking was done on the fire wood. Three stones

would be placed on the ground and in the middle the firewood
pieces are placed, and fire was made with simmering charcoal
or dung pieces. The vessel would be placed on the top of the
stones and slow cooking was done. They would fan it
occasionally. There would always a fire place at a corner in the
kitchen where a hole is dug in the ground and cow dung cakes
were burnt. This was called “Dali Gunta”. There would be
simmering char coal dung pieces burning all the time. Milk
would be heated on this. Kerosene stoves came only after few
years. “Kumasi” either made of Iron or baked and fired mud
was also available for cooking small quantities. Gas stoves
came only after 40 yrs. There used to be lot of smoke.
The vessels used for cooking were mostly earthen in
different shapes and sizes. The same were used for storing
grain, pulses, tamarind, jaggery and powders, chilies etc.
Sometimes stone ware “Raachippa” was used specially for
brewing “Rasam” or “Charu”. Eating was from leaf or
Aluminum plates or banana leaves and for drinking water
earthen pots or aluminum tumblers were used. Stainless steel
came much after. For serving food they would use iron or
wood spoons and spatulas. Water was stored in earthen pots
or “Koozas” or brass or copper vessels “Bindelu”- In travel
water was carried in “Marachembu” or dried “Sorakaya” or
leather bag. The milk, cream, ghee, butter, etc. was stored in
earthen pots and hung on to the roof. The pickles were stored
in china ware “Pingani Jaadeelu” No tables or chairs were used
to dine. All used to eat squatting on the floor on mats or
wooden “Peeta” in a line. There were no wash basins, and all
used to wash hands on the floor with a tumbler. Eating was
with hands. All used to wash their hands and feet before
eating and after. Cooking and cutting vegetables etc. were all
done squatting on the floor.
Breakfast was not cooked. Elders only drank milk or
coffee. Tea or coffee was consumed only twice a day. Children
were fed with “Chaddi annam” (left over rice mixed with pickle
(Aavakaya) and curd. Children would gather around an elder
and a morsel of food was placed in each one’s hand and they
would eat. Lunch used to be at midday. Routine servings were
rice, dal, a vegetable fry, pickle, ghee, Rasam and curd or
butter milk. For dinner also, it used to be the same. The
widows would skip their dinners and only eat “Uppudi pindi”.
The snacks were varied.

Daily routine in the middle-class

Families in the Village

The daily routine in all most all the houses used to be

the same. It would only vary by seasons or wealth.
All would get up by 5 AM. Servants would sweep the
porticos and the cow sheds and sprinkle cow dung water and
place “Muggu”. They would clear the cow sheds and lift the
dung and left over on the waste pile “Chettha Dibba”. They
would milk cows and she buffaloes in big vessels. They would
draw water from the well or carry water from other sources
and store for the humans and animals. Some servants or the
women folk would light and start the fire and the start boiling
the milk. They would make butter milk, churn the curds and
draw the cream and boil it to make ghee. The villagers would
bring and pour the leftover of their kitchens in the water
storage vessels for animals to make “kudithi” for them. Then
they would collect butter milk from the house lady and leave.
All would complete their ablutions and take bath and have
their tea or coffee and children their milk or Chaddi Annam.
The washer woman would collect the soiled linen and
take them for washing them to the village pond or tank.
Children would leave for school. Servants would finish their
ablutions and consume Chaddi Annam. Male servants would
have left to the fields for agriculture work. The cow herds
would collect the animals and take them for grazing. The
women folk would fetch drinking water and start the process
of cooking. By midday all would have had their lunch. After
wards they used to lie down for an hour or so. Male members
would attend to their accounts or reading.
Women folk would gather and make leaf plates, or
churn charka and make thread. They would press “Appadams”
or make “vadiyalu”.” The servants would pound rice or grind
powders. They would spin and make ropes. Elders would
make snacks. They would cut excess vegetables of the season
and sundry them to “Vorugulu” to use in lean seasons. Daily
routine used to be picking out small rubble and stones from
rice before it was cooked. Adolescents would groom the
children and pick up lice from their heads. They would grind
“gorintaku” and apply designs (Mehindi”) to the palms and
feet which after some time would become red. They would
practice “Muggulu” and also spend time learning stitching and
lace work.
Children and adolescents would play indoor games like
“Pacchis”, cards, “Astha, Chemma”, “Puli joodam” etc. Some
would listen to Ramayana or Bharatam or Puranam or
Bhagavatam. In the evening the males would go to the fields
to supervise agriculture operations, children to the play
grounds to play, kabaddi, ball badminton, Jilla godu etc. The
girls used to play skipping, “Billa godu” or practice knitting or
practice other hobbies. Servants would spin and weave jute
and coir ropes. Animals would have returned home and tied in
the sheds after watering. Milking of animals would take place
and the women folk would cook evening meals. Another daily
event was cleaning the lanterns and filling them with kerosene
and lighting them. The Dhobi would have brought the washed
and dried clothes. All would have their bath and eat their
dinner by 8 pm. The story telling by the eldest would start and
all would doze off to sleep.

Early Marriages

The age at marriage was early. Mostly the girls were

married off by 10 or 11 years and boys by the age of 16 to 18
yrs. However, their married life would start much later. My
maternal grandmother was married much earlier at the age of
6yrs. There was no contraception practiced or known.
Abortions were common. Infant mortality in the population
was also high so also was maternal mortality. Dowry was
common. My father has been paid a dowry of Rs.116.
Consanguious marriages were common. Horoscopes of bride
and bride groom were to match.
The priest (purohit) was usually the one who would fix
the matches. Auspicious day would be selected for the
marriage by the Purohit. Someone from the family would go
and invite the closest relations. Other relations would be sent
letters of invitation through a courier usually the washer man.
The same was the model for most of the family functions and
ceremonies. Letters were sent through the postal services to
very far off places. Printed invitations were not there. The
marriage would be celebrated at the bride’s place. Relations
would come couple of days in advance. They would arrive by
bullock carts. The marriage ceremonies would last for 3 to 5
days. Cooks would be employed. “Pandals” would be erected
in the open spaces of the house with Palmira leaves.
Temporary bath rooms would be erected. Pandals
would be decorated with mango leaves and banana leaves.
Petromax lights would be hired. This was a kerosene lamp with
a wick which was burnt with kerosene under pressure. It used
to give a bigger glow of higher candle capacity. The marriage
ceremony used to be full of rituals, festivities, feasting, singing,
fun and frolic. There would be an orchestra mostly with local
instruments like “Shehnai”, drums (Dolu} and sometimes
western instrumentalists were hired. They would play many
traditional songs. All would wear new clothes. The rituals were
spread over 3 to 5 days and they used to be “making bride and
bridegroom, Gowri pooza, Reception (Edurkolu), Sthalipakam,
Vara pooza, application of Jeelakarra bellam, Mangala sutra
dhrana, talambralu, Alaka and Appaginthalu”.
After the marriage the newly married would be taken
around the village in a “palanquin” (“Pallaki). This was carried
by few people called “Bois” traditionally the washer men.
After that the newly wedded along with relations would
go to the Bride groom’s village and spend three days and
return to the bride’s house to stay for another 3 days. The
travel used to be either by bullock carts or “Mena” or on
horses.

Transport …. Commuting usually by walk

Commuting was usually by walk. Usually one would

walk 8 to 10 miles a day and rest and would proceed next day.
Aged and children used to commute to other villages by
bullock carts. There were two types of bullock carts. One was
what was used to transport goods like grain, fodder, and
fertilizers and construction and other material. Four to five
persons could easily travel in such carts. The other was
“Kacchdam” a passenger cart with a roof and a cot for sitting
or lying in. It could carry 3 to 4 persons. It was smaller in height
and could easily be climbed in or out. It had a shade from sun
and rain. Pregnant women, children and rich used to travel in
“Mena” which was carried by about 8 persons or in a Pallaki
again carried by 6 to 8 persons.
There were no roads to any of the villages we were
living in or usually travel to. There used to be only cart tracks.
My maternal grandfather had a Mena. My father used to own
a Kacchdam. My father also used to travel on horseback. He
used to own one. My father also knew cycling and used to
commute on it in town and in summer in between villages. In
towns there used to be bullock carts (drawn by single bullock)
called “Vonteddu Bandi” and “Tanga” and “Jataka” both
drawn by horse. They were available for hire local transport.
Rikshaws (drawn by man) were yet to be introduced and also
cycle Rickshaws. Trains were mostly in between major towns.
Buses were yet to be introduced. Cars were very rare and were
only in towns and owned by very rich. The nearest railway
station to my village was 35 kilometers away and to my
grandfather’s house was 15 kilometers. The time taken to
travel by non-mechanized transport was very slow and long
and maximum one could travel in a day was limited to of 30
kilometers. Because of these constraints travel by people was
limited and there were many in the villages that have not gone
and seen beyond 30 kilometers from their village.
Nizam Government had its own Railway authority and
Road transport authority. The buses were small. Initially they
were run on Steam. I have seen buses and Lorries run on
steam. Whenever they had to negotiate a height someone
would put more coal in and rotate a crank to boost the power.
The trains too were run on steam. They had watering
points at various stations and water was drawn manually from
open wells near the station and poured into the boiler of the
train. Later (when I was studying in Khammam) we used to
watch the trains going up and down and listen to its musical
rhythm of sound it made and the whistle. Many people used
to collect hot water from the engines of the trains at the
stations. We used to place small denomination coins on the
track and collect them after the train passed on it. It used to
be totally flat. Whenever a passenger train used to pass
through a station they would sound bells twice. The first bell
used to be when the train left the previous station and the
second bell when it reached the outer signal near the station.
 My house in Khammam was in between the outer and
inner signals towards Hyderabad and about 100 meters from
the train track. We could easily hear the bell. My father used
to start from the house at the sound of first bell and walk to
the station on the side of railway track and reach in time to
catch the train. Every evening a person would walk to the
signals and place the kerosene lamps behind the glass
windows of the signal posts (Red and Green) for visibility of
the signal to the approaching train. Signals were operated
manually by someone walking to the signal post and draw the
lever to change to the safe and empty track for the train to
travel.
Another sight to watch was transferring the key to the
next station. It used to be a big ring with a rod arm attached
and the key embedded in the frame. Whenever a train arrived
at the station it was handed over so that no train on would be
allowed to pass on the same track till the train with the key
has arrived at the next station. They would unlock and allow a
train to pass. Whenever an express train was passing and
there was no halt at the station a person would stand close to
the track on the platform and raise the ring holding the rod
and driver of the train would put his hand through the ring and
pick it up. All this was for safety as there was only a single
track. It took another 10 years for completing the double track
on which the Canadian diesel engines were introduced and
another twenty years for electrification of the track for
electrical locomotion to commence. There were ticket
inspectors on the trains who would pass from one
compartment to the other walking on the steps outside the
running train. It was a great balancing act. There were no
vestibules at that time to pass through compartments.

Communications mostly by Courier

Mostly the communications were by courier. Sometimes

they would use the postal service to send letters. But one
would need to go to nearby bigger village to post them.
Telephones were available only in cities. Towns and other
villages connected by rail network had the facility of
telegrams. One could send a message on payment to someone
who used to reside in a place connected by rail. A courier
would deliver such written message to the concerned. It was
used mostly in emergency events like deaths etc.
There was no access to newspapers in the villages and the
circulation was limited to towns and big villages where postal
services were available. Newspapers would reach 4 to 5 days
late. Radio was only available in cities. Transmissions were for
a limited period. So was the “Cinema”. 99% of villagers were
illiterate. They could not read or write. Few mythology books
were available in my grandfather’s house. As a he was the
Karanam (Revenue official) he had access to white paper. He
used to keep an ink bottle and a writing instrument pen
(“Kalam”). He would dip the pen in the ink bottle and would
write on paper. Fountain pens were getting introduced.
Pencils were available. Some adolescents in the house would
make local ink and pens with sticks and use Palmira leaves to
write.
Abacus an instrument to learn mathematics was available
in the school. Children were taught to memorize and
repeatedly recite what they have learnt; be it poems, the
multiplications or texts. Most of the children would recite the
poems from “Vemana”, “Sumathi”, “Dasaradhi” Shathakams.
They were taught podupu Kathalu.
Children used to go and observe with fascination the work
of village artisans like carpenter making agriculture
implements, the potter making pots on the wheel, the
weavers spinning thread on the “Charka” and weaving cloth
on the “Maggam” and dying them, and the gold smith making
jewelry and the oil man crushing the ground nut and making
oil. Children were never bored as there was so much to
observe and learn.
With the release of my father from political imprisonment
on 21st September my middle childhood has ended, and we
moved to my native village Vallabhi.
 1949-1952- Late Childhood

India which won independence from British rule is just

2years young and me 8 years in 1949. I have learnt my Telugu
alphabet and could read and write Telugu. I have learnt
additions, subtractions, multiplications, and divisions. I have
memorized Sumathi and Vemana Shathakams.
The Razakars movement was over and Hyderabad state
was merged into India through police action. It was an
independent state in Indian union. It comprised of three
regions Telangana to which we belonged, Maratha, and
Kannadiga regions. For some time, it was under an
administrators rule. The administrator was Mr. Vellodi.
Communist movement started in Telangana region and
spread to all districts of Telangana. Communists went
underground and started armed struggle. Their slogan was
ownership of land to the tiller. Their struggle was against the
big land lords, Deshmukhs, and Zamindars, who owned vast
stretches of thousands of acres of land. It became a popular
movement and the then administrator’s Government tried to
suppress it through deployment of Malabar police brought
from Kerala under the stewardship of “Nanjappa”. The
communists would conduct Guerilla raids and conduct
people’s court and beat and kill the land lords and their
supporters and the congress leaders too were targets. With all
this there was unrest in the villages and many land lords and
congress leaders have migrated to the towns to the protection
of police.
We too moved to a neighboring village
“Chervumadharam” 5 Kilometers away where there was a
school and also police camp. We were four children myself, my
elder sister, my younger sister and younger brother. My father
was in the town Khammam and sent word through a relation
and my father’s jail mate Kondapalli Seetharamrao to move to
Chervumadharam and informed us that Seetharamrao would
accompany us to the new village to which Seetharamrao
belongs. We started in a bullock cart “Kacchdam” and
Seetharamrao was in the front and all of us were seated in the
rear. The male servant was leading the bulls with a rope in
front. Seetharamrao had another three brothers two of them
in the Government service and another younger brother by
name Subbarao. Seetharamrao that day was wearing the wrist
watch of his brother Subbarao. While the cart was negotiating
a curve at the border of my village two armed persons with
guns came in front and signaled to stop. We had to stop. My
mother started crying. My younger brother was sleeping.
I vividly remember the scene. The armed persons signaled
Seetharamrao to alight and took him to the side in front. They
were enquiring with him who we were and where we were
going? He immediately answered that he was Subbarao and
was taking his relations from the village to his village for some
ceremony in his house. The cries of my mother were
increasing, and she was shouting pleas to them not to harm us
and release us. One of the armed person came to my mother
and told her not to cry and also told her that they would not
harm us and were only interested in Seetharam Rao. As my
mother was listening to the conversation and pleas of
Seetharamrao that he was Subbarao immediately confirmed
to them he was Subbarao and not Seetharamrao in whom they
were interested. Meanwhile Seetharamrao regained his
composure and suddenly remembered that he was wearing
the wrist watch of Subbarao on the backside of which
Subbarao name was etched. He immediately took it out and
showed the etched name on it to support his plea that he was
Subbarao and not Seetharamrao. After repeated pleas they let
us proceed.
From a distance few of the ladies from my village working
in the fields were observing all this. However, they could not
intervene. Once the cart started rolling and the armed men
moved into the bushes they approached us and learnt what
happened. We travelled from my village a short distance only
and the way forward was longer. Seetharamrao was
apprehensive that if we go forward on way to
Chervumadharam the armed persons may enquire and find
out the truth that he was not Subbarao and come back again
and kill him. More and more people gathered. A plot was
hatched that we would return back from my village where we
started on the requests and pleas of the villagers saying that
an epidemic of small pox broke out in Chervumadharam and it
is not safe to go there. The villagers in bigger tones were saying
the same to us. The cart moved back. Again, the armed men
appeared and enquired what was happening.
The villagers started telling them how severe the epidemic
was and how unsafe it was to go there with children etc. At
last the armed men relented and let us return to the village.
The moment we returned home entire village was in my
house. Seetharamrao was whisked away for safety and a
messenger with a letter from to the Malabar police camp
narrating the whole episode and requesting for an armed
escort was sent. By midnight a company of armed police
arrived and in the night escorted us to Chervumadharam. The
armed men belonged to a Dallam headed by Karnati Kistiah
who was underground at that time and later won the elections
and became MLA from communist party. We had very cordial
relations with him and whenever he used to visit us it used to
be a topic for conversation.
We lived in the house of one of the brothers of
Seetharamrao which was vacant. It was a tiled house with big
campus and on the main street near Venugopal Swamy
temple. It had the scented creeper of “Jajimalli” and
“Sampangi”- Both used to emit a pleasant smell. It was close
to the police camp. I and my elder sister were put to school.
This village had a very big water tank. When it was full it used
to overflow, and the surplus used to fill our village tank. Most
of the irrigation tanks were interconnected. The tank was on
the road to my village. In fact, the bund of the tank was the
elevated road. I was fascinated by this tank and often I would
go there and sit on the bund and watch the vast expanse of
water. There used to be lilies in this tank. Our stay in the village
even though was otherwise very pleasant was marred by two
tragedies. My mother had an abortion and my younger sister
died. She must have been 4-5 yrs. old when she died. Only
local Ayurveda and herbal treatment was given. She
apparently died of “Jaundice”. This was the first death I
witnessed.
Saddened with the tragedies we moved to “Khammam” at
that time a Taluk headquarters in Warangal district. At that
time, it had a population of 25 thousand and had a railway
station and a bus stand. In the beginning we stayed in the
house of Arkal Jagannadharao, advocate. It was a newly built
house with Madras terrace etc. and had a toilet serviced by
scavenger. The toilet was an open type and the scavenger
would come daily and collect human waste and carry it in
buckets as head load. We stayed there for few months and
moved to another house adjacent to the railway line which
belonged to Hiralal Moria a poet and a fiery speaker and
congress leader. My grandmother who adopted my father was
living with us. I was named after her husband. Her mother also
used to stay with us. Both were widows.
My grandmother was the most beautiful woman I could
recall. There was a great glow of her skin. Her younger sister
was also staying in Khammam. We had few relations from my
mother’s side too. My mother’s paternal aunt and her family
too were living in Khammam. He too was an advocate. He was
Parcha Srinivas Rao. We used to go their houses in the single
bull drawn hired cart “Vonteddu Bandi”. Very rarely we used
to go by Tanga or Jataka horse drawn carriages. My
grandmother, her mother and sister were very orthodox
devotees of Lord Panduranga of Pandaripuram. Since my
name too was Pandu Ranga Rao, and their deity was Pandu
Ranga and my late grand father’s name was Pandu Ranga, I
was accorded great respect by these women folks. They would
never sit in front of me and would rise whenever I enter their
presence and I was always addressed respectfully and never in
singular form.
My grandmother was suffering with some chronic ailment
and was taken to Vijayawada for naturopathy treatment in
“patamati Lanka”. I don’t remember the mode of transport to
Vijayawada (probably by train at night) but I do remember
traveling in a boat at Vijayawada. We stayed for few days and
returned to Khammam leaving her there. She ailed for few
months and died there. Soon after her mother too died.
My father was planning to build a house in Khammam and
bought a plot of 640 yards in Mamillagudem. It costed him Rs
640 @ one “Bandi” Rupee for Square Yard. In Hyderabad state
we had two types of currency. One was the Nizam
Government currency “Halee Rupee” and British India or
subsequently Indian Union currency “Bandi or circar Rupee”.
Each had a sub division of 16 annas per rupee and 6 Kanis per
Anna or 6 Dammidis per Kani. A bag of Paddy used to cost a
rupee. There used to be a minor value difference between the
two Rupees. The circar or Bandi rupee used to be of higher
value. In front of the Railway station there used to be
Exchange counters for exchanging the currency. Even though
both were accepted in Hyderabad state it was not so in the
areas of Indian union. They used to charge a commission for
exchange.
Distances were measured in Miles with division of furlongs,
and furlongs with division of Yards and yards in divisions of
feet and feet in divisions of inches. The metric system was not
known. Similarly, the volumes were measured in Manika, Seru
and Gidde. The weights were measured in Manugu, pound,
Veesa, Phalam, and thulam. The time was measured mostly in
the villages by Jhamulu and Poddulu, Ghadiyalu based on
degrees sun and star movement. In towns many used the
modern time in hours, minutes and seconds since clocks were
available. My father used to have a watch “West end”. He had
it till his end of life. We used to calculate very quickly the
currency exchange.
We again moved to a new house in Khammam nearer to
the plot my father bought so that it would be easy to oversee
the construction of the house. My father was active in the
politics and he was Taluk congress secretary. He used to
commute a lot between my village and Khammam. We first
moved to a tiled house belonging to a driver belonging to the
caste of Lambadi.
I joined a school at a walking distance and it was known as
“Tahathania”. It too was a tiled house with some thatched
sheds. It had benches. I was put in second class. The medium
of instruction was “Telugu”. We used to have a Muslim
teacher by name Rasool who would never utter a single Urdu
or English word in his teaching. He was such a stickler to rules.
He was very good in teaching maths.
The common games we used to play in those days were
“Kabaddi” and Becchalu and Goleelu. Becchalu was a local
invention. Children used to collect thrown empty cigarette
packets and peel them off and make each packet into two
cards. The value of each card would depend on the sale price
of that particular brand of cigarette. Various brands of
cigarettes were available in the market. They were Capstan,
Scissors, Pashing Show, Navy cut, Marco polo, Charminar,
Camel, star etc. Each one would place equal number of cards
in the middle of a circle on the top of which a stone would be
placed. In turns they would throw a flat stone from a fixed
distance trying to dislodge the pack from the circle. He would
collect the cards he would dislodge, and the next person
would follow suit. The winner was the one who has collected
the maximum number of cards which he could keep. Wealth
of a person depends on the value of the cards he would
possess. Similar was the game with Pebbles “Goleelu” which
too was very popular.
The plot my father bought at that time was at the outskirts
of the town and earlier it was a mango groove. Still there were
some mango trees. There was no laid road and only foot paths
and cart tracks were there. A stream used to flow on the way.
My mother’s sister bought the adjacent plot and few other
relations nearby. The plots were adjacent to Railway track. My
father and my neighboring uncle and his brother all started
building their houses. Mr. Rajanna was the head mason. Carts
arrived from my native village to transport sand, lime, and
brick and so were some labor. They erected a “Dangu” a
circular grove to crush and prepare lime paste. There was this
big stone wheel which would rotate in the groove and a pair
of bullocks used to pull the stone. Lime powder and water
were put in the groove. This was used to cement the bricks.
My father acquired good knowledge of Construction work
and he was very good in maths. He would innovate and
venture into new areas. The plan and design of my house was
different from that of my uncles. The house was built with
brick and lime and with lime plastering and the roof was part
RCC and part Madras terrace. Closed ducts were provided for
drainage of water from the roof. A bath room was provided
outside with tin roof and an open toilet in the campus
detached from main house. Scavengers used to lift the human
waste. There was an open well and the water table was high
and in rainy seasons we could pick up water from well by hand.
It never used to dry even in summer. We used to draw water
from the well with a bucket attached to a rope. There used to
be a wheel to draw the bucket over the well on a horizontal
bar. The flooring was of non-polished “Shahabad” stone. The
walls were white washed. There was a verandah, one master
bed room one children bed room and an office room and a
small study room. There was a hall and a dining room and a
small kitchen and store room. We had a front open yard and a
back yard.
There was no electricity or running piped water. Even the
town didn’t have them. The total cost of constructing the
house at that time was Rs 16000/. My father sold some 16
acres of land in the village to build this house which fetched
him an equivalent amount. The cost of daily labor was four
Annas equivalent to ¼ rupee. The wages for woman were
much cheaper. Cement and steel were available but were very
costly and not easily available. There were very few workers
trained who knew their usage. My family basically moved to
the town to educate the children. My father was a great
champion of need for education. He would make many
personal sacrifices to get us adequately educated. New
furniture like cots, table, benches, and stools were made. The
door and window frames, and shutters were of “Teak” the
costliest wood. The beams of the roof for Madras terrace were
of country wood. When I demolished this house after 50 years
I took all the windows and doors and re fixed them in a small
house I built in my village. When our family members visit
village home and look at them they are all reminded of their
child hood in Khammam house.
Our plot was at cross roads and on two sides there was
road and on the back side was the scavenger lane. It was facing
east. Municipality erected a lamp post at the cross roads at a
corner of my house. Initially it was a kerosene lamp and after
few years was changed to Petromax light. Much after it was an
electric lamp. On southern side separated by a road another
sister of my mother built their house few years later. On the
northern side another sister of my mother built their house
same time we built ours. His younger brother too built his
house next to his.
I again go back to few photographic memories.
I think during one of the times we stayed in Khammam
before independence Gandhi was passing through Khammam
on way to Vijayawada. A public meeting was held at the outer
signal of the rail track and Gandhi alighted from the train and
addressed the gathering. Womenfolk donated their jewelry. I
too went and saw him. I still have a photo of the same
meeting.
Another distinct memory was seeing a “Jeep” a four-
wheeler for the first time when we were staying in
Chervumadharam. I think there were some elections and
Seetharamrao came in a jeep and it accidentally went over the
foot of someone and all gathered to see the injured and also
the jeep. The smell of the fumes of petrol still linger in my
nostrils.
While we were staying in the house of Hiralal Moria,
Vallabh Bhai Patel the deputy prime minister and home
minister of India was visiting Hyderabad. My father took all of
us to Hyderabad in the car of Mr. Kolipaka Kishan Rao a great
well-wisher of my father along with his wife. I think it took
whole day for us to reach Hyderabad. I vaguely remember that
we stayed in first floor of the house of Sardar Jamalapuram
Keshav Rao an eminent state congress leader. I saw for the
first time a “water tap” and water flowing out of it when
turned. In our return journey from Hyderabad the car broke
on the way back and smoke was emitting from the front end.
We were all worried and got down and threw sand at it trying
to extinguish the fire. I don’t remember how we reached
Khammam.
During that period, the marriage of my cousin sister
was celebrated at “Errupalem”. We went by train to the village
and stayed in the house of Madapati Ramachandra Rao.
I saw and heard for the first time “Radio” when we were
living in “Gandrai” along with my paternal grandparents
during the time of my father’s imprisonment if freedom
struggle. I thought a tiny little man was hiding inside the radio
and talking. I was worried about his feeding etc.
The other memories were of marriages. First one was I
travelling with my aunt “Annapurna” in the “Mena” to
Penuganchiprolu after her marriage to Sri. Komaragiri
Apparao. The other is the marriage of my uncle Radhakishan
Rao at Sirikonda near Suryapet which was nearly 50
Kilometers. We all travelled in carts for nearly two days halting
at two to three places in mango grooves and cooking and
eating and sleeping.
There was Grihapravesham of the new house in 1950.
Elaborate ritual was there. I remember it happening in the
night. We went in procession from rented house along with
musicians playing band along with a cow. Cow was taken
inside all the rooms and kept till it laid dung. “Boodida
Gummadikaya” was tied to the main door. There was pooza
and feast. We slowly settled in the new house.
I completed my 4th standard at “Tahathania” and
moved to Government High School. I was admitted to 5 th
standard 1n 1950. However, our class was in the branch
campus away from main high school. During those days only,
high school was located at Taluk headquarters and ours was at
Khammam. The rest were middle schools. My school was
nearly a kilometer and half from my house. There were about
10 children from my locality “Mamillagudem” who used to go
high school. My elder sister was put in “Andhra Girls High
School” a private school again of same distance.
We used to go to the school at 9 AM by walk and return
at 1 afternoon and after lunch go back again to school and
return home at 5 PM. Since our house was at the outskirts of
the town we had to walk a kilometer to purchase anything
even a match box. Since I was eldest male kid such chores
were assigned to me. My house was the first to be built in
Khammam amongst our close relations. Public bus services
were provided from villages to Khammam by the new
Government. Rail connection was already available. More and
more villages would be connected by road and public
transport provided in next few years. There was a single
doctor public hospital and there were another two qualified
doctors and another 5 trained registered doctors. Relations
and friends from villages would travel to Hyderabad for
marketing, legal and health reasons and purposes. Since our
house had enough accommodation they would stay in our
house for the number of days of their work. In addition, my
father was active in politics and many associates, followers
and leaders would come and stay. On an average there would
be another 5 to 10 outsiders staying and dining with us on any
given day. I had to attend to their needs like handing over
drinking water, fetching the cigarettes, getting their clothes
ironed, and arranging their beds etc.
During the period another sister was born in the year
1949 to my parents. She survived for few years and died in
1954 in my maternal grandparents’ village Khambhampadu
where to, my mother along with other children except me
went to see her ailing father. She developed high fever and
went into coma and died next day (Could be Cerebral
Malaria?). My father was at Hyderabad and I was at
Khammam. She died at night. A telegram was sent from the
railway station nearby Khambhampadu to our address. I was
alone at house next morning when the telegram was
delivered. The telegram was in English which read “Lalitha
expired-Start immediately”. I didn’t know the meaning of
expired and enquired with some elders who explained to me
the meaning. I packed few clothes and started walking on the
rail tracks to reach the station to catch a train and go to the
village.
I was in shock. I didn’t notice or hear the sound of
approaching train and some passerby pulled me from the
tracks and slapped me. I went to the station only to know that
the train has departed. I returned back home. My father came
in the evening from Hyderabad and we caught the evening
train to “Bonakallu”. It was night fall when we reached
Bonakallu. Bommakanti Satyanarayana Rao a relation and a
prominent state congress leader came to the station to see us
and he consoled my father and arranged a private bus to drop
us at “Vatsavai” 10 Kilometers away. He also brought some
food, umbrellas, torch light and a servant to accompany us.
After the dinner we left for Vatsavai where we got off the bus
and walked in a drizzle to Khambhampadu which was an
hour’s walk and reached the village at midnight. Next day I
visited the place my sister was buried. She was supposed to be
the most active lively intelligent female child born to our
parents.
There were two persons whose visits to our house I
used to welcome. One was elder cousin brother of my father
and was our neighbor in my village. He was the police Patel
(Village official in the village) and used to visit Khammam on
official work. He was not only affectionate but was friendly. So
too was another uncle who was the husband of my father’s
younger sister. He too was a village official of Jeellachervu.
Whenever they came I used to attend to them and I used to
be rewarded. They would take me to cinema.
In those days there were nearly 7 or 8 cinema halls
where mostly Telugu pictures and occasionally Hindi pictures
were screened. Mostly they were housed in temporary
structures. There were only three which had permanent
structures-They were “Sunder Talkies, Nawab Talkies, and
Prabhat talkies. In one big hail storm a tree fell on a temporary
cinema structure which was later demolished. There were few
hotels near railway station “Anandarao hotel, Sivaji hotel, and
Mysore café in Gandhi chowk.
During the years 1949-50 to 1952-53 I have completed
my middle school. During that period my school friends were
Amariah, Komariah, and Malliah who hailed from Wyra. They
used to live near the school in rented room and they used to
cook for themselves and attend to school. They were very fond
of me.
In those days “detective literature” was very popular
and characters in the novels and serials like Detective
Yugandhar, Rambabu, Vali, etc. were household names
amongst town children. Cinema magazines were also popular
like “Cine Rangam”. The daily newspapers were “Andhra
Patrika”, Golkonda Patrika, Andhra Prabha, Hindu and Indian
express. Literary magazines were “Bharathi” and “Triveni” (in
English) and some other. Prajamatha, Swathanthra etc. were
weeklies.
The Wyra brothers used to buy these magazines or take
on rent and used to share with me. The popular Cine stars
were NT Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageshwar Rao, S Varalxmi, G
Varalxmi, Anjali, Bhanumathi, SV Ranga Rao, Mukkamala,
Relangi etc.
The friends in my locality were Mohan Reddy, and
Niranjan Reddy who used to live opposite my house, Upender
Reddy, Mahender Reddy (Later became professor in Osmania
university), Vidyasagar and Suryanarayana, who were related
to brook bond agent were the others. There were also
Harishchandra Reddy son of Padmanabha Reddy, Raghuram
Rao our neighbor, Ramchander Vootukuri whose father
Subbarao garu had a book shop “Prabhat Book stores” near
Railway station. There were Mohan Reddy and Damodar
Reddy too of Mannegudem whose brother Venkat Reddy had
a jeep and daily we used to watch it going in and out.
 We started playing ball badminton. Few of us would
join together and lay courts in some open land nearby and
play. There were combination of singles, doubles, and fives. It
was the most popular game in those days. There used to be
many competitions. We used to play for small bets too.
My mother’s sister’s family was our neighbor on the
northern side. It was a big family. They with their parents and
unmarried sisters used to live together. Their brothers and
cousins who were studying in Hyderabad used to frequently
visit them. They would all pay caroms, Playing cards etc. whole
day. There were two sisters who were older to me and were
of the age of my elder sister living in that house and going to
school with my sister. Once there was a big theft in their house
and much of jewelry and cash were stolen. In those days it was
one of the biggest thefts. Since our houses were cast off from
the town police beat was organized. A police party would visit
twice in the night and sign in a register kept in my house. It
used to be a nuisance to wake up and provide the book for
them to sign. Then they switched over to private security, the
community engaging a “Gurkha”. He used to wear Khakis, a
hat and carried torch light. He would go around all houses at
night blowing whistles.
Our neighbor’s house used to be the center of activity
during the Diwali season. They used to buy lots of crackers and
used to compete with other bursting them. New crackers like
Atom bombs, Vishnu and Bhoo chakras, missiles, entered the
market. Still age-old Seema Tapakayalu, Mathabulu, and
Kakarapu Vattulu, Chicchu Budlu dominated the festive nights.
Women used to light castor oil lamps and decorate their
porticos and internal paths and heights.

1953-1958- Adolescence

I moved to the new school premises. It was a Pukka

building with new sections added. It was opposite newly built
Prabhat Talkies and two town police station. Our Head Master
was Samson Ramakrishniah when I joined. His wife Kamala
Devi was the head mistress of “Andhra girls school” a privately
run high school for girls. Jayakar Johnson was the RDO. All of
them were keen sports persons. Our teachers were Gopal Rao
(English), Venkata Narasiah (English), Siddiah (Maths), Sharma
(Sports), Narayan Rao (Geography), Laxmi Narasimha Rao
(Telugu), Kalvala Seetha ram Rao and at later stages Murthy
(English), Dikshitulu (Head master) and Surya Narayan Rao
(Head master) joined the faculty. They were highly respected
and were strict disciplinarians and were very friendly teachers.
Most of them were distantly related to us and I happened to
meet and interact with them in later years. Few of their
children were also with us in the school. Most of them were
not only interested in academics but few of them were also
sports persons, literary figures or artists.
There were 4 sections in 8 th standard when I joined. I was
in “D” section. The school was only for boys. My class mates
were Dr. Nagubandi Narasimha Rao, Dr. Madiraju Harikishen,
Dr. Pabbaraju Ramarao, Pulliah (Engineer), Madhava Swamy
(Engineer), Upender Rao (Agriculture), N. Satyanarayana
(Railways), G. Raghava Rao (teacher), Akbar Pasha (Engineer),
Dr. Surya Prakash Rao, Mahender Reddy (Professor OU),
Harishchandra Reddy (Army), Karumoori Subbarao (Business),
Kalla Babu (Business), Dr. Raja Rao, Raghu Ram Rao (Revenue
Department), Alasingari (Singer, Teacher), Kona Reddy
(Injured in students faction fights), Ramamurthy (Sports
Person), Ankuliah (Badminton player), Mishak (Business),
Satyam (chevula Pilli-Engineer), Krishna Murthy
(Businessman), Madhusudan (Tallada- Agriculture),
Laxminarasiah (RTC), Pedda Seshagiri (Revenue) Balaji
(Electricity) etc.
Next to our school was a library and another one was
across the railway tracks “Vignan Niketan”. Vootukuri Ranga
Rao a poet was the librarian of Vignan Niketan and Kolipaka
Madhusudan Rao was the librarian of “Raja Rajendra Basha
Nilayam?” next to our school. Both had literary taste.
On the school days I used to spend lot of time in these two
libraries other literary figures of the time in Khammam were
Kaviraja Murthy, Vootukuri Ranga Rao, Hiralal Moria, and
Madiraju Ranga Rao, ML Narasimha Rao, Itikala Neelakantha
Rao, Pullabhotla etc. I read most of the Telugu literature
available by the time I completed matriculation.
There used to be some literary events. “Varthaka
Sangham” (Merchants’ Association Building) was very active.
They built a building of their own which was also used as a
meeting place and function hall. Akshaya Lingam Gupta and
few others were responsible for its creation. They would
conduct annual meets and invite poets to recite their works. I
saw and heard most of the giants of literature at that time like
Kaloji, Sri Sri, Dasharathi, Vanamamalai, Arudra, Atreya, C.
Narayan Reddy, Diwakarla, Makhdoom, etc. I used to love
their renderings.
There were few temples at that time. The much-visited
temples were at Ravichettu bazaar (Venkateshwara temple),
Brahmin Bazaar (Ramalayam), Anjaneya Swamy temple at
Kalavagattu, One next to high school (Ramalayam), and
Narasimha Swamy temple on the hill (Gutta meeda Narasimha
Swamy). I was not a frequent visitor of the temples. The
temple I visited most at that time was Narasimha Swamy
temple on the hill. They say there is a link between the temple
and name of the town “Khambham mettu” which was
subsequently corrupted by Muslims as Khammam met and
British as Khammam. Few us would join and climb the hill and
play there and see the panoramic view of Khammam. It used
to be a deserted temple.
The temples and Railway staff used to organize Devi
Navaratrulu, Sree Ram Navami etc. They used to conduct
Harikathas, Purana vachanam, and speeches on Hindu
religion. They also used to organize dramas like “Pandava
Udyoga Vijayalu, Bhakta Prahlada, etc. I happened to see great
artists of the time at these functions.
Sports were given great importance. Our head master and
Sharma garu would come to the play grounds (Which was
nearer to my house) every day and insist that all students mark
their attendance. They were people of high integrity and
discipline. Mr. Ramakrishniah would always come in suit.
There were few other keen sport persons who were non-
officials like Babu Rao a contractor and Itikala Venkat Ramaiah
a land lord, Ramchander Rao (Who subsequently was a
teacher and later joined police) and few others. They were
responsible for construction and development of Pavilion
grounds and establishing the Jubilee club. They used to
organize national sports meets at Khammam every year. Ball
badminton, Football, and volley ball were the main events.
Hyderabad city police, Burma shell, Assam Riffles, Railways
and Mohan Bhagan used to participate in football. The famous
players of badminton were “Picchiah, Babu Rao, and Ankuliah
etc. A badminton bat is named after “Picchiah” and
manufactured and sold. Mr. Ankuliah was my class mate.
Picchiah past nineties is hale and healthy and still cycles to the
club and the shop and plays tennis. Ankuliah died at young
age.
There was a small hotel in front of our school. My Wyra
friends used to have more pocket money. They used to take
me to this hotel and we used to eat “poori”. There used to be
many street vendors selling “Jeellu” (sweet made of sesame
and Jaggery), “Bombay peechu mithai” Louse vundalu, Mysore
pack, Bogundalu etc. There were no chocolates or ice creams.
Sometimes “ice fruits” were available. Soda and Nimmakaya
soda were available. So also, was orange soda. Crushed crane
sugar juice was available. Near cinema halls “Munthakindi
pappu” and “Mirchi” and pakodi were available. Idly, Attu
(Dosa), upma, Vada was available in other hotels. “Bun” used
to be very popular. It was mostly consumed when someone
fell ill.
Many of my class mates were very senior in age. There
used to be factions in the school. Mostly they would arise out
of competition in sports and games. There would be
occasional fights and sometimes very serious in nature. Once
Kona Reddy our classmate suffered a serious head injury and
lost his memory for some time in one of these clashes.
 The subjects we had in the three standards of 8th, 9th, and
th
10 were Telugu, English, English (non- detail), Hindi, Maths,
Science, History, and Geography. We had to choose optional.
There were two- One was maths and second was History.
Common were some maths and optional were Geometry,
Algebra etc. In history Indian history was common and British
history was optional. The optional were for all the three years.
At end of 10th we had to appear for Public common exam
which was conducted by state board. The mathematics was
very tough. I was not a very bright student. I used to sit in the
back rows and often used to skip classes to go to Library or
play badminton.
My father was very keen that I should study hard and even
he engaged tuition for both me and my sister in maths. The
first one was Mr. Rehman an unemployed youth. For some
time Siddiah our Maths teacher was engaged. He used to
come in the evenings. After that we used to sit and read under
the kerosene lamps sitting on a mat. I used to look for some
excuse to avoid studying. Any distraction like my mother
summoning me for some errand or some relative sending me
to fetch something or one of the youngster siblings crying was
welcome. I had a problem which still persists i.e. I doze off to
sleep within minutes after having a meal. I could not resist it.
Even now the same problem persists. I have been a good
sleeper and I used to sleep from 8 PM to 7 AM. It would be
very sound and deep sleep. My father used to go out in the
evenings and return home around 9 PM. I used to con him
many ways to show that I was still awake.
During this period my parents were living in the village and
I and my elder sister used to live in Khammam. We were put
up for some time in my uncle’s house. His wife was my
mother’s younger sister. Earlier to her marriage she and
another sister younger to her used to stay with my mother to
help her take care of us the kids. Both of them were very
affectionate and attached to me. They used to live in Brahmin
bazaar near to our school. Later we shifted to our house and
used to dine in Mandava Rukkinamma garu a relation of ours
from my neighboring village Mandava. For few months we
used to obtain meals from a newly opened hotel. During such
period the whole house was given on rent to a session judge
who was a Muslim and later to a Government lady doctor who
was a Christian. Later the house was divided into two portions
and a smaller portion was rented to one Sharma garu who was
a “Brook Bond” (Tea Company) agent and later to an excise
inspector and later to Dr. Seetharamrao who was a Kannadiga
Brahmin working in Government hospital. He used to stay with
his widowed mother, wife and an unmarried sister Kalavathi.
During such period my father used to commute every two
to three days from Khammam to Vallabhi our village. He used
to go by bus up to Nela Kondapalli (20 Kilometers) and from
there by walk of 10 Kilometers to my village. This he did all his
life till road was laid to my village in 1979 -80 and RTC buses
(Government Public transport) started. He used to work very
hard. He sustained losses in the business as a commission
agent where he partnered with Parcha Srinivasa Rao.
Subsequently he took up to mining of iron ore and barites. He
had few of his brothers and family members as partners and
that too sustained losses. He took up excise contracts and
building and irrigation contracts which all ended in some
losses or other. However there used to be cash flow.
Electricity supply was given to our locality in the year 195-
55. My father too got a connection to the house. Wiring took
few months. It was external wiring and the wires were
embedded in wooden cases. They dug holes in the walls to
pass the wires across the whole house. Electricity was only for
lighting that too it was available in the nights. My father
bought a battery radio in the same year. After some time,
electrical supply was available during day time. During the
time of mining operations, he bought an Iron table, Godrej
steel almirah, and a steel chair and a table fan. Stairs were built
to the roof top. Till then we used a bamboo ladder to climb to
the roof top. From then on we used to spend most of our
evenings on the open terrace and in summer we used to sleep
there. Terrace could accommodate any number of people.
 Elections were held to Hyderabad state assembly. In
Khammam area most of the congress stalwarts like Madapati
Ramchander Rao, Bommakanti Satyanarayana Rao,
Jamalapuram Keshav Rao, and Vengal Rao were defeated.
Burgula Ramkishen Rao became the chief minister. Konda
Venkat Ranga Reddy, Channa Reddy, VB Raju, Gopal Rao
Ekbote, Vinayak Rao Vidyalankar, Melkote, Sangam Laxmibai
became ministers. Communist party was the opposition party
and stalwarts like Ravi Narayan Reddy, Devulapalli
Venkateshwara Rao were in it.
Khammam district was formed in the year 1952. Madhira,
Kothagudam, Ellendu, Khammam, Paloncha were the taluks.
GV Bhat was the new collector. Bommakanti though defeated
wielded considerable influence. He was the right-hand man of
Burgula who was the chief minister. Caste politics crept in.
There were Rao and Reddy factions. The district party also
split in to two one led by Bommakanti (Rao group) and the
other by Vengal Rao and Siddha Reddy (Reddy group).
During the time when my mother was staying in Khammam
a cook was engaged. She was an elderly widow affectionately
called as “Ammamma Garu”. She was also coking in the house
of Kolipaka Kishan Rao, and Jupudi Narsimha Rao. The servant
maid was “Manga” a Lambadi lady. Her daughter “Savitri” too
used to work.
During that time two important dignitaries visited my
house. One was Burgula Ramkishen Rao the chief minister. He
came for breakfast. Cooks were employed to cook breakfast
and 30 people participated. All of them were his group
representatives. He came in one car and one police jeep
piloting. Puree and upma were served. They all squatted on
the mats and ate. The other person was Swamy Ramanand
Thirtha who was the state congress president. That too was a
simple affair.
The most enjoyable days were summer holidays. In
other short holidays my uncle from Jeellachervu used to take
us to his village. Few others of our age group also used to
come. In summer holidays we invariably used to go to
Khambhampadu my grandfather’s village. My grandfather
died in the year 1954 after prolonged illness. Recollecting his
symptoms now I think he died of brain tumor even though at
that time it was thought to be mental illness. One of his sons
too died of the same in early 2000. All the grand children (Aged
above 10 years) used to come for summer holidays to this
village. Me, and my mother’s younger brother studying in
Penuganchiprolu) Bommakanti Shankar from Bonakallu, used
to descend on the village to join other relations in the village.
We used to travel to this village by train to Bonakallu and by
bus to Vatsavai and from there by walk. In the later period
there was another Railway station which came up by name
“Allinagaram” (Motamarri) between Bonakallu and Madhira
from where Khambhampadu was 45 minutes’ walk.
My maternal uncle would come home for holidays from
Vijayawada where he did his FA and BA from SRR College
staying for some time in Tummalapalli Vari hostel and for
some time with his sister Sarasvati then living in Governor Pet.
For all of us he was the Guru and idol. He was very
knowledgeable, upright an honest man. He was very kind and
affectionate. I personally learnt so many things from him. He
was one of the few who influenced me in my life. He organized
us into “Bapuji Bala Samaj” (His creation) as members and
inculcated interest in reading, writing, literature, painting,
games etc. He used to tell us history and very interesting
stories. He was a student of Telugu literature and was the
student of Visvanatha Satyanarayana a giant in Telugu
literature.
We used to write essays, and poems which he used to
edit. We used to publish a written magazine to which all of us
used to write. I learnt the first strokes of sketching under him.
Centenary celebrations of first Independence war
“1857” uprising was celebrated by us. I drew the picture of
Jhansi Laxmi Bai on the horse with her son.
Konda Reddy and Sambai who was a lame person were
two servants who served in that house for a long time. They
were almost like family members. Hanmi Reddy was another
who used to live opposite to our house who too had a long and
cherished association with our house.
My grandfather had two uncles. He had three sisters
and one brother. His brother was adopted by one of his uncle.
The brother had two daughters and one son.
My grandparents gave birth to seven daughters.
My grandfather’s uncle Subbiah tatiah bought a gram
phone. We used to play many Telugu records of Balasarswathi,
Ghantsala etc. His wife was ailing for a long time and soon
after she died.
To take care of the house he brought a widow and her
family consisting 4 members from Palghat. Her daughters and
son Gopalam used to live in the village and mix and play with
us. We enacted a drama me in a heroin’s role.
Now and then we used to go to nearby
“Penuganchiprolu” and spend couple of days with my aunt
and her family. There was a high school, touring cinema talkies
in that village. A relation of ours used to be a registered
medical practitioner. My aunt’s house was very big and
families of my aunt, her brother in law and sister in law used
to live with a joint kitchen. Many relatives’ children used to be
sheltered in the house for their high school studies. My uncle
was the Village revenue official (Karanam) and a land lord. He
joined Navy and deserted it during an uprising and was hiding
in one of our relation’s house till India became free.
There is a temple of “Thirupathamma” which has local
sacrificial tale to her existence. It is a very well known in the
local area and yearly jathara (Thirunala) was held when many
people would congregate.
I saw many films in the local cinema hall like Balaraju,
Keelu Gurram, Laxmamma Katha, Sree Laxmamma etc. In the
beginning someone used to play music on harmonium and
give running commentary (Silent pictures).
A big rivulet (Yeru) “Munneru” was on the way to this
village from Khambhampadu. Though the water flowing
portion was narrow during summer there was a wide expanse
of sand on either side stretching almost to half kilometer. We
used to go by walk on the canal bund. It used to take one hour.
Once I was caught while crossing the river in a powerful gale. I
was wearing shorts and sand was hitting my bare legs with a
force and incising my legs. I was very much afraid and laid
myself prostrated and covered myself with clothes which I was
carrying in my bag.
Now and then I and my relation Ramappa would catch
a bus and go to “Vijayawada” (Bezwada). Ramappa used to be
given some pocket money by his adopted father for such
travels. It used to take 6 to 8 hours. We used to stay with my
aunt in Governor Peta. Their house was located in between
two cinema halls (Laxmi and Jaihind”). Opposite was
Kameswara book depot. Diagonally across the street was
Chakravarthy an advocate who had a palatial building. Again,
this aunt’s house too was a shelter for students who came for
studies. There was a water tap and we used to enjoy having a
bath under running water. My uncle had a library of many law
books. He did his MA and law from Kashi and Allahabad and it
was said that his answer sheet in one of the university exams
was included as a lesson in one of the subjects. He was
brilliant, witty and affectionate.
My aunt was a perfectionist in making a coffee. Any
time in their house you would get coffee. We used to wander
around the town and go to Krishna river bank, Railway station,
Kanaka Durga temple etc. We saw many films there like
Missamma, Pathala Bhairavi, Pellichesi chudu etc. We used to
eat snacks in the nearby hotel (“Welcome”). We enjoyed the
cool drinks in nearby Ajanta cool drinks. The shop used to be
full of mirrors and Tube lights.
I used to go to my village Vallabhi for few days during
holidays. My elder cousin brothers were the main
companions. Eluru Janardhan Rao, Krishnamurthy, Kopuru
Seshagiri, Ainala Venkaiah, Kodaru Raghava Rao, Apparao,
Keshavulu, etc. were contemporaries in Khammam high
school. My sister’s friends were Mangamma, Tulisemma, and
Drowpadi etc. Kodaru Venkaiah, Ainala Bucchiah, Pedda
Veerasami, China veera Swamy, Eluru Kistiah, Lingaraju,
Madaru Sahib, were my father’s close associates. There were
two groups in the village in the congress. One was led by my
father and another by Gopiah and Kopuru Ramandham. My
father’s group was aligned with Bommakanti and the other
group with Vengal Rao.
In those days the major crops were groundnut, pesalu,
kandulu (grams) etc.
In summer the workers would collect and take home
the whole ground nut in the morning and return the pods
collected after breaking them in the evening. For this the
workers would be paid jowar in kind. I used to maintain these
accounts.
The rest of the time we used to sit on “arugulu” (Village
style seating arrangement) built elevated place adjacent to the
wall in front and gossip for hours. My father used to conduct
“Panchayath” sitting on these platforms in the morning and
evening in the morning along with some other elders and
settle local quarrels. I used to help my father’s elder cousin in
writing village accounts and reports.
Another uncle of mine was the village post master.
Postal services opened a village post office and he was
assigned the task. The process was very interesting. The red
post box was tied to a pole in front of his house. People would
buy the post card (Open) and request us to write the letter
while they narrated the content and post it in the post box.
There was also the inland letter which was the closed version.
It would cost more. In the morning the “Postal Runner” would
come and open the box and collect all letters and hand it over
to us and we would put the stamp with date on them and put
them all in a bag and close it and seal it with wax and stamp
the wax and hand over to the runner to go by walk to Naila
Kondapalli (12Kms away) and hand over in the branch post
office. At branch post office such bags were collected from
many such villages and they would all be sent by public
transport bus to head office at Khammam where they would
be sorted depending on the address and sent to their
destinations. The village postal runner would collect all the
letters destined to the village and return back in the evening.
We used to tell him to whom the letters were to be delivered
and he would promptly deliver them at their homes. Money
orders were also sent like this.
My uncle used to supervise and guide us in this
operation. He was the first graduate from my village and also
passed his law. However, he was keeping indifferent health
and didn’t take up any job or practice, instead settled in the
village. He was a very cautious man and would think over
things deeply and then only commit himself. He brought up all
of his children well and gave them good education.
My cousin brother was a good singer and drama artist.
He organized a drama “Devadas” a very popular drama based
on a novel by Sharath a Bengali novelist. A motion picture in
Telugu and Hindi were made on this theme. The Telugu
version released at that time with Akkineni Nageswara Rao
and Savitri as lead roles was an instant success and hit. The
songs were very catchy and most used to hum them. He was
the lead role and a hired actress from outside was the female
lead. He tried to enter cine field without success. He stayed
back in the village and married from neighboring village. I went
to his marriage in a cart and the marriage was performed in a
hill temple at “Ammapeta”.
My Uncle died in Vallabhi during this period. He was
ailing for a long time. At that time, I was in Khammam and my
parents were in Vallabhi. I heard this news through Eluru
Janardhan Rao who was with me in the school and was from
my village. Both of us decided to go to Vallabhi. We had little
money not sufficient for bus journey and decided to travel by
train to “Chintakani” and from there by walk to Vallabhi since
the train fare was far less. We got into the train around 8am
and reached Chintakani at 9 am and started walking after
having some breakfast. On the way I felt thirsty and found an
open agriculture well and decided to drink from it. We took
the permission of owner who was working nearby and got into
the well. While doing so I slipped and fell in the well.
Janardhan Rao started shouting for help and the owner nearby
dashed to the well and pulled me out. I was dazed for some
time and slowly recovered, and we reached our village at 4pm.
I had good scolding from my father for the stupidity of our
travel plan.
My father was very authoritative. Only once he slapped
me for hitting my elder sister. All his life he tried for
betterment of the family members. All his stern actions were
only aimed at it. All the family members realized this and never
would question his orders. They were simply obeyed. We
feared him and respected him. He would work hard and was
always ready to help anyone who sought it. He was the most
respected, feared, and loved person in our families. All of us
were aware of our financial position. So we never made any
unrealistic demands. We too tried to adjust in the available
finances. He never discussed any issues with us nor sought our
opinion. He would decide, and we would follow. He never
conversed with us. The girl children would have more access
to him. I never had more than a minute’s talk with him till his
death except once when I championed the cause of my
youngest brother late in his life which must have hurt him a
lot. However, he forgot it and was the same again. He had
great influence on me. I too tried to conduct my affairs like
him. I am greatly influenced specially his love for the weaker
members in the community, village. He had great love for the
country, community, village and lastly the family. While his
love was in that order he was very practical too.
My mother was very loving and kind person. All our
needs were presented to my father through my mother. She
would negotiate and get them. If she could not she would
come back and convince us about the financial position. We
never directly asked him. We never even sat with my father
and ate. We never sat in a chair in his presence.
I had a great weakness for “Kottha Chintakaya
Pacchadi”. I liked it very much. In the season if it is not
available I would go hungry and fast till it was made available.
For couple of days I would go hungry and would survive only
on water. My mother would somehow manage and make it
available. Even now I have that weakness.
We never celebrated our birth days. We celebrated
only festivals. All the small children would have combined
festival celebrations on “Sankranti” with Bommala Koluvu and
Regipandla blessings. My mother used to buy big measure of
cloth and get clothes stitched to all of us. The older ones who
would grow and the clothes were not fitting any more would
give the same to the youngsters. When we were in Khammam
My mother used to save some money, and buy some
readymade clothes for festivals. I used to buy them in “Fashion
hall” the only shop at that time selling readymade clothes and
footwear.
During this period my elder sister got married on 1st Aug
1954. The spouse was from Kallur. He was studying
intermediate in Hyderabad. He had one elder sister, and one
younger sister and one younger brother. They lost their
parents in younger age and were brought up by their maternal
grandparents. The marriage was celebrated for 5 days. It was
celebrated in Khammam in my house. Many relations came.
After five days 20 of us went to Kallur along with my sister and
spent three nights and returned to Khammam along with bride
and bridegroom for another 3 days. Their house was recently
built. They had lot of relations in the village. They possessed
many acres of lands. My brother in law’s brother was my class
mate and he was studying at Kallur. While we were returning
to Khammam we were all given new clothes and I was given a
trouser and a full shirt. They were the first (Full length Trouser
and full sleeved shirt) that I had. Till then I was wearing only
shorts and half shirts. My mother got Bush coat stitched for
me for my sister’s marriage.
My brother in law would visit us for festivals and on way
to Hyderabad. He was very close to me. During such visits he
often would get upset at failure of observation of protocols
and in anger would leave and go and stay with a relation of his.
I would be sent to resolve it and bring him back. He used to
oblige me. He was very traditional and a believer in sanathana
dharma and would tell me many things hoping that I would
pass them on to my sister. He used to read a lot of such
literature and his favorites were writings of Vavilikolanu
Subbarao.
After few months after the marriage his grandfather
died in Khammam. I went to Kallur and stayed for all the
ceremonies.
Earlier to it two of my paternal uncles got married. One
was working as a teacher and another as Forest range officer.
Younger uncle the ranger did his training at Coimbatore and
used to Khammam now and then. He took photographs of
ours which I lost over time. We went to Jaggiahpet in a cart to
witness the marriage of elder uncle and from there we went
to “Vedadari” a temple on the banks of river.
I made my second visit to Hyderabad to witness ranger
uncle marriage. My aunt had finished her intermediate. She
was the first in our family who studied up to intermediate
amongst women. We went sightseeing to Osmania University,
Osmania hospital, Charminar, High court which were the land
marks of the time in autos. That was the first time I saw an
auto.
Now and then I used to visit “Jeellachervu” my paternal
aunt’s house. They had no children at that time. They had a big
mango orchard. There was a hill temple of lord
Venkateshwara. My uncle’s bother was very friendly, and we
used to play and stroll across. My uncle had a small photo film
viewer to view frames of films. Subsequently my aunt
conceived, and they were blessed with the only child on 9th
Dec 1955. He was delivered through a caesarean section in the
Government hospital. This was the first operative delivery in
our family and second in the hospital.
My maternal uncle got married to his maternal uncle
daughter on 31st May 1956. There was no dowry and he paid
for the marriage expenses too. After the marriage we all
accompanied them to Mahaboobabad to the house of relation
of my aunt which was 35 Kilometers away from Khammam on
way to Hyderabad. He was a land lord from Pusapalli and had
many children.
My maternal uncle Ramappa who was younger to me
by 10 days married on 10th June 1956. Both were celebrated
at Khambhampadu. The marriage at the youngest age in our
generation was of Ramappa who married in the year 1956
when he was 14 years and his wife 10 years in
Khambhampadu.
The son of landlord from Pusapalli, Mahaboobabad fell
in love with my aunt my mother’s sister and both got married
at Khambhampadu on 15th August 1956. His parents didn’t
attend the marriage but have accepted the marriage. My
other younger aunt too got married the same year on 24th
December 56. The bridegroom was doing his automobile
engineering diploma course.
My father was the Vice President of AP land mortgage bank.
In that capacity he often used to go to Hyderabad and also
visited Delhi once to participate in some workshop there. He
also visited Agra and bought a small replica of Taj Mahal.
Bezavada Gopal Reddy who was the then Minister for
finance was also the president of land mortgage bank. In that
capacity he visited Khammam and came for dinner to my
house. It was arranged on the roof top.
I appeared for my matriculation examinations in March
1955. I developed fever, cold, and cough two days before the
exams. My father took me to the examination hall on his cycle
and I wrote two examinations and on third day developed
rashes and eruptions which was diagnosed as “chicken pox”
and was not allowed to go for the remaining exams. I lost one
year and many of my class mates became my seniors.

Studies in Kama Reddy

One of my paternal uncle was working as English

Teacher in Government High School Kama Reddy. My father
sent me to stay with him to complete my matriculation. He
took me to Kamareddy by train and left me with my uncle. My
uncle had no children at that time. The house was rented, and
it was a portion in a big house located in an acres campus
owned by a Maharashtrian leading advocate Narsing Rao and
was in the center of the town. He had a daughter and one son.
The daughter was a Mongol and mentally retarded. Son was
junior to me in school. The family was very affectionate and
kind to me. I was almost a family member. They would invite
me many times for lunch along with their son. They would feed
me with all delicious Maharashtrian dishes. Narsing Rao garu
was also very affectionate and whenever he would see me he
would spend some time talking to me.
I was the youngest in my class. Some of my classmates
were very senior to me in age and were married and had
children and would jocularly say that I must marry their
daughters. My classmates were Ganga Gowd, Narayan Gowd,
Hanama Gowd, Gopal Rao, Baliah, Krishnamurthy, Venugopala
chary, Ram and Laxman (Twins), Narasimha Reddy etc. Our
headmaster was Venkata Narasiah and the teachers were, my
uncle, Anjaneyulu, Sharma garu, etc. There used to be
assembly before start of school and prayer would be played
on the “Band” musical instruments by students. Very talented
youngsters were there. School was adorned with a well-
maintained garden. Students used to be great craftsman too.
There was a hostel for the students on way to school. We used
to play volley ball and ball badminton and cricket in the hostel
grounds. The students were very friendly and affectionate.
Town was a rich town. Houses and buildings were very
modern.
There used to be a shandy “Santha” once a week.
Villagers would sell their produce like vegetables etc. and buy
other consumables. There was a Udupi hotel where Dosa was
the favorite and an Iranian restaurant near railway station
where tea and bread were favorite.
Baliah, Krishnamurthy, and Venugopal were the bright
students and used to top in the monthly exams. Baliah was
also a very good painter.
 A relation of ours was the Tahsildar then. He was the
uncle of my aunt from Penuganchiprolu. His nephew and
brother of my aunt was staying with them to complete his
SSLC. He was very senior to me in age. We used to meet now
and then.
I used to participate in English and Telugu debates and
used to top. I was favorite of many class mates and friends. I
learnt cycling.
My aunt was very affectionate and was a very good
cook. She would call me very affectionately “Rangaiah” which
no one used to call me. All elders used to call me Rangadu.
Some friends would call me Ranganna and some Ranga. I fell
ill once with fever and my aunt really took care of me and used
to attend to all my needs. It must have been a viral fever. My
uncle took me to the Government hospital where Doctor
administrated me an Injection which was the first I received. I
was very depressed and felt home sick and wrote a funny
letter to my mother and she was very worried and sent my
father to bring me back home for few days. He took me back
and after few days of convalescence and care I returned back
to Kama Reddy.
Vinayak Chavithi festival was well celebrated in
Kamareddy. The idols of Vinayak would be erected
everywhere and festivities would start. Students used to go to
villages and collect funds for such celebrations. The vans of
Beedi factories were lent to students who would travel in
them for fund collection. I too travelled in one such journey
and I was specially selected to make announcements on the
microphone fitted in the van inviting donations. We went to
Domakonda area and I saw Janata College managed by
Vanamamalai Varada Charyulu “Abhinav Pothana” the poet.
Formation of Andhra Pradesh was announced, and
elections were held. Sadalaxmi wife of TV Narayana DEO of
Nizamabad, Veeraswamy and Madhusudan Reddy, Vittal Rao
were contesting. One day I too was roped in by some of friends
into the campaign and I addressed a small gathering
supporting Madhusudan Reddy.
 State of Andhra Pradesh was formed on 1st November
1956. Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy was the chief minister and
Bezavada Gopal Reddy was the Deputy CM. My relation
Bommakanti became a MLA. Laxmikanthamma was elected as
MP from Khammam constituency. Burgula Ramkishen Rao
became Governor of Kerala.
Elections were held for parliament and Assembly.
Bommakanti got elected as MLA from Madhira. Vengal Rao
was the President of District congress. Laxmikanthamma got
elected as MP from Khammam constituency. It was hoped that
Bommakanti would be made a minister, but it didn’t happen.
I appeared for my Matriculation exams held in March
at Nizamabad. The District head quarter used to be the exam
centre. Narsing Rao garu our house owner arranged for our
stay in Nizamabad in one of his relations house. I, Baliah,
Krishnamurthy, decided to stay together in a room allotted to
us and study together and appear for the exams. We stayed
there for 20 days and completed our exams. We used to dine
in a hotel nearby Railway Station. My friends were a great
support to me. After exams we returned to Kamareddy and as
summer holidays came by I returned to Khammam along with
my uncle and aunt and from there they proceeded to our
village.
In those days the matriculation results were published
in the newspapers. A special bulletin would come and we all
rushed to Railway station in Khammam to obtain a copy of the
news bulletin of paper containing our results. I passed the
exams in second class and my friends Baliah and
Krishnamurthy in First class.
One day one of my sisters was ill with fever and my
mother asked me to go to “Bangariah” and fetch the “Tayattu”
to ward off the fever. I took a cycle on rent (Two annas for one
hour) and went to fetch it. On the way suddenly, a buffalo
came running across the road and hit the cycle and I fell
unconscious. I remember opening my eyes and regaining my
consciousness in the lap of my mother in a Rickshaw. My
mother was crying, and I was taken to the Govt hospital. I was
told later that a Rickshaw driver who knew me saw the
incident and picked me up and took me to my house. The
tenant in my house at that time was Dr. Seetharamrao Rao,
who was working in Govt hospital. He accompanied my
mother and took me to the hospital. There was a laceration on
the left angle of my mouth and a tooth was broken. He put 4
stitches and closed the wound. My father too rushed to the
hospital. While the wound was being attended to by the
doctor the current went off and there was no fall back. My
father was shouting at the hospital authorities. Meanwhile the
Rickshaw fellow went and brought a lantern from the adjacent
fruit shop and they proceeded with the stitching. The
Rickshaw fellow was “Aaliyah” who used to work in my house
earlier and we were friendly. I was given injections for five
days and the stitches were removed, and the wound healed.

SR&BGNR Collage, Khammam:1957-58

After passing Matriculation My father wanted me to

study at Hyderabad in Nizam College. Since I could not secure
a seat there I joined at SR & BGNR College at Khammam. The
college was one year old and ours was the second batch of
PUC. Previously college education in Telangana was available
only in Hyderabad and Warangal.
In 56-57 all the districts of Telangana were sanctioned
Colleges. However, there were no funds available for starting
the college and it was decided to sell the jewelry of Lord Rama
of Bhadrachalam to fund the college. There was a big debate
raging over the proposal and Sri Gentala Narayana Rao, a
mining baron in the district came forward to donate his
personal money to fund the collage. He was a great devotee
of lord Rama and he had no children. The college thus came
into existence with his donation and was named as “Sri Rama
Bhakta Gentala Narayan Rao Arts and Science college”
(SR&BGNR Arts and Science college).
It was temporarily located in Grain Storage Tinned
sheds which were empty at that time. It was located at the
other end of the town from my house at a distance of 2
Kilometers. We had option of taking Sciences, Maths or Arts
as optional subjects. I opted for (Rather my father asked)
Sciences. There was a RTC bus which used to make two trips
to the college from various localities of the town. But mostly
we used to walk. There was a cart vendor “Anjappa” who used
to wheel a cart to the college during working hours and make
“Idly” and “poori”.
In the school attendance was marked only once in the
first period. I found it strange that attendance was taken in
every period in the college.
Satyanarayana was our principal. The lecturers were
Seshavataram for chemistry, Acharya and the principal for
Physics, Subbarao for botany, KYL Narasimha Rao and Manikya
Rao for English, Adi Narayana for Telugu, Sharma for Hindi, YV
Reddy for economics, Rammohan Rao for History, Atma Ram
Rao and Ramanuja Rao and some others were our
demonstrators. Most of them were young and caring and
affectionate. Most of them were known to my father.
Conducting experiments in physics, chemistry,
dissections of frogs and earthworms in zoology and cutting
sections in botany were very fascinating.
Pre-University course (PUC), and 1st year of graduation
in arts (B.A), and science (B.Sc.) were the courses offered in
the college. My earlier class mates in matriculation at
Khammam high school who became my seniors as I lost one
academic year due to chickenpox in the exams were
prosecuting the 1st year graduation. My juniors in the school
became my classmates in PUC.
Ramappa and Papai were my seniors and they were in
first year B.Sc.
Chanchal Rao, Umamaheswara Rao, KR Narasimha
Reddy, Venkat Reddy, Dattatrya, Shyam Sunder, Venkat Rao,
Karnati Rammohan, Hymavathi, Bhageswari, Rajakumari,
Shakuntala, Vasikarla Satyanarayana, Akbar Pasha, Pulla
Reddy, Janaki Ramaiah, Venkat Rama Rao, Letitia, Seetha
Kumari, Mamunoori Narasimha Rao, Raja Rao, Hanumanth
Rao, were my classmates.
Venkateshwara Rao was the president of the college
students’ union, and G. Satyanarayana the secretary. They
were sympathizers of the communist party. Most of the
students were either sympathizers of communist party or
congress.
For some days me, Ramchander Rao, Papai and
Vasantha used to go to KYL Narasimha Rao for English tuition.
The days rolled by merrily and happily. There used to
be competitions in debating, song and drama, painting etc.
The only prize which I won in my life was in painting for which
I was given a Nirmal flower vase which I preserved and was
misplaced only recently. I acted in a Telugu drama. I acted as
a woman in one of the Fancy dress events in a picnic.
College authorities held a mock parliament. Students
got divided into two groups and were to elect the Government
and the other would be opposition. Me and Ramappa were in
two different groups and Ramappa group could muster
enough support and formed the Government. I was in the
opposition. Ramappa played the role of VK Krishna Menon the
then foreign minister and me the role of Acharya Kripalani. It
was a great fun.
We were taken on a picnic cum Botany tour to
Nagarjuna Sagar dam. It was under construction. It was a great
experience to see the world’s largest Masonry dam under
construction.
Bhimsen Sachar was the Governor and he visited our
college. He came by a saloon attached to a regular train which
was parked at the station during his stay. Locally he travelled
by a car escorted by a police jeep. Subsequently Ramappa
wrote him a letter expressing his desire to see Rajbhavan and
he was invited to do so and was served with tea by a butler in
uniform.
Panchayath elections were held during this period.
There were two groups in congress in the district one led by
Bommakanti and another by Vengal Rao. My father belonged
to Bommakanti group. Villages were divided into wards
depending on population and elections were held for ward
members. The ward members would elect the “Sarpanch”. All
the villages in the development block (Approximately 30
villages) would constitute a Panchayath Samithi. The
Sarpanches of the villages in the Samithi would co-opt few
members more and then elect Samithi president. The
elections were fought on party tickets.
Since Vengal Rao’s group was in control of district
congress my father’s group in the village was denied congress
party tickets. They contested as independents on cycle
symbol. Out of the 8 ward members they won 7 seats. My
father was elected as the Sarpanch and Kodaru Venkaiah as
the Upa Sarpanch. My father was one of the contenders for
Samithi president. Bommakanti group had a slender majority
of two or three in Samithi. Three of our relations were also
elected as the Sarpanches of three villages Bhuddaram
(Bhuddaram Venkateshwara Rao from congress), Mandava
(Pattabhi Rama Rao from congress), and Tallampadu (Gopal
Rao from communist party). There were feelers from Vengal
Rao group to join them and was promised to be made Samithi
president. However, there was Ravulapati Satyanarayana Rao
from Mudigonda whom Bommakanti wanted to be co-opted
as a member of Samithi. First co-options were conducted, and
R. Satyanarayana Rao got co-opted. Bommakanti kept it as a
secret his option for Samithi president. It was agreed that he
would name his option minutes before election through a
sealed envelope containing the name to prevent defections.
Ravulapati Satyanarayana Rao was preferred by him and he
became Samithi president.
My uncle Parvatal Rao was doing his law at Hyderabad.
Earlier to that he worked as a Telugu teacher in Nagulavancha
a village nearby Khammam.
My father’s elder brother was working in Khammam
Municipality and was staying in our house. My father was busy
with his mining works near Khammam and Garla and
Bayyaram. He formed A. Ramarao & Co, a private ltd company
and has taken on lease land to mine Barites and Iron ore from
Government. He put up a shed in the front yard of the house
as the office. All of our uncles and one Venkataramachary
Pujari of Venugopala Swamy temple in Cheruvu Madhavaram
were partners. My father was the chairman and Managing
partner. Often, he used to commute to Hyderabad on this
work. He would stay in the old MLA quarters of Bommakanti
on his visits to Hyderabad. Mohammadali and Madhavaram
Ayyagaru used to stay in Khammam to assist him.
Vengal Rao held Annual State congress event at
Khammam. Indira Gandhi who was president AICC attended
the meet. There was a procession and I saw her from close
range standing on the road side pavement.
My youngest brother at that time suddenly took ill with
loose motions and went into dehydration. Our tenant Dr.
Seetharamrao Rao initially treated him. Later Dr. Mazzid who
was a very famous private practitioner visited our house for
second consultation. His charges at that time for a house visit
were Rs 5 and cost of transport by Rickshaw. My brother went
into dehydration and was administrated sub cutaneous saline.
However, he died after 3 days.
As the PUC exams drew nearer few of us classmates
Chanchal Rao, Uma Maheswer Rao, and few others occupied
an empty newly built unoccupied municipal quarter in
Mamillagudem for combined studies. We used to study under
kerosene lamp lighting. We would go to Naaz café for tea at
11 o’clock. I think we used to gossip more than studying. We
wrote our examinations in that summer and I passed in second
class. My other roommates too passed the exams.
Sputnik was launched by Russia on October 4, 1957 and
we used to look at the sky to see it.

Becoming a Doctor
Hyderabad-Summer 1958

I was one of the top ten students who secured the

highest marks in PUC from SR & BGNR college Khammam in
1957. Hence my father decided that I should apply for Medical
college seat. That year Government decided to divide medical
college seats into district wise quotas and allot seats to the
meritorious in the district. There would be interviews for the
top candidates. In addition, there were other courses also like
veterinary sciences, Agriculture, BDS, Pharmacy, Biochemistry
etc. to which we decided to apply. To do all this my father took
me to Hyderabad and lodged me with Sri Bommakanti
Satyanarayana Rao MLA from Madhira (Old MLA quarters-
16B). Close to this was Mysore Café branch hotel. He stayed
with me for few days and we started applying in various
colleges. We had to apply attaching various certificates like
Mulki, Study certificate, Conduct certificate etc. All the original
certificates were true copied on type writers and were
attested by a Gazetted officer. The only one we knew at
Hyderabad in those days was an Assistant Director
Employment and training. His office was at Khairtabad and he
was building a house in chikkadpally.
Bommakanti quarter was spacious and had 3 rooms, a
kitchen, verandah and a hall and two toilets. His son and
nephew used to reside there. Rest were people like me visiting
for their works. There was a personal assistant to
Bommakanti. There was a telephone, and all the rooms had
fans. We used to go around the city during day time and stay
the night there. Few other classmates of mine Venkat Reddy,
P. Ramarao, Harikishen, Satyanarayana, Janikiramiah, and
Venkatarama Rao too descended on the city for similar
purpose and were staying in different places. Veera
Raghavaiah, son in law of Kodaru Venkaiah of our village and
his brother Veeriah too were there in the city.
My father bought meals tickets in Mysore café for Rs 28
which would last for a month. We would have our breakfast
there and lunch daily.
My father’s cousin brother came and stayed with me
and he would take me to one or two cinemas a day. Mostly we
used to see Hindi movies in Zamrud Mahal (Which Nizam used
to visit to watch films) in Abids, Royal Talkies, Picture house,
Light house, Liberty, Paradise, and Tivoli, in Secunderabad. He
would take me to Taj Mahal hotel in Abids for lunch. The food
used to be very palatable. They would serve unlimited
chapattis for lunch and unlimited hot pooris for dinner.
We used to travel in the city mostly by walk or by
Rickshaw. The charges were low and most of the Rickshaw
drivers would speak in Urdu and would easily identify those
who have come from Andhra area if they don’t answer in Urdu
and charge them exorbitantly. There used to be constant
friction and conflict on this score. There were city buses which
used to ply on 2 routes mostly. Series starting with “7” were
on the route from Kothi to Secunderabad station and “8” from
Charminar to Secunderabad station via Abids. There were
double decker buses on route 8. University used to run their
own buses from few localities to university.
Almost every evening we used to walk down to public
gardens in the evening and chit chat and listen to songs and
news on radio. Mostly the discussion would be on our chances
of getting a seat. All newspapers in English and Telugu were
daily delivered at Bommakanti quarters. I regularly used to
read the English newspaper a habit my father inculcated in
me. He used to say that if we read the English newspapers
daily our English would improve.
One day I came to know that Andhra Kesri Tanguturi
Prakasham was staying in of the quarters close to
Bommakanti, behind Mysore café branch and went to see him
around 11 o’clock. He was sitting in a chair in Verandah and
having a nap. No one was around. I stood there for few
minutes transfixed. He was really like a lion, with a broad and
big face and plenty of hair falling on to his shoulders. He slowly
opened his eyes and gazed at me and enquired “evarura”? emi
kaavali? (from which village and what do you want?) I told that
I just came to see him and pay my respects. He said
“Chooshavuga? (you saw it?) And went back to sleep. Soon
after few days he died.
After about a month we were called for interviews. It
was in the principal room of Osmania Medical College. The
clinical classes of Osmania medical college were located
adjacent to the hospital and preclinical classes in Osmania
University. The members of the selection committee were Dr.
Bankatchandra (eminent physician of the day/ Principal of
Osmania medical college), Major KN Rao (Director of Medical
& Health Services- Son in law of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice
president of India)), KB. Lal (Secretary Health), and N.
Narottham Reddy (MLC and owner of Deccan Chronicle). I was
of 4’ 8” in height and 28 Lbs. Looking at me after I walked in
Dr. Bankatchandra jocularly said “If we select u we may have
to find a nurse of your height and an operation table of your
height” at which everyone laughed. They asked me 4, 5
questions and I could not answer one of them which was
“which is the District headquarters of Medak district? “After
returning home Bommakanti listened to my interview
experience and dialed Narottham Reddy to find out my
chances of selection. They were joking to each other on the
phone.
After few days results were put up on the notice board
at Osmania University and my friend went to see them and
telephoned me to say that he could not find my name in the
selection list. Bommakanti was in town and in the room when
I received the call and immediately rang up someone to find
out what happened. He was informed that I was selected. He
gave his PA and asked me to go to university and see the list.
My name was there. Venkat Reddy must have searched my
name under “Ranga Rao” and could not find it. My full name
was “Pandu Ranga Rao” and my selection was listed as such.
I returned to Khammam that night by train and reached
home midnight. My parents were awaiting me and they were
very happy. My selection was the talk of the day in my circles
for quite few days. Everyone would come and congratulate
me. There was jubilation. My father was very keen that there
should be a Doctor from our family. He hoped and tried his
best with his younger brothers to enter the medical field. It
didn’t materialize.
 I came to know much later that I was not the first
Medical student in our clan (“Aitharaju” family). In one of my
visits to my aunt at Penuganchiprolu I was informed about it
by her mother-in-law. She told me that one Jagannadharao
Rao brother of Mr. Aitharaju Jaggiah, elder cousin of my father
joined LM&S course at Madras but died while studying. She
was related to them.
However, there was another hurdle. I had to undergo
medical checkup to become medical student. It was
conducted in Osmania hospital by Dr. BK Naik an eminent
physician of the day. I was suspicious that they may disqualify
me for under weight and height.
However, I was cleared. Thus, I started on the path of
becoming a doctor.
There was almost a month’s time in between the PUC
examinations, and the results and my departure to Hyderabad
to apply for Medicine seat. I was not very curious of the
results. I thought I may pass and would continue my studies in
Khammam. In the summer myself and Ramappa (my mother's
brother and of my age) started planning our future course of
action. He would be entering BA second year and I first year
BA or B.Sc. We thought of taking active interest in college
politics and started working for it. I decided to contest for
Secretary and him for the president ship. Initially we were in
separate groups. We decided to join together and form an
independent block nonaligned to other and contest. We
worked out the permutations and combinations. Suddenly all
of it became a standstill with exam results and marching
orders to Hyderabad by my father and subsequently
admission at Warangal.
When I recall I don’t think I have ever aspired to be a
doctor. It was more a decision of my father and aspirations of
many elders and it so happened that I got the required marks
to secure a seat. I never really worked for it. I know many who
were much more studious and ambitious and worked to
secure a seat but fate willed it otherwise. I don’t even
remember any one asking me what I wanted to do. I just
obeyed their guidance, wisdom and decision. Confidence in
elder’s decisions and obedience was the dictum of the day. If
left to my free will probably I would have gone and joined
“Shanthi Niketan” a school started by Tagore. Anyhow fate
willed it otherwise. For quite some time my parents were not
sure if I would continue and complete my medical studies.
There were one or two people whom they knew who deserted
medical studies as they didn’t like dissecting dead bodies. They
were also not sure if I could take such burden.
I wanted to go to Bhadrachalam and see temple of Rama
and ornaments gifted by Ramdas which they wanted to sell to
start our college. My parents were not in favor of my trip and
I was not allowed and in resentment I fasted for two days.

Arts and Science college, Warangal:1958-59

The day of my joining in the premedical course

approached and accompanied by Parvatal Rao my maternal
uncle I went to Warangal by train. We stayed in the house of
uncle Kolipaka Prakash Rao, an advocate and cousin brother
of my uncle Kolipaka Ramchander Rao. The house was located
on the road to Hyderabad next to head post office, in
Nakkalagutta, Hanamkonda. It was a big house. Sugunakar
Rao, brother of Prakash Rao too was residing in that house. He
was not married then and was working as a junior lawyer with
Parcha Ranga Rao garu. Another brother of Kolipaka
Ramchander Rao, Kolipaka Manohar Rao too was residing few
blocks away. I knew all of them as they were our neighbor’s
close relations at Khammam and often used to visit us.
I went and joined Arts and Science College next day.
The course was common to the students selected for
Medicine, Veterinary sciences, Agriculture. Pabbaraju Rama
Rao a classmate in matriculation at Khammam was with me in
medicine. M. Krishnamurthy a senior in school at Khammam
who left B.Sc and joined agriculture was our classmate now.
Bhageswari Reddy a classmate in Khammam College was in
medicine with us. Rama Satyam from Tallada in Khammam
district too was with us. These were the students whom I met
on the first day. I went by bus to the college. The bus stop was
very close to the house.
It took some time for the classes to start in earnest. Few
more have become friends. But most of the time either I used
to spend in the house or in the central library of Hanamkonda.
I started reading modern Telugu literature. My uncle’s
children were very fond of me. At that time my uncle had two
boys and 3 girl children. My aunt mostly used to live and nurse
the youngest in the interiors of the house. They had a very big
Kitchen and a dining hall. A lady used to help aunt in cooking.
Her son was studying in our college and was doing his BA. All
were served meals at the same time and we used to eat
squatting on the floor. Even my uncles used to join us. In the
evenings uncle Sugunakar Rao and I would go in a Riksha to
Hanamkonda Chow Rasta and have some tiffin (often Poori &
Sambar- A rare combination) in one of the hotels and he would
go to his senior to work and I would go to the central library.
Again, we would rejoin at Chow Rasta and head back home.
During most of the time of my stay in Warangal this used to be
the practice. Even when I joined hostel he would come to the
hostel and pick me up. On Sundays and holidays, we would go
to his agriculture fields to supervise the operations. He was
very friendly in spite of our difference in the age and would tell
me many experiences, events and views. He was very incisive,
jovial, and warm. He was my guardian during my stay in
Warangal and a well-wisher and guide later. I moved after few
days to another uncle’s house.
Uncle Kolipaka Manohar Rao was staying with aunt
Yashoda. He would address me Rangadu and aunt would
address as Ranga Rao. He was working as a manager of the
Coop or land mortgage bank. My aunt was a great cook. The
potatoes curry was the best. Once the meals are ready she
would call both of us and would make three parts in everything
and insist that everyone should eat their share. She was
always smiling and pleasant. I never saw her exhibiting anger
and I used to think there was lot of sadness behind her bright
eyes. I had a very pleasant stay with them and I would often
return to them on holidays or Sundays or festivals for lunch
and dinner. This aunt was another mother who took care of
me like my earlier aunts like Sarasvati, Savitri, Annapurna,
Shakuntala and Padmaja and later on Dr. Leslie in England.
They continued the same affection to me all these days and in
their lives.
I moved to the college hostel after some time. The
hostel was in Nayeem Nagar in Hanamkonda. It was a rented
accommodation belonging to someone who at that time was
a NRI.
It had two floors and had few rooms in RCC house and
some accommodation and kitchen and dining in sheds. There
was accommodation for 30n persons. It was a hostel for Arts
College. Students of other faculties were also admitted. It was
mostly occupied by Professional course students. Notable
hostel mate was Vara Vara Rao the present revolutionary
poet. He was doing his BA literature. The others were
Janardhan Reddy who was secretary of the college students’
union, Dr. J. J. Reddy, Krishna Murthy, Pabbaraju Rama Rao,
Krupasagar Kunde, etc. Laxma Reddy was my roommate. He
was a studious student and used to study most of the time. He
used to counsel me and goad me to study.
There used to be an Acharya cook for the hostel. He was
from Khammam and distantly related to Achary who used to
cook at our house in Khammam. However, this Achary used to
use lot of Hing in cooking.
Ramarao had a cycle. Sometimes I used to do pillion
riding on his cycle and we used to take a longer route to go the
college.
I used to regularly go in the evening to the central
library and read most of Visvanatha, Chalam, Latha, Adavi
Bapiraju, Sharath, and Sri Sri, Dasharathi, Kaloji. Whenever I
was not accompanying my uncle Sugunakar Rao in the
evenings and used to feel hungry and go to temples nearby by
for Prasadam to satiate my hunger. There used be to two
hotels in Nayeem Nagar. One was named Janaki hotel and
another Jaggiah hotel which used to remind us about the
popular actors in Telugu cinema. I started to watch more and
more Hindi movies.
Most of us the hostel mates would go on every wed day
at 8 pm to listen to Binaka Geeth Mala on Radio from Sri Lanka
Radio. That was the only channel in those days which used to
transmit Cine songs. All India radio was mostly transmitting
news, Classical vocal and classical instruments, Balanandam
(Children’s programme), Dramas, and speeches and Stories.
The news readers in Telugu were Panyala Ranganatha Rao,
Kotthapalli Subramanyam, and Rajya Laxmi etc.
Warangal was a Suba under Nizam. It was the regional
headquarters. First high School and Degree College were
established here under Nizam. Most of the students from
Karimnagar, Khammam, and Nalgonda used to study here.
The town was mostly stretched in between Kazipet and
Warangal. The town grew mostly on the sides of the Kazipet-
Warangal road. Hayagriva chary was the MLA and he was a
friend of my father. My father when he visited Warangal also
came to me and took me to him. He used to have his house in
Hanamkonda Chow Rasta.
Warangal used to have only a district hospital and it was
in Hanamkonda. There were few doctors and one of them was
Chandra Mowleswer Rao who was the brother of Murali Dhar
Rao H/O of Chittamai (Ratnavathi) our neighbor in Khammam.
Once there was a Kavi Sammelanam (Poetic Meet) in
the college and all these poets rendered their poetry.
My class mates in the medical faculty were Chakrapani,
JJ Reddy, Balachander, Raghupathi Rao, Bhageswari, Saroj
Murthy, Ramarao etc.
I used to take part in dramas and debating
competitions. Vara Vara Rao used to write poetry.
I, Rama Satyam, Pingali Prasad, Babu Rao, enacted a
drama in exhibition grounds in a competition. Tayagaraju who
became a cine actor subsequently was our junior in college
and he too competed in dramas.
 Ravada Satyanarayana was our principal. He was a very
highly respected Physicist and a very honest man and a good
teacher. He used to live opposite to our hostel. Subramanyam
and Krishnamurthy were Telugu lecturers and a Muslim
gentleman was our English lecturer. I cannot recall the names
of the other lecturers since I stayed there for a short period of
one year.
My father used to send me Rs 50 per month. I used to
pay Rs 30 for hostel fees and mess and in the rest twenty I had
to manage my other expenses. I got Political sufferers children
scholarship which paid my college fees. The train fare from
Khammam to Kazipet used to be Rs.1.50.
We used to go in holidays to Khammam. There were
few trains in those days to Khammam. We would meet all old
friends and exchange gossip. Papai, my uncle’s younger sister
was very appreciative of my success in securing a seat in the
medical faculty and became a great admirer and friend. She
was doing her B.Sc. then. We used to talk and gossip for hours.
In the holidays in summer most of the people in the locality
would sleep in open or the roof terrace. It used to be very
pleasant and most of the adolescents would spend late in the
night chit chatting or playing some games. There used to be
hardly 10 feet separating our terraces. We would stand at the
parapet wall on our respective terraces and chit chats till late
in the night. The other favorite chit chat place was the culvert
in front of Kolipaka Anandarao (another uncle). We would sit
on the parapet of the culvert and chit chat. Occasionally we
would walk to the station and sit on the platform and chit chat
watching the trains.
We would often go to “Mohan Sweets Home” a favorite
joint for tiffin for all. The dishes were made with pure ghee
and were very delicious. There were few adults who never
missed going there even for a day during its existence. Literary
figures of the day would have their tiffin in Mohan sweet home
and then sit in Karamshetti China Narasiah book shop and
indulge in discussions.
 To go to Warangal or Hyderabad the convenient trains
were in the night. They were Puri Passenger and Howrah
express. They used to be at midnight. We would leave our
respective houses after early dinner and leave our luggage in
some shop near the station and go and see Second show
cinema and return to the station. Still the train would not have
arrived and there used to be notice of delay by few hours. We
used to open our “hold all’s” and stretch on the platform.
Many a times we used to wake up in the early morning hours
and would find that the trains are further delayed. We would
welcome the same for giving another opportunity to visit
Mohan Sweet Home and enjoy the delicious dishes again.
Leisurely the train would arrive, and we would depart. We
would unpack our holdalls and spread on floor and sleep for
another 4 hours. In those days I never travelled in a train which
came on time.
We took our Pre-professional course exams in the
summer and packed and left for Khammam. During that
summer my elder sister delivered her first female child in
Khammam. I and my grandfather’s mother were sent in a hired
Jeep to Kallur to bring my sister who was in labor. After
reaching Khammam she was taken to the Govt Hospital for
delivery.
Soon after, our results were announced, and I left to join
Gandhi medical college at Hyderabad.

Gandhi Medical College:1959-1964

I stayed in the house of Parcha Mohan Rao garu for few

days on my arrival at Hyderabad. However, few of us friends
from Khammam met and rented a first-floor portion of house
in Himayathnagar. We were 7 or 8 of us who stayed there. It
belonged to a retired chief Engineer Ananth Raman. I was the
lone medical college student. The rest were in their
graduations in Arts & science subjects in different colleges and
another studying ITI in automobile engineering in Allawuddin
technical college. The rent per month was Rs. 110. The owner
and his wife and a daughter were living in ground floor
portion. We used to dine in Indra Bhavan and later in
Devendra Bhavan on the main road in Himayathnagar. The
monthly meals (Lunch and Dinner) were costing us Rs.25. They
would give us a coupon book with 64 coupons. They used to
stamp the last four tickets as “Guest tickets”. We could
entertain guests for 4 meals in a month. We bought bamboo
cots and entire house the cots occupied. We used to give our
clothes for washing and ironing in a laundry. The hotels were
close by. My father gave me money to buy a watch (Rs120), a
cycle (Rs150), and two pairs of new clothes (Terrilyn cloth-Rs
150) and shoes (Rs 20). It was a big expense. I bought a
Faverleuba watch in Rashid and company and clothes and
cloth for an apron in FD Khan in Abids and Atlas cycle in Bank
Street and a pen in Pen corner in Kothi. These were the
standard purchases every medical student would make in
entering medical college except the cycle which was an option.
I went to the medical college on the opening day and as
I entered few seniors caught hold of me and started ragging. I
didn’t know what to do or say. Meanwhile an old friend of
mine N Narasimha Rao (Class mate till matriculation and
studying second year at that time) saw it from a distance and
approached us along with his other friends and rescued me.
However, the ragging was mostly fun and teasing by the
seniors and afterwards they would take them to the hotel and
offer them tea or snacks.
Narasimha rao introduced me to his “dead body
dissection batch mates” Venkat Ram Reddy, Nagabhushanam
and Satyanarayana.
A batch of four students from 1st year would be allotted
the limbs of the dead body for dissection and another four
from second year would be allotted the thorax and head &
neck and abdomen and brain on each body. The bodies used
to be immersed in formalin which used to have a very strong
pungent smell and used to burn our eyes. My hands used to
smell horrible even after a very thorough scrub and so were
my clothes and I could not eat well for few days. Probably it
was more psychological too. My batch mates were
Chakrapani, Manikyachary and Yelliah. We used to change our
combinations.
My youngest brother was born on 9th June 1959 at
Khammam. It was the day of Vinayak Chavithi. That is why
Ganesh was added to his name and Venkat was from my great
grandfather Venkata Kistiah. I was in Hyderabad and was
informed by a letter. I saw him when I went to Khammam in
holidays.
I was making new friends at the college and after lapse
of few months I have met almost all of my classmates and
seniors in 2nd year. In the physiology lab we were to practice
testing of each other’s blood by pricking our fingers and
making slides and for sucking blood in a pipette for
Hemoglobin estimates.
I bought the required books in “Kothari” medical book
shop which again was a great expense.
Our college was located in Bashherbagh on route no 7
& 8. The bus stop (in front of college) used to be called “Ladies
corner”. Kothari medical book shop and a small restaurant
used to be on the opposite side. Later “Have more” ice cream
shop came up. At the end of the road on the left and at the
junction was “Embassy café” and on the right side at the
junction of the road were Liberty talkies and Embassy talkies.
Sometimes we would avoid going to classes and see matinee
shows in those talkies. The embassy theatre was a small
theatre with about 60 or 70 seats. Only English films were
projected there. In between our college and liberty junction
was “Ladies Hydari club”. Ladies Hydari club used to have an
auditorium and play grounds which were used by college by
an agreement.
I attended the marriage of one of our teachers who at
that time was our anatomy tutor. He became a professor of
ENT later on. His wife too was a doctor and she became
professor of Anesthesia. It was a grand function and all the
preclinical students were invited and we were entertained to
a great feast and an entertaining and enthralling classical
dance by Yamini Krishna Murthy.
Andrews was the Physical director and he became a
great friend and was an artist of merit in dramatics and
literature.
My friends and associates in that year were mostly non-
medical students. The medical students I was close in first year
were Balakrishna Nair and Subhash Reddy.
Harikishen introduced me to Adiraju who was senior to
me in the school. He was working as a journalist and had very
wide contacts. He used to live with his brother in a rented
accommodation near YMCA. He used to conduct monthly
meetings of people interested in literature. PV Ranga Rao and
few others used to attend such meetings.
For some time, we tried playing Tennis in the Lady
Hydari club grounds near New MLA quarters but gave it up
soon as we could not afford the cost.
The shared accommodation in Himayathnagar was
becoming more and more a joint for college politics.
Chaturvedi who was doing his MA in Nizam College was
contesting for the post of student’s union president. KL
Narasimha Rao was a student of Nizam College. Chaturvedi
was residing in a close by house whose tenants were the family
of Kondapalli Rama Manohar Rao who hailed from Kallur. He
was married to the daughter of Mundumula Ramchander Rao
a known political personality then. He was a relation of ours.
His unmarried younger brothers and sisters were staying with
him. They were all prosecuting their studies in different
colleges. Rama Manohar Rao acted in a film “Vara Vikrayam”
a Telugu movie. His hearty and loud laughter still rings in my
ear. Chaturvedi along with these persons used to frequent our
accommodation and all the planning for elections and
subsequently NSS elections were conducted from this house.
Subbarao a student of Nizam College from Allinagaram too
used to frequent our house. Chitranjan, a singer and some
other friends were our regular visitors.
 The atmosphere was not conducive for studies. I my
friend Bandi Janardhan decided to move out and we found a
room in the first floor of Palvai Govardhan Reddy’s relations in
the lane behind Gowda hostel. It was a room built on the
Garage and had an attached toilet. It could accommodate two
cots and a table etc. We were very comfortable, and I used to
go on cycle to our college. We were paying Rs 25 as rent for
the room. Harikishen used to come to our room and would
stay with us during week end.
My roommate Bandi Janardhan was from a village
“Arempala” near Khammam. They had a house in Khammam.
His father Bandi Venkaiah garu was a known person in
Khammam and he had four sons. The eldest was Bandi
Ramaiah, next was Laxmiah, and then Mangapathi and then
Janardhan. Eldest two were seniors in the school and
Mangapathi was my classmate and Janardhan my junior.
Janardhan was a silent, affectionate person. He was strong in
his physique. Everyone was afraid of him. He would go
admonish any one if he was rude to me. Everyone would call
him as my body guard. Such was his affection. He was a great
support.
There was no water scarcity in those days. It was 24
hours supply. The weather used to be pleasant. It used to be
quite chilly in the winter. There was a fan in the room.
My father in one of his visits to Hyderabad took me
along with him and introduced me to Dattatrya who was head
of State land mortgage bank. My father was the vice president
of the same and Bezwada Gopal Reddy who was the finance
minister was the president. My father on behalf of this bank
participated in a conference at Vignan Bhavan, New Delhi and
visited Taj Mahal in Agra. He bought a small replica of Taj in
mosaic stone. He had a cup of tea which costed him a fortune
in hotel Asoka. He stayed in Delhi at the quarters of MP
Madhusudhana Rao from Warangal. He also took me and
introduced me to another friend of his Seetharamrao owner
of Mysore café chain of hotels. My father on his trips to
Hyderabad mostly used to stay in Mysore café in Abids. He also
introduced me another friend of him, an inspector of Excise
who used to live in old city. He was an earlier a Muslim nabob.
He had orchards in Nuzveedu and he used to send us mangoes.
While searching for accommodation I happened to visit
a house in the vicinity and approached an elderly man who
was reclining in an easy chair and reading a book in the
verandah. I could see a stethoscope hanging in a room behind.
When I spoke to enquire about accommodation saying, “I am
a medical student and in search of rented accommodation” he
slowly closed his book and looked at me and replied gently
“Sorry” and opened the book again and immersed himself in
reading. For a fraction of second I thought I saw him before.
When I came out I realized he was “Bhogaraju Pattabhi
Seetharamiah, the great legendary who defeated Subash
Chandra Bose in election as a national president of Congress.
He was supported by Gandhi. He wrote the history of
congress and was the founder of “Andhra Bank”. One morning
after few months I read in papers that he died, and the
cremation would be held that day. I avoided going to the
college and went to his house to pay respects. By that time the
funeral procession started, and I followed the body to the
cremation grounds. Sanjeeva Reddy the CM and few of the
MLAs, ministers and dignitaries accompanied the body on
foot. There were about hundred in the funeral procession.
Few more joined at the cremation grounds. There were
speeches by few and his body was cremated. This was the first
funeral I attended. The life style and living of those great
leaders was very simple.
One night I was returning to the room after a meal in
hotel alone on my cycle. It had no light. A police man caught
me and confiscated the cycle and issued a challan. I was told
to go to small cause’s court near Salarjang museum next day
and attend the hearing and pay fine and collect my cycle from
Troop Bazar police station next day. I and Janardhan went
next day to the court and waited. I was told that if I contest
there would be a hearing and if found guilty the fine would
increase and be higher. Otherwise i.e. if I didn’t contest and
agree the fine would be less and lighter. My name was called,
and I was made to stand in a corner with folded hands. There
was a lady magistrate (Later I came to know she was related
to TVP Ranga Rao my uncle). Someone asked me “Bagair
Kandil rath me cycle chalaye?” I admitted in affirmative saying
(as tutored earlier) “Ha Huzur”. The Magistrate pronounced
the verdict “Panch rupia fine”. I was led out and I paid the fine
and collected my cycle from police station. I had to search for
long to locate my cycle from a crowd of such seized cycles. This
incident made me to think about the process of justice. I
thought the best way of preventing such minor crime would
be that the police man who detects such crime and
apprehends the individuals should counsel him and sell them
the “Light” instead of collecting fine in the court. Incident
made me to think for the first time and probably was the
beginning of my quest for the other best alternatives to
problems.
Dr. Jaya who was the professor of Anatomy was a great
teacher. She used to take lot of pains to teach us. She was the
one who would use visual aids for teaching. Dr. Shankar Rao
was the professor of Physiology. He was simple and business
like. Dr. Baig was the professor of Biochemistry. The tutors
were Dr. Mahazir and Dr. Kondal Rao, in Anatomy and Dr.
Ebenezer in Physiology and Chalapathi Rao and Dr. Nalini in
biochemistry. As it was a new college the faculty was not full,
and Osmania used to dominate the scene. Few people stared
a private medical college by name People’s medical college
which the Government took over and converted it into Gandhi
medical college which was just two years then. The professors
in Osmania were Dr. Seetharamiah for Physiology and Dr.
Hanumanth Rao for Anatomy and Sahadevudu for
Biochemistry. Dr. Seetharamiah was very knowledgeable,
authoritative and a great teacher. He was a great
disciplinarian. Everyone was afraid of him. He used to
dominate the preclinical teaching and he was the examiner
too. He used to conduct combined classes for both colleges.
 I applied for scholarship that was given for the children
of “Political Sufferers” and the same was sanctioned. There
were three others (Police Nagabhushanam, Amara
Venkateshwara Rao, and Uma Ramaswamy) from my batch
who used to get that scholarship. Probably at that time we
were only the four in the college.
Medical college annual day celebrations were a great
hit. Students of other colleges used to canvas for passes to
attend to these celebrations. Osmania medical college hostel
day celebrations too were very popular. The chief guest to the
first college day I attended was Mehdi Nawaz Jung the
minister for municipal, housing and health. The president of
the students’ union was HP Sunder a very talented person. He
joined medical college after doing his B.Sc. and LLM. It was
rumored at that time his wife who was teaching in University
was financing his education. He was a talented artist. The
minister seems to have known him personally well as he
referred to his name many times in his address. Sunder’s wife
was a professor in the university and I happened to know his
daughter Dr. Shailaza and her husband later in life. The dinner
was fabulous. The cultural shows were very entertaining and
hilarious specially the Urdu mushaira and Urdu drama. I have
realized that Urdu language was a very powerful language and
it can be stretched to any lengths in expressing various
emotions. I decided to learn Urdu language. However, the
effort was not serious, and I tried again in UK where I went to
later in my life. Still it is a dream. There were 10, 15 items in
the cultural programmes. To our dismay there was only one
item in Telugu a song by D. Satyanarayana a senior who later
became an anesthetist. We felt sad at it.
Slowly the first year was coming to an end. Ramappa
came to Hyderabad during the end to appear for some
practical exams. He stayed with me and we returned to
Khammam by bus. We caught the bus at 7am in the morning
and reached Khammam at 4 pm. It was a long journey. There
were no express buses or night services.
 The routine of Holidaying in Khammam commenced
with walks to the station, tiffin in Mohan Sweets home, chats
sitting on the culvert and talking to Papai standing at the
parapet wall etc. I also visited Khambhampadu during the
holidays. In one such visits Ramachandram son of Annapurna
Akkayya fell and broke his arm. He too came to
Khambhampadu for holidays when I was there. I remember
Cutting some bamboo sticks and supporting his forearm with
them and putting his arm in a sling and transporting him to
Jaggiahpet to a doctor. That was my first “First aid”. All
watched me with great awe. That was my first improvisation.
Reading some first aid book earlier helped me in that. General
knowledge that one gains from reading magazines, books, and
newspapers would come handy in such situations. I had great
experiences with such things in my life. In Indian situation one
may not be able to provide or receive the best always and at
the same time it should not be forgotten that still one can still
be helped based on local knowledge, resources and innovation
and improvisation. These experiences shaped my thinking and
to keep an open mind.
Bandi Janardhan my roommate finished his studies and
returned home. After the holidays I returned to Hyderabad to
commence my 2nd year. Again, I was in search for
accommodation. There was no hostel for male students. Few
seniors used to stay in Osmania hostel in old city in the
accommodation above Salarjang museum. There was a
combined hostel for lady students in Bharkatpura.
In those days many hostels supported by various castes
have sprung up, like Reddy hostel, Vysya hostel, Gowd hostel,
etc. There was no separate hostel for students of Brahmin
caste. However, these hostels used to admit other caste
students too in vacant seats. Hostels for students in the
university were available but admissions were restricted to
the respective university campus colleges. Nizam College and
Women’s college and RVRR women’s college had their own
hostels.
 I joined “Reddy Hostel”. It was located near Abids. It
was a very big hostel and the most popular hostel. The
buildings were new and located in a very big campus. It had a
huge dining room. The cost was only Rs 25 per month. The
medical students and Engineering students were allotted
single or double room accommodation. We used to have Poori
with dal or upma for breakfast. Vegetarian lunch was served
for lunch and dinner and on Sundays and festivals Non-
vegetarian dish was extra. Since there were many students the
vessels with food items were brought from kitchen in big hand
drawn carts with wheels. Long dining tables and chairs were in
rows. Dining tables were covered with plastic sheets. Because
of long usage, plastic sheets used to curl at the edges and
water used to drip on our clothes. On Sundays the hall used to
be full as non-vegetarian dish was served. All used to a get a
piece of bone. Everyone would try and suck the marrow. To
make it easier they used to hit the bone on the table either to
break it or for the marrow to dribble out. It was a great sound
as simultaneously hundred would be hitting at the same time.
I have not seen this practice anywhere again.
Most of the students used to have their lunch at
respective colleges. They were staying in the hostel more for
accommodation than food. The accommodation was very
central and well connected by bus and had good new facilities.
Since I was a vegetarian I could not relish the food and I used
to eat out side mostly. There were few good hotels nearby like
Das café, Irani restaurant, Taj Mahal (Abids and Kothi), and
one above Sagar talkies. However, the cost was high, and I
decided to shift from Reddy hostel. Someone suggested trying
Vysya hostel and I stayed for few days as a guest with one of
my friends (Amara Venkateshwara Rao, or Shivaramiah or
Balawamy). I didn’t like it either. One day I met Nagubandi
Narasimha Rao my senior who too was searching for
accommodation. Earlier he used to stay with his elder brother
“Pundari” who was working at that time. They used to stay in
rented house near liberty. Pundari left for US and Narasimha
Rao was left to fend for self and to take care of his younger
brother Madhusudan who came to Hyderabad for further
studies. They all hailed from Dornakal and were in business
and the family was headed by their eldest brother who was
into politics too. Venkat Ram Reddy too was looking for
accommodation. He was Narsimha Rao’s classmate and hailed
from Jogi pet in Medak District. He was the only son to his
parents and he had a widowed mother. We all decided to stay
together and cook food and eat and study.
While we were in search for suitable but cheap
accommodation Narasimha Rao got us into a chowltry cum
hostel meant for Vysyas near Gandhi hospital. It was free, but
I and Venkat Ram Reddy had to lie and inform the
management that we were from Vysya community. The name
of Venkat Ram Reddy was changed to something else and we
stayed there for few days. It was “Dandu Pentiah” hostel.
Dandu Pentiah was a leading businessman and Philanthropist.
His grandson Raghunandan was our senior in the College. He
was one of the few who used to own and come to college in a
car.
Damodaram Sanjeevaiah became the Chief Minister of
Andhra Pradesh. Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy the earlier Chief
Minister got elected as president of National congress.
Damodaram Sanjeevaiah hailed from a scheduled caste family
and was an educated person and was interested in singing and
literature. He was a very simple and soft spoken person.
Raghunandan Raj and I often used to discuss about the plight
of scheduled castes and the insults meted to them. Again, the
congress got split into two groups one led by Sanjeeva Reddy
and the other by Sanjeevaiah. Bommakanti was in Sanjeevaiah
group.
We found a place in Adiah Nagar behind Secunderabad
Railway station. In the adjacent portion to ours was a family
with two widows. Since I didn’t know cooking I volunteered to
do the unskilled work of washing and cleaning. We decided
that we should concentrate on our physical fitness and
decided to jog and exercise in the morning in nearby grounds.
Madhusudan was of heavy built and used to be breathless
sooner. We used to come back from exercise and start cooking
and eat and repeat the same in the evening. We had to do the
shopping and maintain accounts etc and soon we found out
that we had no time for study and many times missed the
college too. We decided to employ a cook and share the cost.
Venkat Ram Reddy brought a boy from his village whom he
introduced as Baliah. We came to know much later that he was
not Baliah but Sk. Mohammad. Venkat Ram Reddy thought
that either we or our elders may not approve to employ a
Muslim cook he decided to change his name. Baliah served us
well and become a contractor subsequently and did well. How
an urgent need would make us to lie when the fear was totally
unfounded? My father led a movement against untouchability
and we always had scheduled caste helpers who would even
cook for us.
After few months we shifted to another
accommodation which was more central in Kingsway.
The house was at the junction connecting Gandhi
hospital road to Rashtrapathi Road. Our accommodation was
n the first floor. Nearer to that Madiraju Ram Mohan Rao
Advocate used to stay. He was a leading lawyer and brother in
law of my uncle Kavuturi Krishnamurthy. Next to our house
was the family of Chandrasekhar Rao brother of my erstwhile
head master in Khammam Suryanarayana Rao Garu. They
were distantly related. His nephew Prasad was studying in
school and later became a journalist and much later migrated
to US. Chandrasekhar rao had two sons Murthy and
Chakrapani and two daughters Sujatha and Chandralekha.
Murthy was in final years of Engineering and Sujatha was in
college and the rest were in school. Through Prasad we all
became friendly and used to meet often. Chandralekha was a
good singer. She used to sing the songs of Bhanumathi very
well. Chakrapani in later life became a chartered accountant
and bought “Andhra Patrika”. Murthy migrated to UK and was
teaching in Leeds University where I met him when I went to
UK.
 My friends in 2nd year were mostly from medical
college. Venkat Reddy, Rama Rao etc. have joined Osmania
medical college. We used to meet very often. Through them
we met more new friends from Osmania. Harinath joined our
college in 1styear and was introduced to us by Venkat Reddy.
Venkat Reddy, Nagabhushanam and Harinath were class
mates in Pre-medicine at Saifabad College. So slowly many
have become friends. We used to often visit Osmania
university D hostel and were entertained by these friends
there. When they used to come to city they would stay with us
in our rooms and we used to entertain.
Slowly those of us who came from districts and were
suffering the financial problem huddled together and became
a very cohesive group. Later this group which started with 7
(Magnificent seven) further expanded. The first cohesive
Magnificent 7 group members including me were Police
Nagabhushanam, J Venugopal, T Janardhan, Busa Malliah, Puli
Gopal Reddy, and Manohar Mahajan. We used to call
ourselves “Asthadiggajalu” when Ananthlal would join.
Janardhan was senior most in age in our group. We all used to
sit in the back row and would often not go to classes but chit
chat in the hotel or in our rooms. But this was a very cohesive
group and shared the difficulties together. Our funds were
pooled, and expenditure shared.
New MLA quarters used to have a canteen of Mysore
café. For some time when we were out of money and could
not afford buying the meals coupons we used to get a tiffin
carrier from Mysore café and 8 or more of us used to share. If
we could not even afford that few of us would go to embassy
café nearby and satiate our hunger with Tea and bread.
My involvement in college student’s politics started
accidentally. One day I was travelling in the bus from
Secunderabad to college with some friends and we were
conversing in regard to something about Khammam. G.
Radhakrishna Murthy (From Khammam) was apparently
travelling in the same bus after alighting the bus came to me
and introduced himself as our senior in the college and as the
native of Khammam. After exchanging few pleasantries, he
introduced AVSS Ramchander Rao who was his classmate and
friend and sought my support to get him elected as cultural
secretary. I introduced most of my friends and canvassed
actively for him. I saw an opportunity to promote Telugu
cultural activities through him if he got elected. Soon the news
spread and more and more candidates sought my support. The
earliest candidate contesting for the post of President was
Raja ram who hailed from Warangal and was the elder brother
of Tayagaraju who was with us in Warangal College who later
became a film actor. We found that there were two panels one
led by Raja ram group and another led by P. Sudhakar Reddy
who later established Medicity hospital. Raja Ram group won
the elections, but Ramchander Rao was defeated. There were
banners, posters, pamphlets and interpersonal canvassing.
The election expenses for a candidate would be from a
minimum of Rs 25 to 200. A success celebration party was
thrown at Taj Mahal hotel, Kothi and all supporters were
treated to sweet, samosa and coffee. Soon I was a recognized
as one of the heavy weights in college politics.
Chakrapani for the post of Secretary Preclinical, and
Harinath as joint secretary contested the elections. They were
in our panel. While Harinath won Chakrapani lost.
The students from various colleges used to celebrate
annually “Andhra Abhudaya Utsavalu” a forum to celebrate
Telugu culture, literature, drama and song. Prabhakar Reddy
who was our senior in the college entered filmdom through
this forum. Various colleges would nominate representatives
and in turn they would elect the body which would conduct
the events. I contested as Publicity Secretary and lost.
However, for some reason the events were not conducted
that year and were discontinued later.
I and Chakrapani were nominated from our college for
inter collegiate debating and essay writing competitions in
Telugu, and someone else for English. We all won some prizes.
We used to have regular visitors at Kingsway home.
With my involvement in active College politics many used to
visit. It used to be a disturbance for my roommates. Venkat
Ram Reddy would often counsel me to concentrate on my
studies. We became very close friends. No one else amongst
friends would call him “Are” except me. He never called any
one “Are” except me. I used to keep company with various
categories of friends; friends who were studious, intelligent,
hardworking, and some easy-going type, etc.
Nagabhushanam and Madhusudan Reddy were staying
in Balamrai in a room. Gopal Reddy was staying with Ananthlal
in Begum Bazaar in Ananthlal relations house. Venkat Reddy,
Ramarao, Harikishen, Kantha Rao were in Osmania university
hostel. SL Kantha Rao was junior to us in Khammam College
and hails from a town near to my village Jaggiahpet and was
very good student. He was very much liked by Prof.
Seetharamiah and used to top in quarterly tests. The other top
students in Osmania in pre-clinical were Shyamsunder P,
Shyam Sunder M, and Jaipal Reddy etc.
Koteswer a keen photographer became a friend
through Nagabhushanam and Madhusudan Reddy. He owned
a press “Sivaji Press” in Secunderabad. Poornachandra Rao
who used to work in telephones became a good friend through
Narasimha Rao and so was Nagulu a local businessman. Our
home in Kingsway was close to Mahadevsingh’s house (a trade
union leader at that time). His nephew Ramdev Singh was our
classmate.
Our College day celebrations were a great hit. We could
introduce few Telugu events like few songs etc. that year. It
paved way for and more events in subsequent years. In this
process Dr. Obuleswer, Sunder, Dhruva Kumar, Murali
Krishna, Annie Ramachandran, Vani, Geetha Reddy, Qursheed
Ramaiah, Meera ben, Ramesh etc. became friends over the
next few years. Dr NRV Swamy was a keen promoter of fine
arts. He was the cultural advisor. He directed a Ballet in English
on the life of “Siddhartha”. He was the commentator for that.
Chitra Pandey our junior, Hari Gopal etc. acted in that.
Qursheed Ramaiah left her studies and joined Hindi
filmdom. She acted as a heroin in one film.
 Ramappa came to appear for some exams and stayed
with us. We gave a warm send off to Dr. Obuleswer who was
posted to Khammam. He stayed in our house for few days in
Khammam.
Few of us moved to Osmania hostel to prepare for our
exams. The exam center was in Osmania University. We stayed
with friends and wrote the exams. I didn’t do well my
physiology paper specially Biochemistry. A question was asked
about ascorbic acid. I knew everything about Vit C except the
fact that Ascorbic acid and Vit C were same. I knew that I
would fail and didn’t prepare well for orals. The questions that
were not answered in my theory were repeated in orals by
Seetharamiah which I could not answer and he made a cryptic
comment “U fool, U should have studied the questions u
spoiled in your theory paper and could have answered now
and you would have passed”.
We were told by our internals about our results before
they were officially announced.
I left for Khammam for my summer vacations. I gave
hints to my family and friends of likely results of my exams.

April -1961 to June -1962: 2nd Year and

3rd Year (Jr) in Medical college

While we awaited the results, I attended the marriages

of Gopal Reddy and Venkat Reddy in the summer vacations.
Venugopal was married on 6th May 61 which I have not
attended but attended the marriage of Gopal Reddy with
Prameela on 7th May 61 at Ramaram near Garla. Most of the
friends came from Hyderabad and I went from Khammam by
train and got down at Garla and walked to Ramaram few
kilometers away. The marriage was performed at the bride’s
house and Gopal Reddy’s brother officiated from
Bridegroom’s side. We were bridegroom’s party and the usual
accusations (In lighter vein) about arrangements were made.
The marriage went on well and we returned to our respective
places.
 We returned early to Hyderabad after the results were
announced and from there all friends went to Venkat Reddy
marriage at Akupamula. Akupamula is a village on the high
way between Suryapet and Kodad. We all travelled by an
express bus and had to buy ticket to Kodad which was beyond
Akupamula. However we requested the conductor to stop at
Akupamula and he was reluctant. Twelve of us were to get
down at Akupamula. Nearing Akupamula at a sharp bend we
threw our cloth bags through the windows and started
shouting and opened the door and started descending. Driver
sensing trouble stopped the bus and we all got down and
walked to bride’s house. The house was double story building
and we were accommodated in the first floor. I don’t
remember us giving any gifts. Even now whenever I travel on
that road I recall the incident. The house still stands.
Again, our search for accommodation started. We used
to vacate the accommodation before going on vacations to
avoid rent for two months. Except 14 in our batch rests of us
all failed mostly in physiology and few in both anatomy and
Physiology. I failed in Physiology. As majority failed we never
felt that we failed, instead we felt failing was the norm and felt
the course duration was extended.
Ananthlal invited me to stay in his room along with
Gopal Reddy. Gopal Reddy and Ananthlal hailed from
Mahaboobabad and were classmates since childhood.
Ananthlal relations owned a place in Begum Bazaar which was
at that time a wholesale business hub. It used to have narrow
lanes littered with dung and dust. Ananthlal was allotted a
room in the third floor where we all three stayed. Its roof was
of asbestos sheet. It had a table fan and open space in front.
Ananthlal passed 2nd year and started his clinical. Begum
bazaar was nearly 20 Kilometers from Gandhi hospital in
Secunderabad where he used to go in the morning for clinical
and come to Gandhi Medical College for theory classes in the
afternoon. Since we were referred students we used to stay at
home and study and sometimes go and attend lectures and
practical in the College. We used to eat at Vasantha vihar a
hotel in Abids. We used to cycle. Ananthlal bought a motor
bike. He was the first to own a motor bike amongst our class
mates. The relations of Ananthlal were very nice to us and
would serve us sweets and pooris on many occasions. One day
I lost my cycle, someone stole cycle while it was parked in the
house. The ground floor had few shops, bath rooms and
latrines and washing place. The house had road on two sides.
They used to keep ash in tin box in the latrines as a rubbing
agent for washing hands after ablutions. They used ash for
cleaning the utensils without water. Sometimes in the evening
Gopal Reddy used to borrow Ananthlal motorbike if he was in
good mood and we used to go for our meals on that. Ananthlal
was very fond of cinemas, and music. He bought a transistor
and we used to listen to music on that. Ananthlal had a
childhood marriage. He and Subash Reddy used to see many
cinemas of Kantha Rao.
In the student un ion elections Murali Dhar Krishna
won as Secretary and Raghu Ramulu as the president and
Ananthlal as the cultural secretary.
During one of those days we went on picnic to
Gandipet, a lake which used to supply drinking water to
Hyderabad.
Once after watching a second show (Cinema) in Tivoli
talkies we went by walk to Begum Bazaar.
As the supplementary exams neared we again shifted
to Osmania hostels to write our exams. We did well in the
exams and declared passed. We left for few days to our
villages and returned to Hyderabad.
Then we entered our clinics in third year medical
college. We were given postings in the wards in batches of two
or three to one ward. I and Amara were under NRV Swamy and
later with Dr. Subbarao. Now we had Stethoscope and Apron
in our hands. While we were travelling in city buses etc. we
were looked at by other passengers and admired. We started
enjoying that envy and admiration which the profession gave
us.
 Initially I stayed along with Nagabhushanam and
Madhusudan Reddy in a room built in open space in big
grounds in Balamrai in Secunderabad. There were two rooms
one adjacent to other and attached bath and toilet combined
for both. It was a very small room with space for two single
cots and a chair in between them. We used to walk to paradise
talkies and catch the bus to Gandhi hospital and walk to
Hospital. We used to have breakfast in one of the hotels
nearby and attend clinic and again catch a bus to Gandhi
medical college in Basheer Bagh. We used to get a tiffin carrier
and share the lunch and return to the room in the evening by
bus to paradise and walk to the room. Again, we used to walk
to Taj Mahal hotel in Secunderabad for dinner cutting across
the length of parade grounds walk back to room after dinner.
We used to feel very hungry all the time. We used to eat
heavily in the night. Whenever someone would get money
order we would go to Pannys or Chinese bar in Secunderabad
and have one beer, Biryani and a Berkley cigarette which
would cost us Rs.2.50 all put together.
The walks became very tiresome and left little time for
studies and the room was getting very congested.
Nagabhushanam and I rented a room in the lane next to
Paradise on Prendergast road. Nearer to that Malliah and
Janardhan took another room. We stayed there for few
months. Many friends used to visit these rooms.
Again, we vacated the rooms and went back to our
respective towns and villages after May 1962.
The routine of spending the holidays again
commenced. My parents were in Vallabhi and I was at
Khammam for few days. On one-day Ramarao came and we
were discussing the prices and cost of living. He said
“Karivepaku” the curry leaves have become very expensive
and he said they come from Vijayawada for sale here. At that
I suddenly remembered that there was plenty of curry leaf in
the backyard of our house and as no one was using them we
decided to cut and sell it at the market. Both of us have cut the
same and took it to the market to sell in a gunny bag and to
our dismay we were offered very little at which we got very
upset and instead of selling at that price we decided to
distribute it free to known persons. Whole day we spent
travelling on cycle distributing the same. I could never
understand the market forces.
My uncle Parvatal Rao was working as Publicity officer
and was staying in a rented house nearby our house in
Khammam. Ramappa, Seenappa were staying with him. He
had in his office a Tape recorder (Spool type). He had an
official vehicle a van. While I was in 2 year he came to
Hyderabad on official work in his vehicle and stayed in Mysore
café in Abids along with his wife Sarojini. The traffic in Abids
was very heavy in those days and Cycle Rickshaws would ply
very fast as there was a slope. When they went for shopping
they waited for half an hour to cross the road at the end of
which they decided to cross in a Rickshaw.
He remembered that I wanted to go to Bhadrachalam
to have darshan of lord Rama when I secured a medical seat. I
along with my mother’s grandmother Rukkinamma (80 Years)
travelled with him on his official visit to Bhadrachalam in the
van. There was no bridge on Godavari River at Bhadrachalam
at that time. We got down at Sarapaka and crossed the river
by boat. However, we had to walk long distance in the sand
to get into the boat and some more distance to reach the
shore after alighting. Our grandmother could make easily. We
went and had darshan of the deity and saw the famous
ornaments got made by Ramdas (Which were proposed to be
sold to fund the college in Khammam). My uncle attended to
his official work and we had our lunch in some restaurant. My
grandmother was on fast. We started walking back at three
o’clock in the afternoon in summer sun. Suddenly I realized my
grandmother had no footwear and sand was very hot. I lifted
her and carried her in my arms to the boat in spite of her
protests. I must have been a very lucky person to have had
such an opportunity to serve her in small fashion. On another
occasion much later in my life when I was working in
Hyderabad my grandmother’s daughter Ranganayakamma
(Papai mother) was ill and was brought to me in a Rickshaw.
She could not alight and take the few steps. I again lifted and
carried her in to the house.
Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy again became the Chief
Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 12th March 1962 and was the
chief minister till 29 Feb 64. Sanjeevaiah moved to central
Government.

Stay at Narayan Guda…June-62 to

May 63: (3rd year (Senior) and 4th year (Junior)

We returned to Hyderabad after the holidays and this

time along with my younger brother Manohar. My father
decided that he should study his PUC in Hyderabad. He got
admission in new science college and we hired a room in
Narayan Guda in the opposite lane to Deepak Mahal cinema
talkies. Harinath has joined as a roommate. We rented it for
Rs. 30. It was big enough for three of use and had an attached
bathroom and toilet. The house owner was Mangamma garu
and she was staying with her son Murali Dhar Reddy in the
adjacent main portion of the house. Another room attached
to ours was also let out and so were two rooms in the
outhouse. The location of the house was very central and had
good bus transport. Manohar College was at a walking
distance. Our relations houses were nearby. Jagan Mohan my
cousin brother joined Engineering College and was staying in
University hostel. Malliah, Janardhan, were staying in a nearby
room so were Devender Reddy, Eknatham and Subhash Reddy
and Satyanarayana. Venkat Reddy, Harikishen and Rama Rao,
SL kantha rao and many other friends lived in Osmania Medical
college hostel in Koti. A new college building sprang up in Kothi
with hostel facilities. The preclinical classes were also shifted
to the new campus. Andhra Bank building was also built during
this period at Kothi. It was the tallest building with 5 floors in
Hyderabad. Taj Mahal hotel at Himayath Nagar was under
construction. We used to get a meals carrier from the hotel
and share the food.
 Ramesh, a junior in the college and son of Thripuraneni
Gopichand a famous novelist and thinker was staying at the
corner house of the main road in rented accommodation. He
and his brother seem to have inherited many qualities of their
father and were interested in literature and fine arts and
leftism. Ramesh was an avid reader. We used to share lot of
time discussing current issues, the contemporary literature
and the personalities of the day. On some subjects we used to
differ. He introduced me to Murali Krishna another junior in
the college who used to write poetry and was a staunch leftist.
Prabhakar a lecturer in New Science College was
introduced to me by my brother. He used to live close by in
the quarters along his mother and sisters. He became a family
friend of ours. We used to meet often.
Mangamma Garu the house owner used to keep few
poultry birds to get eggs and they were allowed free roaming.
Harinath lured them to a corner near bath room where they
used to lay eggs and Harinath would quietly collect them and
break and take them raw. Mangamma garu didn’t have a clue
of it and probably thought that the hens were not laying eggs.
In the outhouse a doctor who was doing his MS general
surgery was staying with his wife who was a teacher. He would
often come and borrow blades for shaving. Often we used to
find he cooking food and his wife reading some book resting
in easy chair a sighting which used to invite hilarious
comments from Harinath and others.
Students union elections came up and I contested as
the general Secretary. Mohan Chander and Ramdev Singh
were the other two contestants against me. Both were from
city and were more sophisticated and could converse in Hindi
& English well. They were sober and articulate. They in
between them split majority of ladies’ votes. Ramdev Singh
had a good voice and his pronunciation and control of voice in
the pre-election debate I think swung the results in his favor.
However, we continued to be good friends. The differences
were limited to the election battle. Venkat Reddy contested
elections in Osmania and he too lost. I was the script writer for
many candidates both in Osmania and Gandhi. I was very
impressed with Kennedy speeches and used to include similar
sentiments in the speeches I wrote.
One evening, while passing through the side of
Ravindra Bharathi, I saw an announcement about a Sanskrit
drama “Mricchakatikam” being enacted in Ravindra Bharathi
that evening at 7 pm. As the time was 6.30 I entered the hall
to see the drama. There were few viewers in the hall. Most of
them were organizers. I sat in the third row. It was an aisle
seat. Soon the hall filled. Around 6-55 suddenly I found all
viewers standing up. It was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the
president of India. He came and sat in the first row on the aisle
seat. Soon after that again people rose and this time they were
clapping. Radhakrishnan however didn’t rise from his seat.
Nehru who was then the prime minister of India entered and
went and greeted the president and sat on the other side of
the aisle in the first row. I was stunned. I never expected in
my life that I would have an opportunity to see those great
men so close and also share a seat so close. In that euphoria I
have not noticed any other dignitaries who came. Drama
commenced but my eyes were on the leaders. After about an
half hour suddenly the curtains came down and when they
rose again all the actors assembled on the stage and Nehru
rose and went on to the stage and photographs of Nehru with
actors were taken and they were introduced to him and soon
after Nehru left the hall. Again, all rose and clapped. At the
interval Radhakrishnan was invited on to the stage and he
distributed the mementos. He too left. As I was not following
the drama I too left.
We went on an excursion to Nagarjuna Sagar dam. We
went in our college bus. Dr. Swamy and Dr. L. Bhaskar Reddy
accompanied us. While returning the bus broke down at
Mallepalli a village and we all spent the night in big cattle shed
playing cards under a kerosene lamp.
The Chinese war broke. The reversals on the battle field
were very painful. There was a sudden upsurge of national
feeling and unity. All rallied behind the Government. I went to
various colleges to talk about “Blood donation”. I wrote poems
on the theme of betrayal to which Ramanujam (A professional
Artist) composed the music and Narasimha Murthy (A
professional artist) sang in our college day celebrations.
Narasimhamurthy became a very good friend. Later he
composed music and sang few other songs of mine. There was
no Telugu section in the college magazine. We decided to
bring in a special issue on the theme of Chinese war in Telugu.
However, college authorities didn’t show much
interest. Few of us friends decided to bring it anyhow. Printing
of 500 copies estimated to cost us Rs.250. I was closely
associated with cultural programmes of the college day. We
decided to introduce new persons to the stage. In that process
we went and requested a junior student Ms. Renuka Raju who
got transferred from Warangal College for a dance
performance. She indicated that we should approach her
father permission. He was the boss of Biological Evans a
company manufacturing vaccine. We took appointment and
went and met him. He was very courteous and kind. He
patiently listened to our brief on our college cultural activities
and our efforts to promote Telugu etc. and sought his
permission for his daughter’s dance. He appreciated our
efforts and said he is prepared to help us in any way except
permitting his daughter to dance. He narrated his bitter
experience of similar performance in Warangal the previous
year. As we rose to take leave he went in and came back with
cash of Rs 200 and gave it to me as a donation to get the
Telugu magazine to be printed. The remaining expenses of Rs
50 were shared by us and the magazine was printed. There
were not many writers. I ghost wrote most of the items in the
magazine “Jathi-Nadi” (Pulse of the nation) and distributed
them free on the college day.
Once in two or three months when some friend would
have some money to spare we used to have a party i.e. a beer,
Biryani and Berkeley cigarette. Biryani could be vegetable or
egg or mutton or chicken depending on the individual.
However, the drink was limited to one beer or sometimes a
glass. However most used to feel euphoric with that small
quantity or pretend to be euphoric. One evening we had such
party in Raj Kamal a bar on the main street of Narayan Guda.
It used to be in the first floor. A tiffin hotel was in the ground
floor. While we were coming down few of the friends from
Osmania were laughing and shouting and pretending as if they
were drunk. My brother Manohar and his friend Lecturer
Prabhakar were standing at the entrance of hotel downstairs,
discussing something. Manohar saw us and must have been
shocked. He soon left, and we saw off our Osmania friends and
Harinath and I returned to the room.
On returning to the room I found Manohar crying
silently covering himself totally with a blanket. I quietly went
to sleep and Harinath was trying to talk to Manohar and allay
his apprehensions. Next morning Parvatal Rao uncle came to
our room and Manohar must have narrated to him about
previous night’s incident in our absence. When I and Harinath
returned he opened the topic to counsel us. Harinath started
an argument. Parvatal Rao was saying that it was not a great
thing to drink to which Harinath challenged him to a drink.
Harinath said he would pay the total bill of the quantity that
Parvatal Rao would drink in any hotel of his choice. The
challenge was accepted and three of us went to Vicarish the
costliest hotel at that time. We were confident that Parvatal
Rao would not drink knowing his nature. As Harinath ordered
for beer Parvatal Rao asked for some non-vegetarian snacks at
which I became very suspicious and thought that he was trying
to pull our legs and fool us. When the order was served he
finished them off without batting an eye lid or showing any
emotion. Harinath ended up paying a huge bill and we
returned to the room. Parvatal Rao called Manohar and
exhaled his breath for him to smell and took him out and
counseled him.
My father fell ill and was admitted to Govt hospital at
Khammam. It was diagnosed as Typhoid. I rushed to
Khammam and attended on him. In patient wards of
Government Hospital were in front of the Police station near
Railway station. He was in the general ward. There were 6 cots
in that ward. At night I used to sleep underneath his cot. There
used to be a nurse and a ward boy and a watchman in the
night. Doctor was on call. One night a patient from a village
was brought with an overdose of local variation of morphine.
After the usual stomach wash etc., the attendees of the
patient were instructed not to allow him to sleep and had
asked him to make him walk whole night. He was carried by
attendees in shifts and they made him to walk whole night. It
was very crude but in the end, was effective. He slowly
recovered and went home. Emergencies in the night were
mostly cases of Asthma, Alcoholic over dose, poisonings with
Datura or Ganneru pappu.
My father slowly recovered and was discharged.
I think with that incident of illness in mind my father
decided to perform my Upanayana. He chose Tirupati as the
venue and I returned to Khammam to accompany them to
Tirupati. There was no advance reservation and I went to
Dornakal to block some accommodation in the train. To my
amazement I could not even get into the train and had to
travel on the foot board up to Khammam. At Khammam
somehow, we squeezed in and travelled to Tirupati. We had
to change at Gudur. We checked into a room in a chowltry at
Tirupati and my father went to organize for the Brahmin etc.
On his way he met a person who introduced himself as brother
in law of Akkiah Chowdary a wealthy man of Khammam. He
informed my father that his purse was stolen and requested
him to lend him some money. My father not only believed him
and gave him the money but also invited him to my
Upanayana. He was in a neat dress and he came to our room
with my father and Brahmin. Upanayana was conducted and
as was the tradition I sought alms from the parents and the
stranger and bowed to them in respect. We ate the food
brought from the hotel and the stranger departed. We had the
darshan of the lord and travelled back to Khammam. However,
I have not shaved my hair as was the custom.
 After return I practiced Gayathri for few days. I used to
feel powerful and felt that whatever I was saying bad or good
was coming true. I was afraid of that and gave up.
I, Nagabhushanam, Venugopal, Gopal Reddy, Malliah
and Manohar and Harinath joined NCC. Mohan Chander was
the junior under officer. Prithvipathi too was there. Motilal
was the under officer. Andrews the physical director of college
was in charge of the programme. We were given the uniform
and the shoes and cap etc. We used to go for drill in the
uniform. It was a great feeling. We attended a “B” certificate
training camp in Bolarum. We all used to start from our room
and get into a lorry provided by NCC authorities and reach
there by 6 am and go through tough physical training. We
were made to go for long walks carrying the Riffle and other
stores. We were given training in riffle shooting for few days
and were also tested. I stood first in one of those events. We
all passed our “B” certificate. We gave a salute in a parade at
our College to Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy chief minister at that
time in 1964. I still have those photographs.
We had to return our uniforms, shoes etc. after our
training. For some reason I delayed it. The authorities wrote a
letter to my father about it. He promptly wrote a letter to me
advising me to return them immediately or pay the fine if I
have lost them. It was one of the few letters (countable on
fingers) my father wrote to me in his lifetime.
Manohar passed his PUC exams and my father decided
to admit him in Warangal medical college. I didn’t show much
interest in it. However, my father’s wisdom proved right in
admitting him or else we would have missed a fine doctor in
our community.
Again, we vacated our room and left for holidays to
Khammam.
During the holidays I went to my village. My cousin
sister delivered. After delivery she was behaving weird and
(Was it Postpartum Psychosis or Hysteria) and local sorcery
man was summoned, and he brought some neem twigs and
uttered some mantras and beaten her with those twigs and
she went into a trance and slept. Slowly she recovered. There
was a strong belief at that time that one of the wives of my
uncle who died was haunting the house and was to be
satisfied. So, whenever there was a function or ceremony, or
some bad thing happens they would offer a saree first and
then only to the god or other elders.
Ammamma garu who used to help my mother in
cooking was also working in another house. She was very
affectionate to our family. One of the other houses she was
working was that of Jupudi Narasimha Rao a businessman of
repute in Khammam. He was owner of the only petrol bunk in
Khammam and a partner in Warangal and in Suryapet. He was
a kerosene dealer. His only son was Prasad who at that time
was studying in school. Ammamma Garu was supposed to
have hinted to Narasimha Rao garu that my younger sister
Jyothi the prettiest in her age group would be the most
suitable bride for his son. On his favorable inclination she
prodded my parents to approach them with a proposal. There
were formal visits to each other’s houses and the match was
fixed. There was exhilaration in our relations saying it was one
of the best matches. The marriage was performed in
traditional manner in our house premises in Khammam 7th
April 1963. We really got tired making the arrangements.
There was a special dinner to my father’s friends on the
terrace. There was a marriage procession with Petromax lights
the newly married sitting on a poola radham. A dowry of Rs
6116 was given.
Nagabhushanam got married to Vanitha on 10 th may 63
at Hyderabad. I attended the same and few of us friends joined
together and pooled money and gave a group gift.
I returned to Hyderabad after holidays.
Manohar joined at Warangal. My father borrowed back
the money given as dowry from Narasimha Rao garu to pay for
Manohar tuition fees. Harinath Uncle Dr. Ramakrishna Rao has
set up his family in Hyderabad and Harinath moved to stay
with them. Again, I was left alone in Hyderabad looking for
accommodation.
 My uncle Satyanarayana Rao built a house in
Lingampalli behind Basant Talkies in Kacheguda. My uncle was
working in the districts as forest range officer and he used to
commute once in 15 days to Hyderabad to spend with family.
He had 4 children then. He was very fond of me and invited
me to stay in his house. My father was under financial burden
with marriage and education. He too welcomed the idea and I
shifted to my Uncle’s house. My uncle was very generous and
took care of my expenses that year. It was a great relief to my
father. Such was the financial distress that they could not send
Rs 80 per month for me. That was one of the reasons why I
never tried to make any monetary demands on my parents.
When my friends used to go expensive and long excursions to
north India I never went and used to give some excuse.
I was given the front room for my use. It was a newly
built house. My aunt’s aunt was staying with us. She brought
up my aunt and her brother when my aunt’s parents died very
early. She had two sons and one son died when he was doing
his MBBS and another son was an engineer by name Murthy.
She was a widow and was paralyzed. I used to spend some
time daily conversing with her. Her daily question was why she
was surviving being not useful anymore to any one?
My aunt’s relations used to come to see the old lady.
Slowly I came to know most of them. Kusuma and Prameela
Rani (sisters) were the frequent visitors. They were the
daughters of KV Bhoopal Rao, at that time working as an
officer in archeology department. They had their house near
RBVR women’s college. They became very close to me and we
would often go and see cinemas. My aunt was very fond of
films. She was a painter and was a great believer of
Homeopathy. The numbers of films I have seen in those days
were more than the ones I have seen in rest of my life.
Grandfather of Kusuma and Rani who was staying in
their house at that time used to seek medical consultation
from me even though I was not a doctor. He used to work in
Sagar talkies. His daughter in law was the famous writer
“Yeddanapudi Sulochana Rani” who became very famous with
her novel “Secretary”.
My uncle used to come over the weekends and many
of his friends would visit him and they would all play cards.
Now and then I too would join, and my uncle used to pay if I
lost or I could keep if I won. I met his friends (from forest
department) like Jayanthi Sharma, Devadas, Ramakrishna Rao,
etc. and other fiends like Komaragiri Sunder Ram Rao
advocate at Khammam during that time.
Jupudi Narasimha Rao garu fell ill and was admitted
under the care of Dr. GP Ramaiah a famous surgeon of the day.
He was in the special room for almost two months. He had a
bad reaction with penicillin after some procedure done on him
for urethral stricture. I visited him few times in the hospital.
On one such visit I found lot of women wailing loudly in the
corridors of paying rooms. Alluri Satyanarayana Raju died.
Uncle Kolipaka Ramchander Rao was admitted in
Gandhi hospital and he underwent operation for a massive
hernia. Dr. Subbarao operated on him. I used to attend on him.
Venugopal got elected as General Secretary one of the
important office bearers of the students’ union. We organized
a stall of Medical exhibition in the annual Industrial exhibition.
It was a great effort and drew large crowds.
We enacted a Telugu drama in which Geetha Reddy
was the heroin. In another drama vani acted and in another
Murali Krishna and Annie Ramachandran acted. Meeraben a
junior in the college and I participated in a Radio drama
“Balachandrudu”. Meeraben was the daughter of Madapati
Ramchander Rao a literary and political giant in the freedom
struggle. She was the sister of Madapati Satyavathi a
programme officer of AIR. I visited their house few times.
During the college celebrations I was awarded the “color of
the college’ for my literary and social activities.
Two days before our college day celebrations I and
Venugopal borrowed Ananthlal scooter and went on small
errand. Venugopal was driving that evening since I had no
experience of driving and we started from the college and
attended to the work and were returning to the college.
Venugopal was driving very fast and it was drizzling.
Venugopal would not heed to my pleas and suddenly
something came on our way and he applied sudden breaks and
we skidded and fell down. It was at Basheer Bagh Chow Rasta
close to the college. Both of us had no serious injuries but
received multiple abrasions. We slowly walked back to the
college and we were taken to Gandhi Hospital where the
wound were cleaned and tincture benzene seal applied and
were administered prophylactic tetanus serum. Venugopal
was to act in the drama on the third day as hero.
One day I was chitchatting with friends in the verandah
of the house. My aunt and children went to a marriage
function. At that time a car with a flag drew near our house
and a person in uniform stepped out and came in and enquired
for me. He said he was instructed to take me to the marriage
of the son of Madapati Hanumanth Rao who at that time was
the chairman of legislative council. When I feigned ignorance
of the event he started pleading and I had no other way than
to accompany him. I never knew the family of either the
bridegroom or bride. The function was at Bharkatpura. When
I went there I was cordially invited and taken inside and was
treated to a sumptuous dinner. There were no many guests. I
met my aunt, Kusuma, Rani and Meeraben in the dining hall.
Kusuma & Rani too were brought in like me.
Next day was the marriage and I thought I should
attend the same and reciprocate for the royal treatment given
the previous night. I bought a book as a present and went
there. There were big crowds and I could not even enter the
marriage hall and witness the marriage. I returned home
“Begana Shaadi me Abdulla Diwana”.
Kennedy was assassinated on 22 Nov 1963. He was a
very popular leader and was also very much loved in India. He
was an icon.
Dr. Hrishikesh was our professor in Social and
Preventive medicine. He was a very great teacher. Somehow,
he kindled interest in me in community medicine which
became a passion for me. I used to enjoy his classes and never
missed one.
My mother was told by some visiting homeopathy
practitioner that she had cancer. Her symptom was white
discharge and immediately she was rushed to Hyderabad. I
have shown her to Dr. Ratnavathi at Gandhi hospital and to Dr.
T Seetha at Nilofer. She had a biopsy done and cervical
cauterization done as OP procedure and was assured that it
was not cancer.
She was really frightened of her affliction and started
insisting that I should get married soon. Probably she
suspected that I had some one in mind and imposed a
condition that I marry any one of my choice in a year’s time or
marry someone they choose after that. I agreed to the same.
I wrote my fourth-year exams in October that year. I
cleared Pharmacology, Forensic medicine and preventive
medicine. I failed in Pathology. However, I was allowed to
continue my final year on the condition that I would clear
pathology before appearing for final exams.
On 27th May 64 Nehru died. I was returning home from
hospital and in the bus, they were discussing his death. I
returned home and started listening to radio. Probably
everyone in India must have felt it as a personal loss. There
was genuine grief.
I appeared pathology exam in summer of that year. Dr.
D. Bhaskar Reddy was our external examiner. He was a great
friend of students. He would cut jokes and make everyone at
ease in the viva and help student to overcome the tension and
question him. I passed my exam.
I went back to Khammam for summer holidays.
I returned to Hyderabad after holidays for my last six
months of study and for my final exam.
I and Nagabhushanam decided to hire a room in
Secunderabad and study. We got a room in the 1st floor of a
house near Percys in Secunderabad. It was a small room.
For the first time I concentrated on my studies. I was a
very fast reader. I tried to practice the fast reading technique
of Kennedy. Usually people would read important chapters.
Instead my first few readings would be complete reading from
page one to the end. I used to finish hundreds of pages a day.
I would not memorize. I could at the end of the first reading
locate the subject on a particular page. In the second reading
I would quickly scan and note the important points. I think I
gave at least 4 to 5 readings of each text book of medicine,
surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics and Gynecology. This
habit helped me in my exams.
One day we were informed that our exams are likely to
be advanced. It was told that the dean has recommended to
the Vice chancellor to that effect. We have not completed our
syllabus and the time left was too short. We the exam
appearing students of Gandhi medical college decided to
represent to the Vice chancellor of Osmania University. The
medical colleges in Hyderabad and Warangal were affiliated to
Osmania University. We took an appointment and met the
vice chancellor Dr. DS Reddy. I was nominated by all students
to be the single spokesperson. I made a passionate argument
and we were assured by Dr. DS Reddy that he would consider
the matter and do the needful. Soon orders were issued
cancelling the advancement.

My Marriage

As I failed to find a bride for myself my parents started

looking for a match. I told them that they should find out,
screen and select a match and I seeing the girl would only be
a formality.
One day I was summoned to Khammam by my parents.
A formal meet for me to see the girl and vice versa was
arranged in the house of Jupudi Narasimha Rao Garu. Karuna
along with her father Dr. Gudlavalleti Venkat Ratnam came to
the house. Karuna appeared for her final MA exams and was
awaiting her results. She was frail and fair. After few minutes
the interview ended without many questions and we returned
home. I gave my assent and told my parents to go ahead with
finalizing the match and returned to Hyderabad.
Once Dr. Venkat Ratnam garu came to Hyderabad and
requested me to accompany him to some of his relations. We
went to Sripathi Rao garu house and Gudlavalleti Chalapathi
Rao house.
Our exams neared. After coming down from our room
on way to the examination we would wish and await the
appearance of the lady house wife living in the bottom portion
of our room. We would proceed after seeing her. It was a
sentiment mainly nurtured by Nagabhushanam. We would go
to the sweet shop at the corner and eat our breakfast and go
to the exams. We completed our exams and as usual we went
to Dr. Subbarao’s house who informed us about our success. I
and Nagabhushanam completed and passed MBBS that year.
I returned to Khammam and marriage preparations
were in full swing. The marriage was to be performed in
Kothagudam 50 Kilometers from Khammam which was a coal
town. In population it was bigger than Khammam at that time.
Dr. Venkata Ratnam garu was a medical practitioner
from that town. He had his house near Railway station. He had
a nursing home next to his house with 6 beds. He was in his
early sixties then.
He hailed from Gudlavalleru a town in Krishna district.
He prosecuted his medical studies at Madras and completed
his LM&S. At that time MBBS was not there. He joined Nizam
Government as Civil Assistant surgeon and worked at various
places like Gulbarga, Pharbani, Burgumpad, and Osmania
General Hospital. His contemporaries were Dr. Bankat
Chandra, Dr. Ramchander etc. When he was practicing in
Maharashtra area of Nizam state his only son fell ill at his
native village and his request to proceed on leave was denied.
His only son died, and he was dejected and left the job and
started roaming in search of peace and he happened to meet
a business man from Kothagudam whose wife was not well
and on great persuasion he came to Kothagudam and
successfully treated her. After that he rejoined the service at
Burgumpad and worked for some time and left. He entered
into business of Bamboo sales and sustained losses. He was
affectionately called as Bamboo doctor by people from
Burgumpad. The businessman from Kothagudam persuaded
him to settle in private practice at Kothagudem and he
supported him to settle down. He was one of the few private
practitioners at that time in Kothagudem. His only daughter
was Karuna. He had two widowed elder sisters living with him.
His wife Durgamba fell off the cot by accident when she was
recouping from an operation and broke her hip and was bed
ridden. She had cataracts and her vision was poor.
I went to Hyderabad and printed invitation cards and
invited all my friends. Manohar was sent to relations houses to
invite them. In Hyderabad Manoj youngest son of my uncle
was afflicted with small pox and I was advised to have the
preventive booster vaccine which I took at IPM.
On the morning of 26th December 1964, we left for
Kothagudem by a special bus. Most of my friends went to
Bhadrachalam and came to Kothagudem in the evening. They
were all accommodated in a hotel. The marriage pandal was
erected in the street in front of their house. The marriage was
solemnized at 9.30 in the night followed by dinner and various
rituals.
Most of my relations attended the marriage so too my
friends. Next day we left for Khammam and stayed there for
three nights and performed Satyanarayana Vratham and
returned to Kothagudem. After spending two nights there I
and Karuna left for Hyderabad on 31st December night and
travelled by first class coupe in the train and reached
Hyderabad in time to commence my house surgeon training.

Houseman ship: January 64 to

December64 at Gandhi Hospital

I reported to duty at Gandhi Hospital and was posted to

Casualty for six weeks. I was posted to night duty that evening.
I went home and returned to hospital in the evening. The night
duty was to commence at 8 pm. As there was another hour
still left few of us friends went to the Irani restaurant near
railway station for a chat over a cup of tea. After some time,
there was commotion outside and we found that a
motorcyclist was hit by bus and was lying in a pool of blood.
Some Rickshaw puller picked him and drove the Rickshaw
towards the hospital. Suddenly when I looked at the watch it
was 10 minutes to 8. I too ran to the hospital and the patient
was brought into the casualty I tried to palpate the pulse. It
was very feeble and suddenly stopped. I looked at his pupils
and they were fixed and dilated. Meanwhile the Casualty
Medical officer too came and declared him dead. I was
numbed. Suddenly there was another commotion in casualty
and a girl of 12 years was brought in on a stretcher
accompanied by Dr. Ramseshiah, professor surgery. I rushed
to the stretcher seeing it and tried to assist him. He indicated
for a cardiac massage and he was trying to give artificial
respiration. It went on for few minutes. RMO again came and
declared her dead. The first two lives that I have attended
after becoming a Doctor ended fatally. Soon some friends
came and after seeing I very depressed enquired the reason
and on knowing it one of them offered to continue with the
night duty and I went and slept in the house surgeon quarters.
Next morning, I thought about it and decided that I should
not give into sentiment and should go ahead with my work as
usual.
Slowly I got immersed in the routine work and forgot about
it. A girl of 16 yrs. was admitted in the medical ward from a
village nearby to my village. She was suffering with acute
leukemia. She was a very brave girl and used to suffer all the
invasive procedures and treatment protocols very patiently.
She was always smiling and whenever she would see me she
would come to me and affectionately greet me. She was from
a very poor family and often there was no attendant. She died
after couple of months.
Janardhanam a rich businessman from Bhadrachalam was
admitted under Dr. Subbarao in the surgical ward. He was
operated for an inguinal hernia and developed a sinus and it
was not healing. Dr. Subbarao personally used to conduct the
dressing etc and used to take special interest in the case. After
few days Dr. Subbarao entrusted that work to one of his
assistants who in turn entrusted it to the house surgeons. I or
Dr. Amara Venkateshwara Rao was attending to it.
Janardhanam became very friendly. He owned a petrol bunk
in Bhadrachalam and also was operating few private launches
and private buses on river Godavari and on the roads of
agency area respectively. He was known to my father-in-law
and also to Jupudi Narasimha Rao. He was very respectful to
me.
Dr. Subbarao did his FRCS from UK and worked in the army
in the Second World War and later returned to India and
joined state services. He was one of the most popular
surgeons at that time and the others were Dr. GP Ramaiah and
Chalapathi Naidu. He was a very strict administrator. He would
arrive at the hospital at 7.30 am and change into theatre dress
and stand in the verandah smoking a cigar and watch staff
coming in. At 8-15 am the attendance register would be
removed, and action initiated against those who were absent
or late. He was terror to all the members of staff. His wards
were the cleanest. He personally designed the operating
theatres and they were the most modern at that time. There
used to be three paying rooms and few cubicles.
There were two Anglo-Indian senior nurses “Coopers”.
They used to ably assist him one in the theatre and another in
his ward. He was very punctual, and his time was well
organized. He would spend his morning hours in the operating
theatre or in the outpatient and after lunch would have a nap
and would attend to the hospital administration in the
afternoon or would spend in teaching. At 4 pm he would
return home and see private patients and go to the club in the
evening. He was affectionately called “Kala Angrezi”. Once a
class 4 employee complained against me of rude behavior and
I was summoned to his room and he admonished and
counseled me. He was a keen learner. He would post doctors
returning from US or UK in his ward and learn new techniques.
He learnt Trans Urethral Prostatectomy from his assistant. His
assistants during that period were Dr. AK chary, Dr. KL Reddy,
DR B. Bhaskar Reddy, Dr. Askari, and a doctor who returned
from US from whom he learnt few new techniques. He
commanded great respect. He had great love for Gandhi
hospital and his end came in the same hospital much later.
One night when I was on night duty the grandson of
Governor was admitted for overdose. He was admitted under
Dr. Subbarao. Dr. Subbarao came personally and saw the case
and referred him to Medical department and after ensuring
that the patient was safe left the hospital. He was kept in his
ward which was the cleanest at that time as there were no
Paying rooms vacant. The wife of the Governor stayed with her
grandson at the bedside relaxing in a chair. The only additional
comfort provided was placing of curtains all round.
My Uncle Aitharaju Radha Kishan Rao underwent
Vasectomy as an outpatient procedure at our hospital and I
assisted the surgeon in that procedure. The procedure took
around 20 minutes. Later much easier and quicker techniques
were adopted in the field with equal success. I realized that
there was much scope and need for innovation and
improvisation in the field in treatment procedures.
Young Muslim girl of 14 years was posted for excision of a
superficial lump on her leg. Dr. Bhaskar Reddy asked me to go
ahead with the procedure as he was otherwise busy. I
conducted it independently and in the process excised more
skin than required and she required later skin grafting. As I felt
responsible I used to take special care and Bhaskar Reddy gave
the needed support. Even if one commits a mistake one should
own it and try to rectify it.
One-day Dr. Bhaskar Reddy received a telegram reading
“Father died–Start immediately”. He along with his family left
for Anantapur. On reaching home he found his father hail and
healthy and on a relook at the telegram and enquiry it came
out that the telegram was meant for his servant boy who too
hailed from Anantapur and was staying at Dr. Bhaskar Reddy’s
house. It was a Comedy of errors.
Kasu Brahmananda Reddy was the chief minister at that
time. His wife Raghavamma expressed a desire to watch an
operation while it was conducted. Chief Minister and his wife
arrived one morning to watch Dr. Subbarao perform an
operation under General anesthesia. I was posted to the
department of anesthesia at that time. Few photographs of
the same event were taken.
I and Karuna were staying in Satyam Babai house. After few
days my mother-in-law was admitted in a special room in
Osmania General Hospital. She was there for about two
months. Karuna would attend to her mother during day time.
She would go visiting her friend Deena or her cousin sister
Lalitha. Lalitha husband Sripathi Rao met with an accident on
his way to Yadagirigutta previous year and had a head injury
and was recuperating. He had four daughters and two sons,
and they were all in school. They were living in Nallakunta in a
rented accommodation. Sripathi Rao was working in defense
department and was on long leave.
After discharge from hospital my mother in law was taken
back to Kothagudem. Karuna used to go there for few days and
would come back to Hyderabad.
Both of us attended the convocation at Osmania University
and received or respective degrees “MBBS and MA”.
My uncle Satyanarayana Rao planned a trip to Tirupati. He
included us both in the group. He hired an ambassador car and
all of us i.e. 6 adults and five children including driver and
servant maid travelled in that car from Hyderabad to Tirupati
and back. Ambassador was really the best car for large families
in those days. We went to Guntur and stayed in a hotel and
went to Amravati next day and from there went to Tirupati.
On way the children Laxmi, Beena, Sameer, Ravindra and
Manoj would sing and tell stories and everyone enjoyed the
travel. We had darshan and on way back went to Kallur and
visited my sister. She accompanied us to Bhadrachalam and
had darshan of lord Rama and dropped her at Kallur and went
to Khammam and returned to Hyderabad. It took us six days
to complete the trip.
Dr. Narasimha Rao and Dr. Amara Venkateshwara Rao got
married at Yadagiri Gutta on the same day and time. Amara
married Narasimha Rao brother’s daughter. Another daughter
of his brother too got married same day. We all friends went
to the marriage. I went along with Dr. Raghunandan in his car.
On way it was drizzling, and car skidded at a place for no
apparent reason and we got down and checked and found an
oil spill on the road. We cautioned the other vehicles and
drove safely. However, after some time a friend and classmate
of ours Pendyala Vidyasagar from Nela Kondapalli who
finished his B. Tech travelling on scooter skidded and
sustained fracture hip and was taken to Nizam orthopedic
hospital at Hyderabad. Dr. Ranga Reddy a famous orthopedic
surgeon and founder superintendent of the institute operated
on him.
Dr. Ranga Reddy was affectionately called as “Bokkala
Ranga Reddy”. His diagnosis was very good, and his operative
skills had no match. He was a costly surgeon. But he would
never conduct any unnecessary procedure and cannot be
lured anything. He would not cheat. He was frank, and
fearless. He took personal interest and designed Nizam
institute and he was a visionary.
Dr. P. Thirumal Rao was the professor of Pediatrics. He was
a freedom fighter and was the cell mate of Brahmananda
Reddy the CM. He was a writer and actor and was interested
in cultural activities. He was trained in USA. He was a great
patriot and nationalist. He always wore Khadi.
Any emergency he would advise us to take care of few
things in children. Lumbar puncture, IV drip, was routine.
Banana was the safest food. A smiling child is never seriously
ill.
His assistants were Dr. Venkatesh and Dr. Pandit.
We used to play cards during our leisure time in house
surgeon quarters. One day we were playing cards and were to
go for a Public service commission interview. I, Amara,
Devender Reddy stayed back playing cards. We became
juniors to many and in the process, I retired only as Joint
director and if not would have become Director. Any how I
have no great regrets.
Dr. Surti was the principal of Gandhi medical college and
professor of Obstetrics. He was a highly honest, upright man
of highest integrity. Very rarely one would come across a
gentleman like him. He was an icon. Many stories would be
told of him. He would always carry an umbrella and a water
vessel (Chembu) with him even to the hospital. He would
address everyone with respect.
He always had a curtain placed at the middle of
examination couch so that the examiner conducting per
vaginal examination the examinee would not be able to see
each other. Joke was that he would tell the past history and
his earlier examination findings of the repeat patient without
looking at the patient but would base it on per vaginal
examination. He used to show such respect for the women
and would take all steps to prevent embarrassment.
He would cut many jokes in his lectures but he himself
would never laugh and would tell them in a very serious way.
I had personal experiences of his integrity and honesty. He
had a notice board indicating his consultation charges. The
charges were based on the time when the patient would
come. Charges from 5 to 7 were less and 7-9 were little extra
and from nine to ten pm were double the original. Once I
referred a patient who was charged at the rate applicable after
nine pm. One day he called for me and gave me some money
asking me to return it to the patient I referred saying he
charged her extra by mistake as his watch malfunctioned that
evening.
He was professor of Obstetrics and was also the principal
of college. He would initiate a file requesting and
recommending on something and as professor and forward it
to principal for a decision. He would sometimes reject as
principal the proposal he sent as professor. He had a correct
view of the functions of different functionaries at various
levels.

The Rural Medical camp

There was a request from a political family from

Mahaboobabad area to conduct a rural health screening camp
in their villages. They assured their responsibility for providing
free transport, accommodation, food and local arrangements.
We approached Dr. Surti, principal with the request. He readily
agreed and asked us to go ahead with the arrangements and
said he would volunteer to participate. His assistant DR. Alladi
Laxmi too volunteered. He asked us to pick up some
volunteers from House surgeons and few from students.
While we were going ahead with our arrangements one day
we were summoned by Dr. Surti and he informed us that there
was a call from a minister asking us to cancel the programme.
The political family from Mahaboobabad was against
the minister’s group even though both belonged to same
political party. He asked for our opinion and we said it may not
be fair and correct to cancel it on political grounds. He said
that the Government may not give permission and may treat
the absence as not on duty and may not give fee medicines
and the college bus. Our reply was that we would overcome
any obstacles as and when created and were willing for any
small sacrifices required. As he was discussing a telephone call
from health minister came and he started enquiring about our
proposed camp. We could overhear the conversation. He
apparently advised cancellation and Dr. Surti’s reply was a firm
NO. He said it was a voluntary effort of the students and would
go on even without the permission of the Government. He said
he was sanctioning leave to all those who were participating
and permitting the students to use the college bus as they
financed the purchase of the same through their fees. Such
was the character of those elders at that time.
We went ahead and conducted the camp for 5 days in
4 villages. It truly exposed us to the morbidity and conditions
in rural areas. The hosts made excellent arrangements. They
took us to “Shikars” into the forest in the nights. Dr. Surti too
came on leave for three days and participated in the camp. It
was a great learning.
Dr. Surti entertained all the participants to a dinner at
his house and he and his wife personally served us and Mrs.
Surti played on the piano.
Our stipend during houseman ship was Rs 50 which we
considered as very meager and we decided to represent.
Alapati Venkat Ramaiah was the health minister and Kasu
Brahmananda Reddy was the chief minister. When we met the
chief minister he sarcastically said “why should they raise
when patients were only receiving colored water “and I
replied in the same sarcastic way that what was supplied by
the Government was what was dispensed to the patients by
the doctors.
However, the stipend was raised to Rs 80 per month.
In the college day celebrations, we the house surgeons
presented a Telugu mushaira which was a great hit. Even now
many remember that. I composed all the shairis and directed
the same.
As our houseman ship was coming to an end we
received our posting orders as civil assistant surgeon in
Khammam district.
When I was doing my houseman ship TVP Ranga Rao
garu H/O of Bharathi was posted at Hyderabad in State Health
Transport Office (SHTO). They hired a house in Ashok Nagar.
Bharathi was pregnant and was suffering with Malaria. She
could not be given radical treatment as she was pregnant too.
Pandu Ranga Rao garu took lot of care of her. I used to often
visit their house. The pregnancy and delivery were otherwise
non-eventful. We used to go on picnics and on one such trip
Pandu Ranga Rao garu taught me driving me a jeep in one day.
 As Civil Assistant Surgeon
Khammam: January 1966

I joined as civil assistant surgeon in AP medical services on

5th Jan 1965. I was the first Gazetted officer in Aitharaju
family. My pay at that time was Rs 225 basic and Rs one as DA
per month. My long carrier in Government service
commenced. Four of us I, Dr Amara Venkateshwara Rao, Dr
Jwala Narasimha Rao, Dr Vasikarla Satyanarayana, joined
service together. The inpatient wards of the district hospital
were in the campus in front of the police station. The
outpatient block and the TB wards were in the campus next to
Railway station. There was only one consultation room with
one examination couch, a table and four chairs. We reported
to duty and met Dr Arja Janak Mohan Rao who was the DMO.
He introduced us to Deputy DMO Dr Govind Rao Goje. Dr Goje
directed us to work in outpatient.
When four of us entered the OP, we found that all the four
chairs were already occupied by another four senior doctors.
There was only one entrance to the OP room which was
partially closed, and an Attender was allowing one patient at
a time that would go to one of the doctors and doctor would
register his name and listening to the complaints would
prescribe some drugs on a paper which was 1’’ wide and 2’’ in
length. There was a big “Q” stretching to the railway station in
the open. We stood for some time in the room and suddenly
there was the sound of the second bell at the railway station
and entire waiting crowd of patients ran back to the railway
station to catch the train.
One minute there was a big waiting crowd and the next
minute none. What a paradox. In those days there were two
passenger trains up and down in the morning hours. Since the
trains always ran late the passengers would decide to usefully
spend their time caring for their health and join the “Q” at the
OP counter.
As there were no waiting patients we all went into the
veranda to have coffee. We introduced ourselves to the
seniors. The seniors were Dr Swamy, Dr Yella Reddy, Dr Jhansi
and Dr Ahmad Ali. Since the doctors were more we decided to
work in shifts since there were few chairs and accommodation
in the room. We all juniors decided to do the next shift and as
we were about to leave then one senior have asked us about
our newspapers. We could not comprehend his question and
when he finds us empty handed called for the Attender and
asked him to buy a newspaper of our choice and to collect the
money from us. We didn’t want to offend the senior and told
the Attender our preference and paid. Within minutes the
newspapers arrived, and the senior collected them and
carefully and neatly tore the empty white edges of the
newspapers and asked us to use them as the OP tickets. What
an innovation and improvisation. From the next day we would
all buy newspapers of our choice and go to the OP. When we
were free we would also read the newspaper. Multipurpose!
The purpose of our posting at the district headquarters was
to train us in administration before we were sent to periphery
postings after six weeks. In leisure times I would go to office
block and collect the financial code, Madras Medical Manual,
etc. I read them quickly and understood the sense behind the
rules. They were the rules drafted by erstwhile colonial
Governments to serve their purpose. No attempt was really
made by the subsequent Governments to change them suiting
to the needs, and based on contemporary changes taken
place. The Governments gave priority to create new
institutions and programmes. They would provide for capital
expenditure but not for running expenses.
Financial code prohibited the local purchase of white
papers. All the stationary was to be supplied annually by the
Stationary department on an indent and medicines from MSD.
There would be a small provision for local purchase in the
budget.
However, we were permitted to buy waste paper to wrap
the medicines dispensed. Few doctors would put up bill for
waste paper but in fact would buy equal amount of white
paper. Dr Arja Janak Mohan Rao the DMO served in the army
and was a good surgeon. He was a very honest and up right
officer and would not allow any other consideration to
influence his administration. He was to retire in few months.
He was to give us the peripheral postings.
There were some vacancies in the district. One was Pedda
Gopathi, a PHC few kilometres from Khammam, and Subbilaid
a dispensary 25 kilometres from Khammam, Mobile Medical
Unit at Bhadrachalam and MM Unit at Kukunoor (Interior to
Burgumpad) and a PHC at Pinapaka (Very interior to
Burgumpad) , and Taluk Civil Hospital at Burgumpad.
My father in law visited us at Khammam few times during
that period. He would visit us and would take his meals in
Jupudi Narasimha Rao house. It was custom in those days not
to eat in son-in-law’s house till a grandson was born. Very few
people observed that custom, but he was one of those who
observed. On one such trip he met our DMO without my
knowledge and requested for my posting to Burgumpad which
was 20 kilometres from Kothagudem. Vasikarla tried for his
posting through Vengal Rao at Pedda Gopathi, Amara through
Siddha Reddy to MM unit Bhadrachalam, and Dr Jwala to
Subbilaid through Dr KA Sharma DHO at that time.
Vengal Rao was the ZP Chairman and Siddha Reddy was a
MLC, at that time.
On the day our orders of transfer from Khammam were
issued, DMO called me separately and told me that Kailasam
who was working as a cook with him was being posted to
Burgumpad and asked me to take care of him. He also
mentioned that he was posting me to Burgumpad. Govind Rao
Goje subsequently told me that despite heavy political
pressures DMO obliged my father-in-law and posted me to
Burgumpad. Dr Arja Janak Mohan Rao retired the next month
and settled in Vijayanagaram. Dr Janardhan Reddy took over
as DMO.
We were relieved and we all joined at respective places on
st
1 Feb 1966.
 Medical Officer- Burgumpad : 1966-68

Burgumpad was a taluk headquarters and had a population

of 10000 at that time. There was a high school, a police station,
a fire station and Tehsil office. There was a small NGO’s club.
The town was diagonally opposite Bhadrachalam town
separated by River Godavari. It was connected to Paloncha,
Kothagudem and Khammam by bus. Hospital was located at
the entrance of the town diagonally opposite to Tehsil office.
It had no compound wall at that time. It was a single building
housing OP in a room, Dispensary in one room, and operation
theatre in one room where deliveries were also conducted. It
had one room for female inpatients, and one room for male
inpatients. The OP room had an ante room attached with a
bath room. An open scavenger type toilet was outside the
main building. There was a post mortem/mortuary room
away from main building. It was staffed by a Doctor, a nurse,
a compounder (Pharmacist), a male nursing orderly (MNO)
and a female nursing orderly (FNO), a cook, two thotis, and a
pat time Dhobi. There was a medical and health unit attached
to it with a Health visitor at headquarters and ANMs at
Amararam, Vinjaram, and Manuguru. Administrative control
of the staff of M& H unit was with the Panchayath Samithi.
The members of staff of hospital were Ramchander-
Pharmacist, a staff nurse, Maternity assistant, Kareem and
Narasimlu Attenders, and a thoti.
The medical officer’s post was vacant for a long time and
the MO of Paloncha (DR. Ram Mohan) was in additional
charge. He used to visit once a while mainly to disburse
salaries and to take care of other administrative matters. The
pharmacist used to run the OP. The hospital OP timings were
8 am to 12 an, and 4-6 pm. I found taking charge was a very
tedious affair. Everything in the hospital (Furniture,
equipment, linen, consumables, medicines etc.) was all in
personal custody of the medical officer. It took us two days to
count everything and prepare charge lists. Subsequently
wherever I worked I decentralized the system and made
respective functionaries responsible and they were to account
and handover charge when they were transferred. We signed
the CTCs and sent them to DMO and AG office to issue our pay
slips. They service register and payments to Gazetted officer
were all controlled by AG at that time. It used to cause lot of
delays and the system was subsequently abandoned and
delegated to the controlling officers.
For few days I stayed in the ante room of our outpatient.
On the third morning of taking charge I attended the OP sitting
in medical officer’s chair. No patient came to consult me. Few
were peeping in and were turning back. After some time I
observed that they were all going to the compounder. I also
overheard a lady telling someone that the Doctor (Old) was
sitting in the dispensing room and a new compounder who has
joined was sitting in the earlier doctor’s room. Such was the
ignorance. While I was waiting for the patients a tall fair
person in white starched clothes and shoes wearing a wrist
watch entered the room and greeted me. I wished him back
and asked him to take seat hoping to create a good
impression. He was reluctant to sit and after one or two more
repetitions of my request he informed me that he was the
serving Attender Narasimlu (Peon) and was on leave and
returned to report to duty. I was taken aback.
It took few days for people to realize that I was the Doctor
and the one whom they were thinking as the doctor was
indeed the compounder. To strengthen this, I had to ask the
peon to direct all those who were attending to see me first.
As was the tradition I called on the Tahsildar and BDO who
were the other two Gazetted officers and another Special
Tahsildar and called on the Sub Treasury Officer who was the
pay master. I called on the Samithi president Thota Kura
Venkatappiah. They all returned the courtesy call except the
Samithi president at the hospital and few others like Sub
inspector of Police, Head Master, and Post Master, too called
on me. Few local political leaders like Sarpanch and others too
called on me.
 There used to be one medical shop in the town. The owner
was known to my father in law. My father in law was known
to many in the town as he was the MO in earlier years. One
day he came and fixed a rented house at Rs 30 per month.
Karuna and I started our independent living. Sarvadevabhatla
Seetharamiah was the deputy Tahsildar and was my
neighbour. Mr. Subbarao was the Tahsildar and Zaheer Uddin
Khan was the BDO. Edwin Bhaskar was the Special Tahsildar.
Charles was the sub inspector of police, and Singh was the
forest range officer. Adiraju Koteswer Rao was the Junior
Engineer. My cousin sister’s husband (Sugunakkayya) Sharma
garu was the RI. Soon KV Bhoopal Rao was posted as the
Deputy collector at Kothagudem and had jurisdiction of
Burgumpad taluk. Janaki Ramaiah was the Samithi manager.
Since the posts of Medical Officers of Pinapaka PHC and
MM Unit Kukunoor were vacant I was kept in additional charge
of the same. PHC Pinapaka was 40 kilometres upstream of
Godavari and Kukunoor was 25 kilometres downstream of
Godavari. They were approachable by road only for three
months in a year i.e. in summer months. Rest of the time we
had to travel by launch, by foot etc. Pinapaka was the most
difficult journey. I had to cross river Godavari at Sarapaka and
go to Bhadrachalam and catch a private bus to Cherla and
cross Godavari again and reach Kondaigudem and from there
go by foot to Pinapaka. Reverse journey used to be the same.
I would make night halt at Kondaigudem at Raju’s house. He
was a very willing host and an affectionate person.
At Pinapaka I used to stay in the hospital and Sri. Krishna
Murthy Sarpanch would host my lunch and dinner. His family
donated the land for PHC. One progressive gentleman by
name Chowdary used to live in nearby village and was
irrigating his fields with water from a Bugga bavi. One attender
“Kareem” would accompany me in all these trips. Each trip
would take minimum 4 to 5 days. Kukunoor was easier. We
would catch a launch at 7am at Sarapaka and reach Kukunoor
by 12 an. In return it used to take whole day as the launch had
to travel upstream. I had to make at least one trip to each of
these stations for paying salaries. I addition I had the
additional charge of M&H unit and its sub centres. I had to visit
Vinjaram, Amararam and Manuguru. Vinjaram and Amararam
were enroot to Kukunoor. Manuguru was upstream.
Amararam was the village of our Samithi president Thota Kura
Venkatappiah, and Gangaraju. Rattaiah was the Sarpanch of
Vinjaram and Raju (Manuguru Raju) was the head of
Manuguru. They were very affectionate people and were good
hosts. At Kukunoor I used to stay with Palivela Seetharam Rao
garu. There were many other relations of mine in that village
like Kotari Apparao garu, Laxman Rao garu etc. On my way
back sometimes, I used to cross Godavari and enter
Gowridevipeta which was the native village of Sri. Palivela
Madhav Rao a congress leader, and Palivela Narayan Rao and
advocate in Bhadrachalam.
The MM unit Kukunoor was immobile and had no vehicle.
There were only two staff members a compounder and his
wife a FNO. Suddenly one day the compounder died which I
came to know after a week.
After few months in summer Dr Raja Rao was posted to
Kukunoor and Dr Potharaju posted to Pinapaka. After
Potharaju, Dr Venkateshwara Rao was posted to Pinapaka.
They subsequently left service and settled in private practice.
Dr Raja Rao was a bachelor and stayed in Kukunoor. On the
day of joining I took him in the jeep to Kukunoor and handed
over the charge to him. After handing over charge I was
leaving for Burgumpad in the evening and suddenly I saw tears
in Dr. Rajarao’s eyes. He suddenly felt lonely and stuck in god
forsaken place. I consoled him and assured him that all would
be well and requested him to come and stay with me in all his
trips to Burgumpad. All these Doctors on their trip to
Burgumpad would stay in the hospital and dine with me at my
house.
 Tommy

My wife brought along with her a pet dog “Tommy"-a

Pomeranian. Whenever she used to go to Kothagudem to see
her parents I had to take care of the dog. This dog was
presented to my father in law by Circus Company on their visit
to Kothagudem. In return to his medical services to their staff
they presented the dog. Unlike me it was a non-vegetarian.
Kareem the attender would take care of it. He would carry it
in his arms to the hospital along with me and bring back home.
Sometimes I had to take the dog along with me on my tours.
The local officers were very helpful. We would often meet
in the evenings. Prasad the post master, Charles the SI of
police, the head master, Singh the Forest ranger, Edwin
Bhaskar were very pleasant persons.
Zaheer Uddin khan the BDO was very good host. Often, he
would invite me for dinners. He used to stay alone in
Burgumpad. Since M&H unit was under their administrative
control he would often ask me for any supplies I require for
the hospital and would supply very quickly. For emergencies
and for the articles not supplied by Department it was a very
easy route of help I used to use. He would also lend his official
vehicle for my official tours.
Dr Anjaneya Sharma was the Health officer of the district
and after merger of health and medical departments he was
the Additional l DM&HO. Earlier the health department was
separate and Medical department was separate. There used
to be one Civil Surgeon (DMO) in the district looking after the
hospitals, PHCs, MM units, etc. Another Health officer used to
look after the health activities and all Para health staff was
under his control like school health programme, MCH, Family
planning etc. In that year new Civil Surgeon Superintendent
post was created to head the district hospital. Dr
Jagannadharao an ophthalmologist was posted. Dr Janardhan
Reddy was the DM&HO. Dr. Mohan Rao was posted as MO of
Mobile family planning unit. Dr. Raman Rao was posted as the
School health officer.
 Family Planning Programme

That was the year when a massive thrust of family planning

programme was initiated. The main component was
“Vasectomy”- Dr Mohan Rao started conducting camps in
villages and Dr Raman Rao used to help him. At that time the
other Doctors who used to conduct these operations in the
district were Dr Maqdum, Dr Swamy, Dr. Yella Reddy. All most
all the Doctors posted were staying in the headquarters and
they had a very good support from the Samithi presidents and
Sarpanches. Most of the Doctors who conduct these
operations were in the plain areas of Khammam and Madhira
Taluks and there were none in Tribal belts like Ellendu,
Bhadrachalam, Burgumpad areas. As a strategy Dr. Mohan Rao
used to concentrate in these areas. That is the time I came in
contact with Dr. Anjaneya Sharma. He was a very good
administrator and a good man manager. He would help
anyone at the first asking and later they would be obliged to
help in the programmes. He had excellent relations with
higher authorities. Dr Mohan Rao and Dr Raman Rao were his
great assistants. I was too willing to assist and soon took
interest and organized many camps.
I used to assist Mohan Rao in the camps and soon he taught
me the technique and encouraged me to perform
independently. Soon I was conducting independent camps and
Dr Sharma used to depute me to other areas. I became
popular in the agency area. The other who soon mastered the
technique was Amara Venkateshwara Rao working as MO MM
unit Bhadrachalam. At that time, I came in contact with Mallu
Ananta Ramulu at that time a VDO in Bhadrachalam area.
Subsequently he joined politics and became PCC president. He
suffered a premature death. Ananta Ramulu organized many
camps where in I operated. During that period, I came in
contact with many Doctors like Thirunadha Rao,
Krishnamurthy, and BDOs in Bhadrachalam area like Krishna
Murthy, Surya Rao, etc.
 One evening when I was sitting in the OP room in the
Hospital a handsome, tall, fair gentleman brushing aside the
few waiting patients entered my room greeting me and
introduced himself as BK Rao. He took his chair opposite and
in fluent and beautiful English started the conversation
praising my work and my honesty. Excusing myself for few
minutes I disposed the remaining patients and started
conversing with him. He was working as Inspector of central
Excise at Kothagudem and on additional charge came to
Burgumpad. He had a magnetic personality and would win any
one’s friendship in minutes. With that small conversation he
became a lifelong family friend.
Manohar and Mohan visited me in summer vacations. They
had wonderful time- We went along with Zaheer Uddin Khan
to some villages in the forest area and while returning in the
night in the forest saw many wild animals like boar, deer,
Manubothu, Wild pigs and a tiger. We had a picnic on the
launch and went to Perentalapalli and Papi Hills.
Ramappa was working as exhibition officer of the central
Government and organized an exhibition in Kothagudem and
came and stayed for a day at Burgumpad. Later also he made
a visit when he was going to attend an interview for
probationary officer of SBI.
I used to go to Kothagudem Magistrate court to give
evidence on Medico legal cases. During such visits I used to
meet few advocate friends like Suresh Babu, Dr Anand Raj, MO
of Kothagudem, BK Rao, Dr Seetharamiah a private
practitioner and Bhoopal Rao the RDO. I used to mostly dine
with BK Rao. His children too used to come to Burgumpad
during vacations.

Vasanthostavalu and Godavari Floods

Bhoopal Rao garu organized “Vasanthostavalu” (musical

and Dance festival) at Kothagudem- They were weeklong
programmes. Many renowned musicians like Chittibabu, Bala
Murali Krishna etc. participated. I attended quite few
programmes. His children Rani and Kusuma came from
Hyderabad to witness them.
There were major floods in Godavari that year. Kinnersani
is a tributary of Godavari and joins it downstream of
Burgumpad. The flood of Godavari water literally stops the
flow of Kinnersani into it. As its flow stops it inundates vast
stretches of town and surrounding areas. The road link
between Burgumpad/Bhadrachalam and Kothagudem is cut
off near Paloncha on Kinnersani river (In those days there was
only a culvert) and again at the entrance and entry (in those
days culverts only) points of Kothagudem by Murredu Vagu
because of back waters thus cutting off the link between
Kothagudem and Khammam the district headquarters.
There were only few telephone lines which were only land
lines and were cut off early. The electricity supply was cut off.
However, there was excellent relay of news and forecasts on
All India Radio which was the only channel of information. As
heavy floods were forecast the District officers headed by the
District Collector reached Burgumpad by evening before the
road links were cut off. People started evacuating their houses
in the evening. The Hospital and Tehsil office were at the
highest points in the town. My wife was away at Kothagudem.
I too evacuated my house and shifted my vulnerable
perishable belongings to Hospital leaving the rest tied to the
roof of tiled house where I was staying.
PS Krishnan was the district Collector. A meeting was held
in Tehsil office which I attended. Collector desired me to
accompany him on his launch to provide rescue and relief
operations. In those days the discipline was such that once
collector says something it should be obeyed. However, I felt
that I would be more useful staying back at Burgumpad than
indulging myself in rescue and relief operations in which I was
not trained. Further there were few thousands of people
staying in the campus of hospital braving the rain and sun and
may require treatment and there was a need to prevent any
outbreak of epidemic. There was also a need to form teams to
send on the launches to the flooded villages to prevent
epidemics. I picked up the courage and told the collector same
with my reasoning. For a minute the Collector was in deep
thought. There was stunned silence. He broke his silence and
said OK to the relief and dismay of everyone. However, I
volunteered to send a paramedic with supplies along with him
which was accepted with thanks. Collector left boarding a
launch at the periphery of my hospital compound to
Bhadrachalam.
This experience taught me that I should express my
opinions with correct reasons even if higher ups order me to
do something which may not be the correct thing to do. With
such conviction I never had to have a feeling in my life that I
was not heard, or I have not expressed what is right
professionally.

Flood Baby

Soon after all road links were cut off. Teams were formed
to evacuate people from their houses in the town. The women
and children would leave but not the able-bodied males. They
stay back to protect their belongings in the house. They have
a lot of experience with the floods than us the outsiders
working there. They stay back for shifting the belongings to
higher heights tying them to the roof of their thatched or tiled
houses. There were very few RCC houses then. It was a
blessing in disguise.
I rested in the ante room of OP in the dark thinking of
floods and the actions I have to initiate. I thought a lot and
planned. I realized that there would be lots of scorpion bites
and reptile bites since they too try and settle in dry places
pushed by floods. There would be lots of injuries, Scratches as
people would wade through waters mixed with thorns and
fallen trees. I could not sleep till late in the night due to crying
of children and shouts of people to identify their family
members. Suddenly I was woken up by the call of my staff
nurse.
 A pregnant evacuee sheltered in hospital premises went
into labor and the staff nurse who examined her found that
there was a mal presentation a “Hand Prolapse”. As it was
beyond her capacity she woke me up to deal with the case. I
never even conducted a normal delivery till then. In that
hospital it was customary at that time all delivery cases were
attended by the nurses. All difficult deliveries would be
referred to Collieries hospital at Kothagudem where an
Obstetrician was available. We were stuck with the case as
there was no way that she could be sent since there were no
road links. I had to do something. Suddenly I remembered that
I had the Obstetric text book in the trunk box since I shifted all
perishable luggage to hospital. I opened the book and referred
to the relevant chapter. What I was looking for was an option
to deliver without operation. The option was to do a pudalic
version i.e. to push the prolapsed hand into the womb and
catch hold of a leg and convert the presentation into a breech
and deliver. It also said that to get better dilatation of cervix
Amyl Nitrate fumes can be smelt by the patient. The catch
was; even if I could convert the presentation into breech I did
not know how to conduct a breech delivery. I asked the nurse
if she could do a breech delivery and her reply luckily was
positive. I called the relatives of the patient and explained the
situation. The husband fell on my feet crying and begging to
save the life. That was the first of many times a patient
prostrated at my feet.
I stepped into the labor room along with the book, washed
and started the procedure referring to the book all the time at
every step. All the fears, excitement, trepidations ended with
a healthy cry of a new born. Alas- In the process I broke the
upper arm of the baby. Again, I went back and opened this
time the orthopedic book and read again the relevant chapter.
Thank God it was not very complicated and was assured that
it would heal in couple of weeks with a support. The family
came and profusely thanked me.
 When I woke up in the morning and returned to the
outpatient people would peep into the room, look at me and
go back. I was a hero. How the events unfolded?

That day I decided to learn more of Obstetrics

Floods-No water to clean

The submergence lasted few days and flood water

receded. I went back to my house and found that the water
touched almost the roof of the house. Luckily all the vessels
and furniture tied to the ceiling was safe. The problem was
how to wash the house. Water was the big problem. It took
couple of days to clean the house. What an irony? Few days
earlier there was so much of water.
Soon after the floods receded I went to Kukunoor MM
Unit. The hospital located in the rented building was totally
submerged. All the medicines, records etc. were damaged and
were beyond repair. It was beyond the capacity of the lonely
staff member “the poor widowed FNO” to shift the luggage to
a safer higher ground which was 2 Kilometers away. She had
to take care of young children and her belongings. I conducted
a panchanama in the presence of Sarpanch and village elders
and condemned the damaged articles and sent the report to
DM&HO seeking ratification. It was a jocularly called act
“Flood disposal”- It is said in those days that if an officer asked
for an irksome file the standard reply would be “Sir- It is flood
disposed”.

Misplaced Charity

After couple of months after the floods a huge

consignment of Tinned food arrived with a short expiry date
for distribution to the flood affected victims. By the time they
reached us from the foreign donors the expiry date was over.
Further there were no tools supplied to open the cans. Even
we did not have- Forget about the tribal. I started
correspondence for its disposal without distribution. It took
months with no action from higher ups. Lot of space in the
hospital was occupied with these useless supplies. I got fed up
and one day I picked up courage and buried them as they are
in the grounds of the hospital and sent a report to higher ups.
There was not even a whimper from any one. No one wanted
to own responsibility. But everyone was prepared to ignore.
The issue was buried. It was another lesson learnt.

Tribal-Sustainable nutrition

One day a lean thin elderly gentleman accompanied by Sri.

Jaipal Rao came to meet me. He was working in tribal welfare
department as a senior officer (Kareem Khan). Jaipal Rao is the
brother of Sri Bhoopal Rao and was working as Inspector in
ACB department. He was a very honest and simple officer. I
heard about this Tribal welfare officer many times from many
people. He was adored as God by the tribal. He was a very
sincere and honest officer and was a very committed officer.
The conversation shifted to the nutrition of tribal and I casually
said no outside supplementary food would help them and I
expressed my opinion that they should grow around their
houses vegetables like Beans and green leaves. I said this habit
should be inculcated. This idea was born out of my observation
at that time the tribal never grew in those days anything
around their house. After few months in the next rainy season
he came with the seeds and told me that he was going to
distribute them to the tribal. I forgot about this almost for 5
yrs. Only when I returned after 5 Yrs. and visited some tribal
habitations after being posted to Bhadrachalam did I realize
the excellent work he has done when I saw every hut with a
Bean creeper and other creepers.

Epidemics - Disobedience

Small pox, Chicken Pox, Measles, Gastro enteritis were

endemic in those days. Often, they would explode into
epidemics. Malaria was mostly under control. One day a
villager came and informed me with a letter from Sarpanch
that there were many cases of small pox in their village and
requested for remedial action. I called the health visitor and
ordered her to proceed to that village and with the help of
local ANM to carry out vaccination and to send daily situation
reports. I followed it with a written order. Her name was Mary
Suvarna and she joined as a health visitor in M&H unit few
months earlier. She was good in her work and was fluent both
in English and Telugu. She was unmarried. She heard me and
collected the orders and left.
After few days I happened to see her in the town. I thought
she has completed her work and returned. I sent for her and
on arrival I enquired about the situation in the village. To my
utter surprise she replied saying that she has not gone to the
village as the BDO promised to take her in his Jeep in a day or
two. I lost my cool and asked her to put it in writing and she
complied with it. I immediately asked the Health inspector
who returned from another such duty to proceed immediately
to the village and take necessary remedial measures. I issued
a memo to her and made a report and sent to the DM&HO
requesting him to transfer her immediately to any other place.
On the insistence of Dr Sharma, a case was made out and was
referred to Director Health for her immediate transfer from
the district. Director Health immediately ordered her transfer
to Adilabad district. On receipt of the orders I relieved her
from duties and sent the papers to the BDO for counter
signature as M&H unit was under the administrative control of
the Samithi. No action was taken by their office. After few days
I was told by Dr Anjaneya Sharma that Samithi president along
with BDO approached Director Health for cancellation of her
orders and retention. In the process they seem to have alleged
that I had some personal points to score. The Director called
for the file immediately and made an endorsement saying that
she should never be posted back to Khammam District. He
further endorsed saying that negligence in obeying orders in
an epidemic is a crime and should not be tolerated.
Samithi authorities continued to dodge the relief. A
resolution was passed in Zilla Parishath meeting that the
Technical control of the M&H unit to be immediately
transferred to the MO PHC, Pinapaka which again was under
the control of Samithi of Burgumpad. The MO of PHC,
Pinapaka approached me with those orders and I refused to
accept them since my controlling officer was The Director
Health and unless orders are issued by him I will not obey any
other orders. I wrote a DO letter to the District collector
seeking his intervention to advise BDO appropriately. After
few days the Health visitor was relieved which was a surprise
to everyone. I had not handed over the charge of M&H unit. It
was another lesson learnt.

Sivaratri

There is a Shiva temple on a hill in an island in Godavari

between Bhadrachalam and Burgumpad. We have to cross
small portion of river by boat from either side to reach it. A
jathara is conducted on Sivaratri night at the temple and many
people congregate from both banks to celebrate. MO
Burgumpad was responsible for Health and sanitation at the
festival area. People get drunk and indulge in many anti-social
activities and the SI was responsible for maintenance of law
and order. I and Charles who was the SI then went to the
temple to supervise the arrangements in the evening. There
were lot of make shift shops in the sand around the hill
locating the temple. There were lots of crowds. We climbed
the hill through steps and reached the temple. There was very
little space on the hill and around the temple for crowds to
gather and witness. Hence a tradition was created to take the
"Utsava Vigrahalu" down the hill before marriage and give a
bath in Godavari and bring back the idols and perform the
marriage in the temple and again in the early hours of morning
take them down again for darshan of people. Few important
officials and temple staff would be in the temple.
To safeguard the passage of the god in procession and to
protect the Jewelry of the God few constables were available.
It was 8 pm and Preparations were underway to start the
procession. Suddenly there were shouts and cries and few
constables on duty in the sands rushed upwards to the temple
bringing with them a person with bleeding scalp injuries.
Behind them an angry crowd was trying to rush upwards to
the temple. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, SI
posted few constables with weapons shouting that anyone
daring upwards would be shot. Though the angry crowd didn't
retreat they have not made further progress indulging in loud
shouts and threats. I started attending to the patient. I
controlled the bleeding with pressure and dressed up the
injuries under the illumination of Petromax light. It is alleged
that there was an altercation at one of the gambling makeshift
den and the proprietor of it has beaten up the person. There
was a stalemate. The crowds could not come, and the God
could not go down. The Archakas made some arrangements to
bring up Godavari water in vessels from another route and
performed the rituals and conducted the marriage. All night
we were awake and on vigil. SI sent someone to get extra
armed reserves who arrived by early morning. Few leaders
from the crowd were allowed to come up to negotiate and
make peace. Ultimately peace was restored the God taken
down and brought back. We returned to Burgumpad safe.
Meera ben and KML Prasad got married in the summer. I
telephoned them and congratulated them from
Bhadrachalam.
Harinath left for UK. I went to Hyderabad to see him off. At
the airport he took a signature of mine on a blank paper saying
that he would apply for my P form to go to UK.
My father-in-law closed his practice and moved to
Tamarakollu near Kaikalur along his wife and two of his old
widowed sisters.
Dr Gunda Venkat Reddy completed his houseman ship and
decided to set up private practice at Miryalaguda in Nalgonda
district. I lent him some equipment and instruments of my
father in law. I attended the inauguration of the nursing home.
 Assembly elections

The elections for state assembly were held. The congress

party was split into two major groups at National level one
headed by Indira Gandhi and another by Kamaraj Nadar. At
state level Indira group was led by Brahmananda Reddy and
Kamaraj group by Sanjeeva Reddy. At district level Sanjeeva
Reddy group was led by Vengal Rao and Brahmananda Reddy
group By Siddha Reddy. Both groups fielded independent
candidates wherever they could not get tickets. Brahmananda
Reddy group was in power since he was the chief minister
then. Siddha Reddy group had an understanding with CPM and
Vengal Rao group with CPI. Madiraju Ramkishen Rao garu was
the election supervisor for Siddha Reddy group. We used to
meet almost every evening and he would narrate the
developments. Siddha Reddy group handsomely and
communists and Vengal Rao group were routed in the
elections. Brahmananda Reddy became CM again. Siddha
Reddy and PV Narasimha Rao were inducted into his cabinet.
I attended the marriage of Santha daughter of Kolipaka
Ramchander Rao and Sharada (my aunt) on 2nd June 1966 at
Khammam.

Missing the Bus

Public service commission of Andhra Pradesh has called for

applications for recruitment as civil assistant surgeons. We
were then working on temporary basis. Actually, I had an
opportunity when I was Houseman. On the day of interviews
few of us were playing cards and making merry and ignored
going for interview not knowing the importance of APPSC
selection. However, this time I attended the interviews and
was selected. It was only a routine affair, and by missing the
1965 interviews I became junior to some three hundred
candidates. If I would have attended in 1965 probably I would
have retired as the Director of Health services.
 Going to be a Father… Opportunity to go to UK

Karuna was pregnant and I got her checked up at

Hyderabad by Dr Surti who was my professor earlier. He was
Superintendent of Maternity hospital then.
I received a letter from UK that I could go to UK to seek
employment after obtaining P form from their high
commission at Madras (Present Chennai). I had to reach UK
before end of Feb 1968. I had discussions with my parents and
in laws and all felt that I should avail the opportunity. My
father said he would pay for the ticket and my father in law for
other expenses.
I applied for earned leave to obtain necessary sanction of
study leave, passport and P form. The same was sanctioned
and I handed over the charge of my hospital to Dr Raja Rao MO
Kukunoor and proceeded on leave from 1st Nov 1967. There
were farewell parties and one even on the launch at
Perentalapalli. All friends from Bhadrachalam and Burgumpad
joined.

Preparation to go to UK
Obtaining NOC from Government of AP

I had to obtain sanction of study leave for 5 years and a no

objection certificate from Government of Andhra Pradesh
who was my employer then, permitting me to seek
employment to sustain myself during that period abroad. Only
then a passport could be issued to me. Only after the passport
is issued would I get the P form from UK high commission. That
was the link. I had a short time of two months to obtain the
same. I had to take earned leave from November as I realized
that the application I made in October was still lying in the
DM&HO office at Khammam even in the middle of November.
If I would not have taken the earned leave and not chased the
papers I would not have gone to UK as the dead line was Feb
1968. I sat in the DM&HO office one day and by evening I
arranged for my papers forwarded to Director of Medical
services at Hyderabad. I went to Director's office after 4 days
giving time for postal service to deliver it.
I took names of few officials from Dr Sharma to hasten the
process at Directorate. I also knew one head clerk by name
Sadashiv Rao who was the brother of Dr Mangrulkar my
classmate and nephew of Arkal Jagannadharao of Khammam.
I had to start chasing the paper from the Tappal section. Soon
I mastered the art. I would go to Sadashiv Rao every morning
and he would tell the name of the clerk with which my file is
and I would use his name and request him to put it up.
Generally, all of them obliged. Then I would catch hold of the
attender/peon who would carry it and request him to carry it
and put it on the top of the files. Then I would go and seek an
appointment with the concerned officer who has to sign and
forward the file to the next level. They too obliged as it was a
routine file. I would then come out and request the peon to
collect it place it at the next level.
This routine file had to go through and get initialed at least
400 times before it could be sent to Secretariat. It took till end
of first week of December 1967. I didn't have to spend any
money on bribes for this except using my time and tipping the
peons. The file was ultimately sent to the Secretary Medical
department.
I encountered a new problem in chasing my file. My uncle
Satyanarayana Rao introduced me to Satyanarayana garu of
Marripada. He was working in secretariat. He helped me in
locating the file and initiated the process. I could not enter
secretariat without a pass. Pass would only be issued if I was
going to meet an officer and not otherwise. Even then they
would ring up from reception the concerned officer and only
after the clearance the pass would be issued. I didn't know any
officer. I now and then go to the house of Sri Satyanarayana
Garu and accompany him. On one such day I happened to
meet Dr Sudhir who was working as MO in secretariat
dispensary. When I mentioned the problem to him he took me
to the Dispensary and issued a OP ticket on my name which
would entitle me to enter into secretariat. It solved my
problem. My file had to be seen and agreed by Medical, law
and public service commission and by health minister and
finally the chief minister. The file ultimately reached the
Health minister who at that time was Sri PV Narasimha rao. His
secretary at that time was Sri Krishna Murthy garu who was a
relation of another uncle of mine Sri CP Rao. He got it cleared
and the file ultimately reached the chief minister Sri
Brahmananda Reddy. It was the first week of January.
All India congress committee meetings were held in
Hyderabad at that time. The sessions were over, and all the
leaders were invited by Nijalingappa, the then chief minister
of Karnataka. Brahmananda Reddy was also leaving that
evening to Bangalore. My file was sent to his residence. I went
to his house and met his adopted son Dr Gangadhar Reddy
who was a contemporary of mine in Osmania Medical College
and explained to him the urgency. He called one attender and
asked him to go and obtain his signature. The attender traced
the file and told me that CM was having lunch and he would
obtain his signature after that. CM after his lunch went for a
short nap and got up and left for airport. I was non- pulsed.
Meanwhile the attender appeared and pitied my situation
and asked me to accompany him on his scooter and drove to
the airport. On the way he enquired about the urgency of the
situation and my background. CM was about to board the
flight and the attender rushed to him and obtained the
signature on the file. After signing he called the health minister
and said something to him and he too signed the file. I was
observing all this from a distance. They boarded the flight and
the attender returned and took me straight to the health
Secretary in Secretariat on his scooter and told him that CM
wished the orders to be issued the same day. He also
mentioned to the secretary that CM also got the date of
signature of health secretary corrected. Inadvertently PV
Narasimha Rao while signing put the date and month correctly
but put the gone year 1967 instead of 1968. Hashmi Ali was
the secretary at that time. He was collector of Khammam
earlier. My uncle Parvatal Rao worked with him. I mentioned
the same to him and he was very kind and got the orders
issued with instructions to the Director to relieve me. He
telephoned the Director for immediate action and handed
over the papers to me and wished me good luck. I went to the
Director and the orders were issued at 6 pm. The first hurdle
was over.
I offered a tip the attender of CM’s office who
accompanied me which he politely refused. The attender was
Lokiah.

Obtaining Passport and “P” Form

In those days Passport office for southern India was only at

Madras. The British high commission too was located there.
There was only one travel agency at Hyderabad at that time. It
was "Trade wings" managed by a very efficient young man by
name Kantha rao. I approached him and he assured me that
he would hurry up the matter and see that I would reach UK
before the dead line. I completed all the documentation and
handed over the papers to him. It was middle of January. I
went back to Khammam and from there I went to the villages
of all my relations and bade them good bye.
Around 10th of Feb 68 I along with Koteswer went to
Chennai. Koteswer was a friend of Madhusudhana Reddy a
classmate and roommate of mine. He was the owner of "Sivaji
press" which was founded by his father. His father died young
and they were brought up a Muslim gentleman who was
working in the press. He was a keen photographer and a
helpful friend. Both of us checked into a hotel opposite the
railway station. We stayed there for almost 5 days. Kusuma
daughter of Bhoopal Rao was doing some course in Chennai
and was staying with "Dasharathi" the great poet of
Telangana. Her sister Rani also came there for a vacation. On
third day I collected my passport and the third day I had to go
for my P form.
One day I and Koteswer went to Mahabalipuram and
another day to Burma Bazar and China bazar. We also saw
Bathikina College "Zoo" and Chacchina College the museum.
We went to world trade fair along with Kusuma and Rani. On
the last day I collected my P form and we left for Tirupati.
There was a very big Q at the temple. Since Koteswer had to
catch a flight from Chennai to he returned back to Chennai and
after darshan left for Khammam by train.
On 26th February 1968 all our family members travelled to
Hyderabad. Gowriah another friend ours since college days
helped me in the shopping. Gowriah was from Mahaboobabad
and was classmate of Ananthlal and Gopal Reddy. There was
a standard list of items to be purchased by everyone going to
UK. Gowriah had that experience as he saw couple of friends
leaving earlier. A big leather suit case, a brief case, a travel bag,
Bata shoes with two pairs of sox, Two woolen three-piece suits
and few shirts and trousers, a night dress, vests and pants. 20
kilograms of weight was the ceiling for air travel. My mother
packed some pickles and sweets and snacks.
I purchased a carton of Berkeley cigarettes. 27th evening I
was to fly from Hyderabad to Mumbai by national airlines and
from Mumbai fly to London Heathrow airport by Air India
departing at 1am. I would reach Heathrow at 10 am and leave
for Glasgow by British air lines from Gatwick airport. It was my
first air travel. I sent a cable to Harinath of my travel plans who
was living in Dumfries in Scotland near Glasgow. I took Karuna
to Dr. Surti and he assured me that he would take care of the
delivery and gave his telephone numbers to her. He blessed
me and wished me all the best. What a perfect Gentleman.

My first Air Travel

On 28th all of us met with families at Viccazis for lunch. We

hired a minibus to airport and all came to the airport. Charles
who was SI at Burgumpad was in charge of Airport area. With
his courtesy my brother and Gowriah could come upto the
aircraft. On way to the aircraft I picked up some soil from the
ground and put it in a cover. That remained with me
throughout my stay in UK. I chose a window seat and bade
farewell to everyone.
I reached Mumbai by 6.30 pm and went to the
international section. I bought 4 pounds of British currency
which was the limited amount permitted for any international
travel. I was left with Rs 110 which I sent by money order to
Karuna. I got into Air India at 1am and left for London. I
telephoned my uncle's house and informed them of my safe
landing at Mumbai. The international flight had plenty of
stops- Kabul, Teheran, Cairo, Rome, Frankfurt, and London.
I got out of the plane at Cairo and went into the lounge. I
saw VK Krishna Menon the foreign minister waiting in the
lounge to catch a flight to India. I went and introduced myself.
He made a polite conversation.
I could see lot of Rome while the flight was landing. For the
first time I have used a western toilet and toilet paper for
ablutions on the aircraft.

Arrival in UK

At last I arrived in London. I checked out with no problem

and travelled to Gatwick airport by an airport bus. I was very
hungry as I didn't like the food served at Viccazis and on the
flight. I telephoned Harinath on a reverse call from a public
booth in the airport. Luckily the switch board at the hospital
accepted the call and informed that Harinath left for Glasgow
airport. After few minutes there was an announcement calling
me to the enquiry counter. On reaching the counter they gave
me my passport which I have forgotten in the telephone
booth. I left for Glasgow at 4 pm and reached at 5 pm.

Stay in United Kingdom…Dumfries

At the exit gate at the airport of Glasgow Harinath was
waiting along with his Scottish girlfriend. He introduced me to
her and both of them helped me in loading my baggage in the
car and we drove to Dumfries which was 80 Kilometers away.
Even though it was only 5.30 pm it was dark outside. I could
see snow on the hill tops. Harinath was enquiring about our
family and friends and happenings in India. While conversing
now and then by default I would switch over to Telugu and I
would be reprimanded by Harinath. In a group It is not a
correct etiquette to speak in language not known to all. We
reached Dumfries by 7 pm and Harinath has organized a guest
room for me in the hospital. It was very cold outside and also
in the verandahs. Even the room was cold. Harinath switched
on the heater in the room and both of us retired to the
common lounge.
He switched on a box at the far end of the room and after
couple of minutes it glowed and suddenly there was a person
reading the news on the screen. It was Television. It was a first
again. I was very hungry and went to my room and opened my
suitcase and pulled out few snacks and sweets and we enjoyed
them. The topic switched on to the food and I narrated my
experience on the flights. Since I was a vegetarian I had no clue
of what was what and I was only consuming chocolates,
Biscuits and coffee served on the flight. Harinath took pity on
me and decided to cook an Indian meal. He went to his room
and brought some rice and lentil and other condiments etc.
and cooked rice and dal. He managed to procure some curd
(yogurt). I had a hearty and bellyful meal with pickles etc. I
took.
There were telecasts on 3 channels on television in those
days in UK. They were not round the clock. One was BBC 1 and
another BBC 2 both of Government and another was Granada
a private channel. The transmission would be over by 10 pm
and would recommence at 7 am. I went to bed at 11 pm. I had
a comfortable sleep with a full belly. Next day Harinath woke
me up at 7 am and he was ready to start his work. I got ready
in few minutes and went to the dining room with him. Many
people were having their breakfast. Harinath showed me how
to handle the fork and knife and the etiquette of the table. He
advised me to have corn flakes and bread with omelet and
coffee. Harinath I was looking for drinking water. There was
none. Everyone was drinking fruit juice instead of water. I
never drank water during my stay there. Harinath took me
back to the room and showed me how to operate the TV in the
lounge and heaters. He took me to the bath room and showed
me how to use the shower and how to obtain hot water and
how to use the bath tub for bathing. He also told me that I
should always clean up after the bath the bath room and see
that it is dry. He also showed me how to lock and unlock the
rooms.
One has to say, "Thank you" for even small obligations and
services. If you don't require a particular thing you have to say,
"No thanks" and if you want it one has to say "Yes Please".
These are the commonest words uttered every day by
everyone hundreds of times: even by children to their parents
and husband to the wife. Dear and Darling are another two
words commonly used by anyone to anyone. Politeness is a
virtue of the Britisher. One has to wear a tie and shoes
compulsorily in the hospital. It was a common practice to greet
even strangers with a good morning or good evening with a
smile if your eyes meet. sent a cable to my family of my safe
arrival.
That morning I mostly watched the TV. The lunch was a
repeat of breakfast except that there was mashed potato. I
sprinkled some salt and pepper and ate. The desert was Rice
pudding with ice-cream. I felt hungry in the afternoon and
drank cold milk from the refrigerator. The doctor’s rooms had
a small kitchen where all the vessels were available. One could
cook but they had to clean up the mess too. Harinath again
cooked some dishes in the evening and he preserved the
remains in deep freezer. In the evening he showed me how to
type on his type writer the applications for jobs. Next morning,
he took me to the Library and showed me how to search for
Jobs in the BMA journal. In Every Sunday edition
advertisements of vacancies would appear. I sat down and
took the addresses and typed on the type writer and posted
them. That evening Gopal Reddy called from Pontefract and
told me that a job is available in his hospital in casualty and
emergency as SHO and he would fix it if I am willing. Harinath
advised me to take it up as a stop gap. We informed Gopal
Reddy that we would reach Pontefract on Saturday evening.
Harinath took me for shopping and we bought some
essentials. On Saturday morning we drove to Pontefract near
Leeds and reached by evening.

In Pontefract

Pontefract was a small industrial town. Gopal Reddy was

working as Ho in surgery department. Earlier he worked as
SHO in accident and emergency department. A post has fallen
vacant in accident and emergency. Since Reddy worked in that
department earlier he contacted the consultant and
requested him to consider my name for that post. Consultant
not only agreed but also indicated that I could come and join.
Harinath stayed Saturday and left on Sunday afternoon. Unlike
Dumfries there were many Indian Doctors in Royal infirmary
of Pontefract. The hospital in Dumfries was purely a Psychiatry
hospital where as Royal infirmary had all the basic specialties
like surgery, medicine, orthopedics etc. In the evening the
Kitchen attached to Doctors quarters was very busy. In groups
doctors were cooking. Gopal Reddy too cooked and three of
us had Indian food. I realized that to survive in England two
things are essentials. One is to know cooking and second is to
drive a car.
I was interviewed on Monday. The secretary of the hospital
and the consultant interviewed me. Secretary is a lay person
who is the administrative head and he asked if I required a
married accommodation for which my answer was a no. The
consultant had asked me which specialty I was interested to
peruse in future. They offered me the job and asked when I
could join the job. I told them that I could join the same day. I
joined the job that afternoon.
Our residential rooms were on the first floor and the
casualty department was on the ground floor. This block was
next to the main road. There was no compound wall
separating the road and the hospital. The hospital extended
behind this block. There was a pub on the other side of the
road. My room was located towards the road side. The dining
room for the doctors was separate and was located on the first
floor. In the evening a road accident case came, and I was
bleeped. Bleep was an instrument every doctor was given and
whenever anyone required the doctor they would inform the
telephone switch board to bleep the concerned doctor. The
bleep would make a sound and one is expected to go the
nearest switch board and call the exchange. The exchange
would give the message.

My first case - Electric shock

I went down to the casualty and sister led me to the cubicle

where a young lady was lying on the couch. By that time the
lady was undressed and was lying covered with a sheet. After
taking the history of the accident, I enquired her where it was
hurting to which she replied and pointed to her chest. The
sister slowly uncovered the sheet and when I touched her
chest to elicit the reflex of pain, I had an electric shock. I
withdrew my hand and again when I touched I had another
shock. I didn't know what to say. Suddenly the patient told me
that she had a shock when I touched her. Nurse smiled and
allayed her fears saying not to worry and explained to her that
it was due to static current. I ordered for X-rays without
further examination. That was my experience with my first
patient in UK. The name of the staff nurse was Sue Marshall.
Next day she got the necessary repairs to the flooring to
remove the static current. She became a good friend.
The staffs at Pontefract were very friendly. The telephone
operator, the radiographer Jenny, Nurse Jane, cadet Judith
etc. became good friends. We used to work as a team. We
were invited few times to their houses.

Driving License

I joined Tate motor driving school for learning driving. Even

though I used to drive in India it was not enough to get a
license there. The instruction was meticulous. It was generally
said that the number of hours one has to have are equivalent
to one's age. I have taken 22 lessons and appeared for the
exam. I cleared it in the first chance. I have known few of my
friends who have appeared 18 times to pass the test. Each
lesson costed me one pound.

Pay and other details

My pay was fixed at 80 pounds a month and my contract

were for 6 months. We had a 5-day alternate working week.
The alternate week we had to do all 7 days. We had one day
off in a week. The alternate days we were on call round the
clock. The work load was very heavy. There were many nights
when I didn't sleep.
I had to register myself with British medical council and
with the Medical protection society. I had to pay 10 shillings
per meal. There was a cloth washing machine. We would wash
our clothes in that and iron them ourselves. I bought a type
writer. I bought a pair of shoes as the Bata shoes were very
heavy. My medical council registration number was British
Medical Council Reg. No.1302978 dated 2-4-1968. My other
details in UK were:
National Insurance Number Y5/55/ 62/93 A 0111;
Superannuation Scheme - SD 41/37345 dated 30-5-68; Income
Tax Number 5741 1179 and Driving license -6482-Dated 24-
10-71-Salford county Borough Council.
Dr Bhat from Karnataka, Dr Kaka and Dr Arundhath from
Assam were our colleagues. I registered with Dr Ravindran as
my GP. Everyone there would be issued a national social
security card and one must register oneself with a family
physician under NHS scheme.
Dr Martin Luther King who championed the cause of the
blacks was assassinated on 4th April 68. It was telecast on the
TV. He was follower of Gandhi and adopted nonviolent
techniques to fight the injustice.
 Enoch Powel a Tory MP raises the issue of immigration of
Asians and warns of “Rivers of Blood “in his historic speech
made on 20th April 68. Harold Wilson was the prime minister
and the labour party was in power.
Dr Murthy an engineer and brother of Chandrakala our
neighbour in Kingsway in Secunderabad was working in Leeds
University. I went to his house couple of times catching a bus.
He also took me to Sai brother of CP Rao and Prabhakar
another engineer from Hyderabad. One day as I was returning
in the evening I met George husband of our telephone
operator who was the conductor of the bus I was travelling.
After exchange of greetings I paid the fare, but he has not
issued me the ticket. As I was getting off the bus he asked me
to stay back saying he would hand over the duty sheet and
drop me at hospital. We drove to the hospital. He invited me
for a drink and took me to the pub opposite the hospital and
we had beer. I tried to pay but he insisted on payment and
paid the bill.
Three incidents that happened during course of my stay at
Pontefract have influenced my thinking on patient care.

Social needs and Health care

One evening I was on duty and an elderly lady with fracture

of both wrists was brought in. I took the X-rays and corrected
the fracture and put the plaster and treated her as an
outpatient. At midnight I had a call from casualty and went
down to see. It was the same lady whom I have seen that
evening. Dr Ravindran my GP was there with her as he was the
GP for her too. The story was while I attended to her ailment
medically I ignored the social aspect. The elderly lady was
living alone in her house. Since both her hands were in plaster
there was no way that she could take care of herself. A
neighbour called the GP and Dr Ravindran made a house visit
and brought her to hospital for admission. I felt ashamed. I
apologized and admitted her.
 Health care and System failures

One night when I was on duty at about 9 pm 5 persons

injured in a road accident were brought in. I quickly triaged
them and ordered for X-Rays. I admitted one of them and
treated rest as outpatients. The elderly lady I admitted was
complaining of vague pains all over the body. I ordered for a
total body X-ray in which I could not find any fracture. Next
day she was seen by the consultant and discharged. After few
days I received a letter alleging negligence on my part in
diagnosing a slipped disc. I went back and checked for the X-
Rays and I could not find them. I met the consultant and he
told me not to worry as he too saw the case and thee
responsibility was his than mine. He told me that I have taken
the reasonable care in ordering for X-Rays and admitting the
case. He said he too missed it. However, when he saw the
patient he didn't have the opinion of Radiologist. There were
many checks to protect the interest of patient. If I missed it the
consultant was there to correct it and if he too missed the
Radiologist was there to correct it. Unfortunately, in that case
the X-Rays were not sent to the Radiologist. It was a system
failure and hospital owned it.

Misuse and Health Care

One evening after attending to quite few cases in the

casualty I returned to my room and went for a bath and then
had my dinner and went to bed. A call from the casualty came
in the night which I have attended and returned to my room.
There were no more cases that night. After couple of days
there was a complaint received from a person saying that no
one attended to him at the hospital 3 days earlier in the
evening. The staff nurse told me that indeed a person came on
that evening and wanted to see a doctor. She asked him to
wait and bleeped me. She didn't get an immediate reply from
me. Since there was no emergency and the person in question
often visits the hospital in the evenings with vague minor
complaints and is a known malinger she didn't bother to try
again and was waiting for my reply. When she checked after
few minutes the patient was not there. Since he left she didn't
bother to call me. I apparently was in the bath room at that
time having a bath. I put all these facts to the hospital
authorities to convince that there was no negligence on the
part of the nurse. I also enclosed history of earlier visits. The
case was closed against the nurse.

Birth of Bharath

On 27th May I received a letter informing me that I became

a father. Karuna delivered on 23rd 1968 at maternity hospital
Hyderabad. Dr Surti on getting a call from my father in law
advised to admit Karuna immediately and he too proceeded
to hospital and conducted delivery himself. I sent a musical
greeting card to Karuna. Dr Surti wrote me informing about
the welfare of mother and child. After few months he became
the additional Director of Family planning and visited
Khammam. After completing his work he asked if anyone
knew where my family was staying and went and visited them
and wrote to me informing their welfare. I was blessed to have
been taught by such teachers who were great human beings.
Ananthlal came in May 1968. He came to Pontefract.
Malliah received him and helped him to board the train to
Pontefract. Dr. Shyam Sunder and his wife were working in
Minehead. Soon Ananthlal too joined at Minehead.
Robert Kennedy was assassinated in public on 6th June 68.
He was the candidate for presidency of America.
Rod Laver won the Wimbledon singles final of 1968.
I have given up smoking for two months. There was a dance
hall of hospital close by. I learnt some basics of dancing. One
day we went to a dance party in a local friend's house. While
going we went by bus. We walked back to hospital after the
dance in the early hours. It was freezing cold and it was a
dreadful night. During my stay in UK i never ventured again
without an overcoat.
 I have learnt a lot of procedures in emergency care. I was
confident. I could reduce (closed reduction) of most common
fracture and could resuscitate a patient. I could not have
gained similar experience even in 5 years in India at that time.
I bought some books and started preparing for primary for
fellowship. There were many stories circulating around. Many
people pursued but more failed. They would pursue for many
years but would not succeed. Local doctors would make
maximum of two attempts and change the course of their life
if not successful. I gave a lot of thought. I decided to learn what
would be useful in rural areas in India. From the beginning I
was determined to return back to India. I started looking for a
job as my tenure was nearing an end and started applying.
I was called for an interview as SHO in anaesthesia at Park
Hospital Davyhulme, Manchester. I was selected. I completed
my assignment on 19 th August 1968.

Park Hospital, Davyhulme, Manchester

I have joined Park Hospital on 26th August 1968 in

anaesthesia department in the second week of September 68.
The department consisted of Dr Robert Shaw, an Englishman
as HOD, Dr Rees Jones (welsh), and Dr Leslie (South Indian) as
consultants and a registrar who was a Greek and another
registrar an Arab from Jordan and Dr Trask (a House officer)
from England and me as SHO.
I worked with Dr Rees Jones for 3 days and with Dr Robert
Shaw for a day and with Dr Leslie for a day.
The first day was with Dr Rees Jones. He was a very
pleasant and an excellent human being. He was a practical
Teacher and would create immense confidence in juniors. On
the very first day itself he asked me to start a case. When I told
him that I had no experience he told me what to do and asked
me to go ahead. He would keep an eye and intervene
whenever we went wrong. He would gently correct us. One
would relax totally when one worked with him. Dr. Robert
Shaw was a very knowledgeable and was famous as inventor
of "Double Lumen tube" used in Lung surgery. The tube was
named after him. One had to be very careful working with him
as he was very meticulous. Dr Agnes Leslie, from Madras, a
divorcee then with two young children was a very kind person
and soon became my well-wisher and my conscious keeper.
Within few days I could master the techniques practiced there
and was independently conducting the sessions and attending
emergencies independently. Dr. Haddad an Egyptian was an
easy-going person yet was very concerned about the plight of
his people. Dr Trask was an introvert and was often sick with
his sinus and allergy problems.

Buying my first Car

The Greek Doctor was returning to his country. I bought his

car which was "Beatles" a Volkswagen. The engine was in the
rear of the car and the boot in the front. Dr Leslie helped me
buying it. I bought it for 175 pounds.
Dr Sawhney from Gujarat joined in his place.
There were two other Indian Doctors, and both were from
Hyderabad. They were Dr Alikhan and Dr Baig. Dr Alikhan was
House officer in paediatrics and Dr Baig was in another wing.
Both were Osmania graduates and Baig in fact was my
predecessor in Burgumpad. Dr Alikhan was engaged to a
doctor from his community in Hyderabad who was yet to
complete her medicine to join him. He was very fond of her
and every day would write her a letter, there was Dr Agarwal
from Chandigarh and he was the registrar in Medicine.
Other colleagues in that hospital were Mr. John Clegg, Dr
Burslem, Dr Ann Parr, Dr Feloma, Dr Sheila Heaton (Brarr), Dr
Brarr, Dr Jenny Bradburn, Dr Mary etc.
The consultants were Heslop, surgeon, Mrs. Heslop his
wife who was an obstetrician, Cowie, a Gynaecologist, Dark
cardio thoracic surgeon etc. Heslop's brother who too was a
surgeon is said to have died in Second World War in India.
They were all very efficient and gentle persons.
 Drums and Emergencies

However, there was a registrar of surgery who was

otherwise nice but lacked many surgical skills' He is to play in
a local band. He would accumulate all emergencies and would
start the theatre after returning from playing somewhere at
11 pm which used to go on till 4 am and we soon got tired of
his practice. One day I mentioned it to Dr Rees Jones and he
took it up with the concerned and a stop was put to such
practice.
One morning at the breakfast table I met a pretty young
lady who greeted me and introduced herself as Dr Ailene
Jennings the new House officer in Surgery. She was from
Ireland and her boyfriend Michael who was an Englishman
also studied from same college in Ireland. Both were catholic.
Her accent then was typically Irish. It took some time for me
to follow her English. She came from a big family. Soon she
became a good friend. We would eat our breakfast and lunch
together and watch TV together in the evenings. She would
tell me about life in Ireland and various other interesting
things. She was keen to know about India. She was religious
and was a staunch catholic. She too was a smoker and would
stock cigarettes and lend them to me when mine were
exhausted. She was a good dancer and we used to dance in
the evenings in the dance hall.
Doctors were paid two pounds extra for certifying a death
in the hospital. A pound from each certificate was pooled and
spent in buying Beer and organizing parties. The liquor was
free for Doctors.
Manchester Guardian was the newspaper I used to read.
We used to get the news mostly from TV. There used to be a
Hindi programme on Sunday morning for one hour on TV. I
bought a “Grundig” tape recorder and copied lot of old Telugu
songs and Hindi songs and used to listen to them in the
evenings. We had use tape spools to run it. I also bought a
camera. Of course, I have not used it much. I learnt cooking
and could survive as a vegetarian. Mostly I used to make
Kichadi. My food for survival was milk, eggs and deserts. There
were some Indian shops which used to sell Indian vegetables,
and condiments and Basmati rice. Only rice we ate in UK was
Basmati rice. Alikhan was a good cook. Once I had cough and
cold and have taken ampicillin and developed allergic reaction.
I and Aileen went and watched a musical film by name
“Sound of Music”. That was the only film I watched in a theatre
in UK.
Christmas season came and with it the Ice. Christmas is
well celebrated in UK. Aileen being a devout Christian used to
go to the church and offer prayers. I used to go along with her
whenever I was free. I attended a midnight mass too. All would
exchange presents. Liquor just flows. Feasting and dancing
would go on. Hospital would give us a traditional grand dinner
with wine etc. It was just a merry making. It had its bad effects
too. There would be many accidents. Breathalyzer test was
just introduced. The registration of unwed pregnancies
seeking termination would shoot up in Jan and Feb.
During the weekends I would drive to friends and spend
the weekend with them. Most frequent visitors were Gopal
Reddy and Murthy in Leeds. I went to Leeds one-week end and
Murthy took me to a relation of ours Mr. Sai (Younger brother
of CP Rao and son in law of Neelam Raju Venkata Sheshiah).
After visiting them I was retuning alone in the car from Leeds.
The road was full of fog. I could not even see my own fingers.
It took me 4 hours to pass through such heavy patch of fog
covering few kilometres. That was the most dreadful night of
driving and I cursed myself many times for having undertaken.
My other pastime was writing letters. I used to write letters
regularly. Prompt were also the responses from those whom I
have written. I used to write to Karuna, my elder sister, my
parents, BK Rao, Parvatal Rao mamiah, Ramappa, Manohar,
Papai, etc. It used to take 5 days for the letter to be delivered
and another week to receive from them. For those in India it
used to be costly. I and Alikhan were the two who used to wait
for the delivery of post in the morning. There was Table tennis
in the Doctors lounge. I could beat almost every doctor in it
except Alikhan. Most of others used to beat him. Once in the
tournament I have beaten him but lost to another in the final
and stood as runner up.
Football was the national game. George best was the most
popular footballer from Manchester United and had a big fan
club. English team was then the holders of world cup. Cricket
too was popular. Illingworth was the captain. We used to play
Croquet in summer.
Rod Laver won the Wimbledon singles of 1969.
David Frost was the most popular TV personality. He would
interview the top leaders of the world. “Frost on Saturday”,
“Frost on Sunday” was the most popular.
Eurovision song contest was the most popular show. Many
new singers were introduced in that programme. All the latest
singers would emerge from that contest. There were two
chains of Cinema halls. All cinema houses in the country were
owned by these two major houses.
There were three major political parties then. The labour
party headed by Wilson was in power. Wilson was the prime
minister. Edward Heath headed conservative party and was
the opposition leader. Liberal party was the third.
Northern Ireland was in turmoil. The Catholics of the area
wanted to join the main land Ireland. The Protestants wanted
to be with British. Bernadette Levin was the young leader
emerging then.
Enoch Powel started a hate campaign against the Asian
migrants.
Buzzi my younger sister suffered with renal colic. My
younger brother Manohar who was a medico at that time at
Warangal took her to Warangal. Dr Prasad Rao who was my
professor of surgery in the college was the surgeon and
superintendent at Warangal then. He diagnosed renal
obstruction and found that a kidney was not functioning and
advised nephrectomy (removal of damaged kidney). He
performed the operation successfully.
Buzzi got married to Jwala Narasimha Rao Vanam on 30 th
April 1969. I sent a letter to the newly married couple. At that
time Jwala was staying in his native village after graduation. I
sent money for all the ladies in my family to buy HMT wrist
watches. I sent Rs 3000 to my parents towards marriage
expenses.
Edward Kennedy youngest brother of Jack and Robert
Kennedy was involved in a car accident with alleged girlfriend
on 18th July 69. He left the place of incident without informing
the police. The news was sensational as he was the choice
winner of presidency.
Neil Armstrong landed on the moon on 20th July 69. It was
a live telecast from US. I think that was the first live telecast.
Television studios made very interesting programmes. That
evening as I ran out of cigarettes and I went out by walk to buy
a pack from wending machine which was outside the hospital.
On return I looked at the sky and I saw for the first time the
moon in UK. Moon looked that night very pale. Probably it
didn’t like to be landed on.
Dr Agarwal registrar medicine was going home to get
married and incidentally he belonged to Chandigarh. Papai
and Prabhu were in Chandigarh at that time. I sent woollen
clothing to their children through him.
In 1969 two of my close relations died. One was
Jeellachervu mamiah (Sanagapati Ramkishen Rao) husband of
my aunt Rupamma and father of Dr SP Ranga Rao who
subsequently became a doctor and professor of pathology. He
used to be very jovial and whenever he visited Khammam he
used to take me to cinema. He used to take me to his village
in holidays. Another was Aitharaju Gopal Rao (Gopalam
pedananna) who shared my ancestral house in my village and
was our neighbour. He was very gentle and would mix with
even children and had a big family. In holidays I used to eat in
his house and spend the vacations.

Marriage of Harinath and Kalpana

Dr Harinath decided to marry a dental student Kalpana

from Hyderabad who was known to him since college days and
invited her to come to UK to get married. It was an inter caste
love marriage. He made all her travel arrangements etc. and
informed me all the details. He wanted me to procure Mangala
sutra and also the important marriage vows. I wrote to my
parents and got them. On the day of her arrival (4 th August
1968) he was to go to Glasgow and receive her. They were to
get married few days after.
Kalpana on arrival at Glasgow found two strangers an
Arabic doctor and his girlfriend instead of Harinath to receive
her. They introduced themselves as colleagues of Harinath and
told her that Harinath got stuck at hospital on some urgent
work and they were deputed to receive her. She had no
options except to accompany them. On arrival at the hospital
she was led to a room and found Harinath semi comatosed.
Harinath suddenly fell ill with viral encephalitis and went into
semi coma one day before her arrival. Since those friends
knew about her arrival they were nice enough to go to airport.
Kalpana telephoned me and next day I went to Dumfries and
gave her courage and confidence. Harinath was on his way to
recovery.
After his full recovery they got married on 4 th Oct 1968. I
and Dr Malliah attended the marriage which was a registered
marriage.
I and Malliah went on a tour of lake district.
Biafra and Nigerian conflict was its peak. There were
stories of horror and photos and film clippings shown on TV.
I was completing my tenure in anaesthesia. I planned to do
Obstetrics after that. I applied for the same in the same
hospital. I was selected.
There were some stories published in local papers about
Telangana agitation. Once there was also a clipping on TV.
More information I could get from letters from India. I was
feeling bad about the happenings.
There were some problems in my village too. Some
differences arose, and the village was split into two camps. All
the Kammas were on one side and the Harizans supported by
my father were on other side. There were some killings. Even
it is said that our house too was attacked, and stones pelted.
It is said that Kodaru Venkaiah a trusted lifelong friend of my
father too joined the opposite camp. The situation was going
out of hand and was becoming violent. On the advice of some
journalists my father approached Acharya Bansali a disciple of
Vinobha Bhave for help. He visited and stayed in my village and
undertook fast to bring in semblance and peace. Slowly the life
became normal.
Dr Sudhir my junior in Gandhi Medical College was
appointed in my place. He and his wife soon came and joined.
Sudha his wife was the daughter of Justice Kondiah. With their
arrival my hunger for Indian food was satisfied. Sudha was a
good host. They were looking for a married accommodation. I
was expecting Karuna to join me soon. I sent all the papers
needed. I and Sudhir decided to hire a house to accommodate
both our families. Soon we could find one nearby. We shifted
there. I was making all arrangements for arrival of Karuna and
Bharath. Dr Leslie and Aileen helped me a lot. They bought
toys and other household articles as gave as gifts. Dr Leslie
didn’t want me to drive alone in my old car to bring them from
London Heathrow airport. She volunteered to take me in her
ford car to fetch them. Wherever you are you would always
find kind souls!
Harinath and Kalpana were blessed with a son (Anil) on 24th
August 69.

Karuna and Bharath in UK

Karuna and Bharath arrived on 26th Sep 1969 in UK. On my

first glance I found them very frail and emaciated. We received
them and drove back to Manchester.
Bharath was sixteen months and was still breastfed. He
would not leave his mother even for a second and would cry
the moment she is not in sight. It almost took a month for him
to register me as father. It must have been the jet lag, the cold
climate, new surroundings etc.
Most of the time of Karuna was occupied caring Bharath.
 We would now and then go in my car for shopping. The
famous shopping malls in those days were “Mother’s care,
Boots for medicines, and spencer’s”. We also used to go the
Indian shops. Soon Bharath started speaking. He had very
attractive eyes in his childhood. We always conversed with
him in Telugu. We also decided to give him as much as possible
Indian food. Slowly Bharath started mixing with people. He
would stand in the back seat of the car supported by his
mother and look through.
My tenure at park hospital was coming to an end. I started
applying for jobs. I got a job as SHO in Obstetrics in a small
town in south Wales by name Tredegar, a mining town. The
appointment was from 18 th March 1970. It was another two
months. I decided to do locums.

Locum Jobs

I left Karuna and Bharath with Ananthlal and Gopal Reddy

at Minehead and joined as SHO Obstetrics at city hospital
Nottingham for 15 days and then as registrar Anaesthesia at
Chelmsford and Essex hospital, Chelmsford for 20 days.
During that period a young British doctor by name Dr
Judith Allerston was house officer in anaesthesia at
Chelmsford and Essex Hospital, Chelmsford. I was given a
ground floor furnished flat with a kitchen and two rooms. It
was located couple of miles away from hospital. She joined
few days earlier to me. As she was fresh I used to teach her in
the style of Rees Jones. She was living in the quarters in
hospital. One night at about 8 pm she called me and asked me
if she could come to my place to discuss some important issue
if I was free. I replied in affirmative.
After few minutes she came, and I found her very agitated.
I was cooking a meal for myself at that time. She was silent for
a long time. I offered her a drink “Sherry” which she started
sipping. I asked her what was troubling her. Suddenly she
started crying. I was taken aback. Slowly she controlled herself
and started narrating her tale. She had a boyfriend since her
college days. He was her classmate. She has come to know
that he was a psychopath and was trying to avoid him. He
didn’t take that easily and was threatening her. That evening
she received many calls from him threatening her that he
would kill her that night. Since she was off that night she was
frightened and didn’t know what to do or where to go. Since
she was new to the place she didn’t know whom to contact
she sought my help and assistance. After a prolonged
discussion and carefully evaluating various options she
decided to spend the night at my place as she felt it was most
secure. We had dinner and slept. Next morning, she contacted
some of her earlier common friends and requested them to
counsel him and to get Psychiatric help for him. That was
organized by her friends.
I used to go to Minehead in weekends to spend time with
my family. On one such occasion Bharath ran through a glass
door and cut his brow. Gopal Reddy applied sutures in the
casualty.
After few days I left for Minehead and from there to
Tredegar with my family to join as registrar Obstetrics. I joined
at Tredegar on 18th March 1970.

Tredegar

Tredegar was a small mining town in south wales and the

hospital was located on a hill top. It had two units of Obstetrics
and Gynaecology and two units of Medicine. Dr Ogilvy was the
chief of Obstetrics. He became the head by virtue of seniority.
He was very short tempered but was very dedicated and he
knew everyone in the town. He was very choosy in selecting
people. His accent was Scottish. He was almost a terror.
Because of him no head for the second unit would last long.
There was a lady British Gynaecologist heading the second unit
when I joined. She was a quite person and mostly she was
working overseas and would come back to UK to do some
locum jobs and again go overseas. She was succeeded by a
male Gynaecologist of similar nature and temperament during
the period of my stay there. There was an African House
officer who was totally scared of Dr Ogilvie.
Dr CB Srinivas Rao from Osmania Medical College was
working there in the Medical department. He was staying with
his wife and young daughter Geetha. Nearby in Ebb wale was
Dr Ganapathi Gowd who was my senior in the college working
as GP. Dr Capoor and his wife were working in Abergavenny.
Dr Raju a relation of Dr CB Srinivas Rao and Dr Narasimhan
from Tamil Nadu were working nearby. Dr Narasimhan in
addition to be a doctor learnt electronic engineering. His
father was chief engineer of Tamil Nadu state. He taught me
fundamentals of electronics. He would not only repair but
would also build new TV set, tape recorders etc. Once he
repaired the wipers of my car which would have costed my lot
of money. Capoor owned the Liberty building in Hyderabad.
His brother was collector Mumbai. He had a cousin who was a
pilot in Air India. Raju was brother of Sri Murthy garu an IAS
officer in AP. CB Srinivasa Rao was the brother in law of
Damodaram Sanjeevaiah former chief minister of Andhra
Pradesh. Dr CB Srinivas Rao suffered with knee joint pain
which was diagnoses TB knee and was on treatment.
On the first day of my joining I was assisting Dr. Ogilvie in
some operation and he was shouting and rude to everyone. I
was holding the retractor and mopping the bleeding. He
dropped the needle holder on my hand accidentally which
pricked my fingers and punctured the glove. I quietly excused
myself and withdrew my hands and took of my gloves and
asked the nurse to fetch me a new pair of gloves. Not knowing
what happened he shouted to retract the tissues. The assisting
main nurse watched the incident. I didn’t reply and only after
I put on new pair of gloves I resumed the work. There was pin
drop silence. I was prepared for the worst. After the operation
was over the main nurse narrated the incident to him in my
absence and he came and said sorry. After that we both
maintained a safe distance from one another respecting one
another’s integrity. Often the staff of the hospital would say I
was one of the few whom he never ill-treated or humiliated.
 As it was a small place and the distances were not far all
the doctors in the area became very friendly and we used to
meet and dine in one house or other. Bharath and Geetha
became friends and used to play together. Geetha was elder
to Bharath by few years. Bharath started to be mischievous.
He would insist on going out for drives. He would ask anything
he sees to be bought. I would drop Karuna, Bharath and
Srinivas Rao family at the shopping centre and go back and
collect them after they would finish the shopping. We all used
to go to Cardiff or Bristol for buying Indian goods. One day he
took a cooking vessel and hit the wash basin which broke, and
he opened the tap. One day we were driving and as usual he
was sitting in the back seat. He suddenly switched on the Radio
lying in the back seat. The sound distracted me, and I tried to
snatch it from him and in the process the car left the road and
entered the fields adjacent. We were very lucky.
We performed the birth day of Bharath. I invited all the
neighbouring friends and the hospital staff.
Srinivas Rao and I wanted to learn swimming and took few
classes. We didn’t continue. I regret at it.
Gopal Reddy too took some locum job and he left his wife
Prameela, and his three kids with us during that period. He
would visit us during weekends. Harinath and Kalpana visited
us.
Dr Aileen Jennings too visited us. She was going to get
married to her boyfriend after few months.
There were general elections in UK that year. I was allowed
voting. Tredegar was the constituency of the famous leader
Michel Foot. Edward heath became the prime minister.
A worst cyclone by name Bhola cyclone hit East Pakistan. It
devastated East Pakistan. Nearly 5000000 people died. The
pictures on the TV screen were very moving.
The world cup foot ball matches were played in Mexico.
That was the first world cup I have seen on TV. They were
transmitted live. It used to be late night in UK. I saw most of
the matches. I was lucky to watch Pele play. I became a fan of
Pele. Brazil won the cup.
 In November 1970 I wrote my DRCOG exam in London. A
day before Judith Allerston telephoned me and told me that
she was proposing to migrate from UK either to Canada or USA
and expressed the desire to meet me before that. I told her I
was going to London that weekend to write my exam. She told
me that she would meet me at London after the exam. I drove
to Bristol and parked my car there and went by train to
London. I checked into Indian YMCA. It was centrally located
and was cheap. They would serve Indian Food. Next day I went
for the exam and Judith met me after the exam. I was to return
that evening by train. She came by car and she said she would
drop me in the night at Bristol. We had an early dinner and
started for Bristol. The traffic was heavy, and it was raining.
There were few accidents and traffic jams. By the time we
reached Bristol it was early hours. We were totally tired and
exhausted. She wanted to go back after dropping me, but I
persuaded to go in the morning. We checked into a bed &
Breakfast motel. Next morning, we drove in different
directions. I passed the exam and was awarded DRCOG on 28th
November 1970.

Mother-in-law died: Karuna’s departure for India

One day I received a letter from India informing us that

Koruna’s mother passed away. It reached us after a week. My
father-in-law was staying with two of his elder sisters. All of
them were sufficiently old. I thought it was duty of Karuna to
take care of them. We planned her trip back. Karuna had a
stay of 16 months in UK and Bharath was 3 Years 8 months.
Meanwhile my tenure at Tredegar came to an end. I
started doing some locum jobs in Merthyr Tydfil and Nevil Hall
hospital in and around Abergavenny. We stayed with Dr
Capoor during that period.
The day for Karuna departure for India was approaching. A
big postal and telephone strike was called on. The previous
day to her departure we drove to London and stayed in a Bed
and breakfast lodge. We went around London. Karuna made
little shopping. She wanted to see underground Metro in
London, but I could not take her as we were too tired. We got
up in the morning and packed and left for Heathrow airport.
We left couple of hours early as I was really frightened of
traffic and jams. On reaching the airport Karuna told me that
she forgot all her ornaments in the bedside table locker.
I tried to persuade her to forget them. She was very
sentimental. In those days the customs rules were very strict.
All the ornaments carried by the ladies were entered in their
passports. There was no way that I could take them
subsequently. I had no confidence on reaching back in time to
her departure if I ventured to drive back to retrieve them. I
engaged a Taxi and drove to the lodge. On enquiry and search
we could not find them. The owner told me that the person
who cleaned the room after we vacated has gone to work in
some other place nearby. I took the address and drove to that
place. Luckily, he was there and on questioning he quietly
handed over the ornaments which were broken into pieces. I
didn’t raise any further questions and tipped Five pounds and
thanked him. He too was a foreigner from orient. I could reach
in time to handover the ornaments and see my family off. The
taxi fare and the tip costed me equivalent to the cost of
ornaments in the market.
On 20th Jan 71 Karuna left for India. The postal strike
started in UK. I had no news of safe arrival of my family in India
as there was a general postal strike. After few days on 8 th Feb
71, I joined in Paediatrics department in Hope hospital. Dr
Mann and Dr Mackay were our consultants.

Hope Hospital… Dr Pulliah Chetty

On 8th Feb 71, I joined in Paediatrics department in Hope
hospital. Dr Mann and Dr Mackay were our consultants. Dr
Khazi was my registrar who was from Karnataka. His girlfriend
was Mary a nurse then whom he married subsequently.
Hope hospital was a busy hospital with many departments.
There were many doctors from India working there. Dr Pulliah
Chetty was the registrar of medicine who worked in that
hospital for many years. He was a Telugu person belonging to
merchant community from Chennai. They were involved in
export and import business. Even though he was staying there
for more than 15 years, he adopted very little of the western
life style. Shanthi and Naren are their children. They were very
loving and intelligent kids. They were strict vegetarians. Dr
Chetty was a very knowledgeable and hardworking doctor. He
was a very loving and caring person. So was his wife. Dr YV
Reddy who was the superintendent of Nilofer hospital was his
classmate. Dr Chetty was not worldly wise and had difficulty in
adapting to western culture. In spite of his long stay he didn’t
learn car driving. He could not clear his part two MRCP exams.
He remained then as a medical assistant. He was an
encyclopaedia of medicine. He used to drive a moped.
Dr S Surendar Reddy a contemporary of mine who studied
in Osmania Medical College was working as registrar in ENT.
He was suffering with backache. It was diagnosed as a
slipped disc and was subjected to surgery. It didn’t give relief.
His condition deteriorated, and medical consultation was
called in. Dr Chetty examined him and on further investigation
diagnosed as cold abscess of tuberculosis origin. He was put
on anti TB treatment which pushed him into more
complications. He reacted badly to Rifampicin, and
Streptomycin. However, he slowly recovered and re-joined the
duties. He went through a bad phase. His wife stood bravely
and given him needed support. During the period he was in
hospital his parked car was damaged by a truck which was
reversing. Troubles come in crops.
Dr Chetty used to drive a moped. One day it was stolen.
After few days it was recovered, and we went to collect it. Dr
Chetty gave a hefty tip to the policeman who accepted it with
thanks.
Dr Aslam was a dentist from Bangladesh. There was
another Bengali doctor from Bangladesh. Dr Chettur from
Kerala was in anaesthesia department and was very sweet
person, knowledgeable and caring. There were few doctors
from Pakistan and few more from Bangladesh. We all lived in
the quarters.

Loss of Passport-Stranded in UK

Tammara Seshagiri Rao who settled in USA went to India

for a vacation. He informed me earlier of his intention to visit
UK and I invited him to stay few days with me. One day I
received a call from him from Railway station in Manchester
informing me of his distressed condition. He caught a train
from London to Manchester and on the way he lost his valet
containing the money, passport and visa permits etc.
Immediately I rushed to the station and brought him to my
room. He was in real distress. However, he informed me that
my family reached home safe. There was a postal strike. No
communication facilities existed except those telephones
which were automated. After prolonged discussion we
decided that he should go to London and try for his passport
at Indian Embassy and at the same time try and get his Visa. I
contacted a friend in London and put him in the train and gave
him some cash for his expenses in London. He stayed with my
friend and applied for his fresh passport and would daily go to
the airport and send the papers through some one going to
USA asking them to post it there. Similarly, some friend of his
would hand over the papers to someone travelling to UK and
he would collect the same at airport. It was a miracle that he
could obtain all his papers in time and could fly to USA.
My mother had a gynaecology problem and underwent
Hysterectomy. Subsequently she underwent another surgery
for repair of incisional hernia. Dr Padma performed the first
and Dr Prasad Rao the second. Our family owes a lot to Dr
Prasad Rao for his kindness to us. Manohar was very close to
these two personalities.
My father fell ill with jaundice. He was admitted in MGM
hospital in Warangal and later on was shifted to Vellore.
Manohar was taking care of all these illnesses in my absence,
all of them have slowly recovered and were back into the
routine.
Mohammad Ali lost to Frazier in boxing match on 8 th March
1971.
Manohar got married to Usha on 13th March 1971 at
Khammam. It was the second marriage in my family I missed.
Manohar was doing his houseman ship. There were no jobs.
He started applying to UK.
At last John Newcomb won the singles title of Wimbledon
of 1971.

Illness

In the last week of March, I developed pains in my elbow

joint. As there was no relief I consulted an orthopaedic
surgeon Dr Dey who diagnosed it as Tennis Elbow and gave
intra-articular cortisone. The pain didn’t abate and spread to
new joints. I consulted Dr Chetty and he recommended me to
see Dr Bernstein. On examination he found an enlarged lymph
gland in my right neck and subjected it to biopsy. While
waiting for the report he admitted me in Ladywel hospital as
the pain was severe. I was put on soluble aspirin. Many other
tests to rule out other joint conditions were done with
negative results. The biopsy report indicated a tuberculosis
lymph node. It was only a histology report. They could not do
a culture as the total biopsy piece was put in alcohol solution
and not in normal saline. There was a multi-disciplinary
discussion and they searched for another enlarged nodule and
to my misfortune could not find one. They recommended
empirical treatment with Anti Tuberculosis drugs.
I was on sick leave for two months. Dr Chetty’s family took
care of me. They would send me Indian food almost daily. I
wrote to my family and also spoke to them on phone to give
them confidence. I was paid the sickness benefit from social
security. It was a wonderful system.
I re-joined duties after two months. I was normal and
continued the treatment for next one year with no ill effects.
 Bangladesh Born

A crisis was developing on the Eastern borders of India.

There were general elections in Pakistan and Sheik Muzibar
Rehman’s party had the majority to form the Govt. They were
denied the opportunity and the west Pakistanis maneuvered
to install a military Government. This angered the Bengalis in
East Pakistan and slowly a movement developed for
separation. At the time of Independence to the Indian sub-
continent from British rule the Muslims joined together and
demanded a separate country combining the areas where the
Muslims were in majority like West Punjab, Sindh,
Paktunistsan, and east Bengal. East Bengal was separated
geographically by thousands of miles from other parts of
Pakistan and the language spoken and loved by the
inhabitants in east Bengal was Bengali. It was only a mirage
that religion would bind them forever. Further Bengalis felt
that thy were treated as second class citizens since Urdu was
the official language of the country and majority of army
personnel were from Punjab of Pakistan. Army always
dominated the politics of Pakistan. The simmering discontent
slowly erupted into a mass movement demanding a separate
country.
One led to the other- There were agitations, arrests and
protests and suppression. The top leaders went underground
and started to organize an armed struggle under the banner
of Mukti Bahini. There were desertions from the army and civil
services.
We used to watch all these news on the TV in the lounge.
It was a strange situation for us the doctors of whom some
were from West Pakistan, some from East Bengal of Pakistan
and some Hindu doctors from East Bengal of Pakistan and
many from India. It was embarrassing to watch together the
news of their countries in mutual conflict. However, there
were no heated exchanges on the content. Everyone would
silently watch and go back to their respective rooms. At the
maximum there would be silent glances of sharing or approval
between Indians and East Bengalis. There was a lady Doctor by
name Dr Khan who was engaged to a local British doctor. She
has done her FRCS and was working as a registrar of Surgery.
She came from a ruling political family of Pakistan and often I
could see the hurt in her face at the news of rebellion in her
country. After some time, she stopped coming to the lounge
to watch the news.
There was a Hindu Bengali Doctor working with us from
East Pakistan. They were quite rich. With the increasing
military oppression in East Pakistan his family fled to India. He
had no news of them for a long time. There was a great influx
of refugees from East Pakistan into India then who were
sheltered in refugee camps. It was becoming a great burden.
At last his family made a contact and he wanted to send some
money to the in Indian rupees. He requested me for help. He
paid me in local currency and I requested my family in India to
send the equivalent money to them. As they had no address
he gave me some local person’s name. My family sent that
amount. The middleman has not paid them immediately and
took his own sweet time to pay in parts. There are always
people who would fish in a sea of misery and grief.
My tenure in paediatrics was coming to a close. I felt I
learnt the basics of accident and emergency, anaesthesia, and
Obstetrics required for practice in rural India. I wanted to
move to a different specialty. The jobs I did so far were very
busy and there were too many emergencies. I used to have
very little sleep at night. I opted for Geriatrics. I got a job in
Ladywel hospital which was in the same group and was almost
an extension of Hope hospital.
I joined there. It was a hospital for infectious diseases.
There was an Infectious ward for paediatrics in addition to
regular Geriatrics and infectious ward for adults.
Karuna’s both aunties passed away. She along with her
father moved from Tamarakollu to Hyderabad and was staying
with Sripathi Rao family. She admitted Bharath in school
nearby. Bharath one day got out of the school and got into a
Rickshaw and asked him to go. Rickshaw fellow must have
thought that he knew the way. Luckily a neighbour going on a
cycle saw Bharath alone in the Rickshaw and accosted him and
took him home.

Ladywel Hospital - Resigning a job

The work in the hospital was not very heavy. I had more
rest. One night around 12 am I was called to admit an old lady
of ninety years. It was one of the admissions for social reasons.
She was a regular visitor to the hospital and I asked for her
earlier notes. While it was awaited I examined her and written
the prescription. At that time, I had a call from Dr Kazi who was
my registrar in paediatrics earlier, requesting me to help a
junior who joined recently in some emergency paediatrics
case since he was otherwise busy. I went to the paediatric
ward to help the junior colleague in resuscitating an infant
who was moribund. I spent considerable time and went back
to my room to get some sleep. The next day was my off day
and I totally forgot about writing notes of the case I admitted
the previous night. The consultant who went on rounds found
the case sheet without notes and immediately complained to
the hospital authorities. The general practice at that time was
that the senior if he found the junior falling short of
expectations would first counsel him.
I was summoned by the Secretary of hospital. I decided to
quit. I wrote my resignation and with that I went to see them.
I gave my explanation saying that I have not neglected the
patient and examined her and wrote my instructions. There
was no complaint from any one on that score. It was also true
that instead of waiting for the notes and filling the case sheet
I went to help to save a child which was verifiable. Immediately
I got up and gave my resignation letter. They were shocked.
The secretary tried to pacify me. The consultant said I may not
a good reference to get a new job. I replied saying that I don’t
require his reference to get a job in that country and if I cannot
get a job I would go back to my country. I left it at that and
walked away.
 I planned to do a course in Tropical Medicine (DTM&H.)
which I thought was useful back in India.
I contacted Liverpool school of tropical medicine. They
informed me that a course for three months was coming up in
January and I could apply for the same.
I needed a job for two months to fill in the gap. I contacted
Dr Rees Jones and narrated all that has happened, and he told
me that if I was willing I could go and work as a locum registrar
in anaesthesia in Aston under Lynne. I said “Yes” and he fixed
it up. I left Ladywel that evening. Before my departure I met
the secretary to bid good bye. He was very sorry for the turn
of events.

Chinese Doctor

I joined at Aston under Lynne next day. There were very

few local doctors working in that hospital. There was a Chinese
origin doctor from Malaysia by name Dr Tan Eng Siew, working
then. Her younger sister used to visit her frequently. Both of
them used to make some Chinese dishes in the kitchen. That
is where we met. Soon they became good friends and we used
to cook together. Dr Tan was educated in Australia. She was
planning to settle in USA. We used to do shopping together
and go to the Christmas season parties together. She was a
good dancer.
Karuna got selected as a junior lecturer and got posted to
Sadashiv pet in Medak District. She was staying with her father
and Bharath.
I got the selection in Tropical medicine course.
Karuna got transferred to Nela Kondapalli a village nearby
my village. She was staying there along with her father and
Bharath.
India could not keep quiet at the unrest in East Pakistan.
There were skirmishes on the borders which soon escalated
into a liberation war. East Bengal formed its own Government
and invited India to help them. Indian army marched into East
Bengal and helped its liberation. “Bangladesh” a new nation
was born on 3rd Dec 1971. A huge Pakistan army surrendered.
Nixon won the presidential election of USA.

As a Student of Tropical School

I left for Liverpool and joined DTM&H course. I was staying

with a German family who provided Bed and Breakfast and
also dinner on request as a paying guest.
After few days, one day while I was looking at the notice
board and one local Gentleman introduced him as Dr Tom
Stag– He was handsome around fifties, and very well dressed.
He enquired if I was doing the same course. On my affirmation
he started a conversation and told me that he too came to join
the course and he was working as a doctor with an Oil
company in West Africa. He also enquired where I was staying
and when I informed him of my stay he requested me to ask
the German lady if she could provide accommodation for him
too. I telephoned her and she agreed. After the lectures were
over both of us went to the lodge in my car after picking up his
baggage from station. Both of us used to travel to the school
in the morning and return in the evening in my car. Few
months earlier I sold my Volkswagen and bought a standard
station van for 75 pounds. In the afternoons we used to have
our lunch in the pub opposite to the School. I used to have
soup and vegetable sandwiches and he would take a beer and
sandwiches. The first day I paid for both and next day he paid.
One day while returning from school I went into the petrol
station to fill petrol and he asked me if he could share the
expenses I laughed and told him that it was not required since
I would be traveling in the car even otherwise alone and as
such there was no need. In the evenings invariably, he would
go out and have couple of drinks and have dinner and return.
I used to eat at the lodge.
The “Bloody Sunday events” on 30th Jan 72 in ulster in
Ireland shook Tom. Bernadette Devlin a young Irish MP shot
into fame. Tom would sit in silence for long spells of time. He
was very worried at the turn of events.
I went to London and appeared for my DA exam. Again, I
stayed in Indian YMCA. I was awarded DA on 10th Feb 1972.

Friendship with Tom

There was a coal miners’ strike and there were cuts in

electricity supply. Since our rooms were gas heated we had no
big problem. Since the power used to go off in the evenings for
two hours one day I too went out along with Tom. Slowly he
opened up and we became good friends. He told me that he
was in Secunderabad during Second World War as a cadet in
the army in short service commission. He knew well the Indian
currency and what could be bought for a rupee.
He used to go to his wife and children during weekends. His
wife too was a doctor and was practicing about 100 Kms. away
in some small town. Both of them were Catholics. They had
two sons. I used to drop him in the railway station on such
journeys. He was a smoker too.
The course was very interesting. There was a very good in
house and guest faculty. We could get any specimen or blood
film of tropical interest. Practical were very tough. We had to
do everything right from collection and preparation of slide to
examination. They gave us excellent tips. I enjoyed the stay
and also learnt a lot.
I think after about fifteen days one day the wipers of my
car broke. We went to get them repaired. As I was talking to
the mechanic Tom strolled inside and was looking at some
new cars. He waved at me from the glass door and indicated
that he would take ten minutes. After that he came out driving
a new car and asked me to step in. I thought he hired the car
since we had to leave my car for repairs. He told me he bought
the car. After that day he never allowed me to take out my car
and we were riding in his car.
On a week day his wife telephoned, and he handed over
me the receiver saying his wife wanted to have a word with
me. She invited me to her town to spend a weekend with
them.
The following weekend we drove to his place. Dr Tan Eng
Siew joined us travelling by train from Manchester. It was a
mansion in a five-acre plot. I have never seen such an
aristocratic life style earlier. It had beautiful garden and lawns.
It had 8 bed rooms. They had three expensive cars. My friend
engaged an Indian cook specially to cook my vegetarian
dishes. His wife was full of courtesy and genuine affection. We
were treated royally. We relaxed totally. We spent all our time
in the open in the woods chit chatting.
As the course was nearing completion I started preparing
for the exams. Tom was not making any serious effort. Often,
he would miss classes. I found him often in conversation with
the staff of the school. He would take them out for dinners and
drinks. We finished our exams successfully and parted on our
ways. I left for Manchester to do my last locum job in park
hospital. Tom visited me couple of times later but would
telephone often. He was keen to visit India again.
I re-joined Park hospital as locum Registrar in anaesthesia
for two months. Most of my earlier friends who were my
colleagues in my earlier stint left.
My younger sister Jyothi gave birth to the first male child
on 21st June 1972. He was named as Vamshi Krishna.

Manohar arrives…. Bye to UK

Manohar informed me that he was permitted to come to

Britain and was actually attached to Paediatric department in
Park hospital for assessment for 3 weeks. It was a surprising
coincidence.
Manohar arrived in UK on 27th July 1972. I went to London
to receive him. CB Srinivasa Rao too was in London at that time
for some reason. He invited us for lunch at his brother in law’s
place. His brother in law KSR Murthy was a senior IAS officer
in Andhra Pradesh Government and was posted on deputation
as an attaché in Indian high commission. After lunch we
returned to Manchester.
Manohar soon made friends with all and he impressed with
his hard work and they have fixed him up in Paediatric
department in Salford Royal. I introduced all my local friends
to him.
Dr Tan Eng Siew visited me few times. She was planning to
migrate to USA.
I started preparations for my departure. Dr Leslie helped
me a lot in my preparations. I bought some surgical equipment
for use in India. I bought some clothes especially sarees for all
ladies, some small gifts. I bought two suit cases and three big
trunks. I packed all the things in three trunks and booked them
for sea travel. I applied for withdrawals I was due. I authorized
Dr Leslie for necessary correspondence on my behalf.
I met most of my friends and bade goodbye.
I left for London to catch the flight. I have not informed
anyone in India about my return to India. I requested Manohar
to do the same. I didn’t want a wasteful expenditure on my
reception on my return. Dr Tan Eng Siew was in London at that
time and she was with us for those two days. I met other
friends in London and we all went to the airport. I bade them
good bye and checked in. After checking in we were informed
that our flight requires repairs and is delayed. They arranged
for temporary stay in the hotel rooms in the airport. Manohar
left and caught a train to Manchester. I could contact Dr Tan
and informed her of delay of 8 hours. Dr Tan came back to the
airport and we went around the airport doing some small
shopping and had lunch. After the announcement I again
checked in. While I was walking to board the flight I overheard
an elderly couple conversing in Telugu behind me. I turned
back and looked at them. The man’s face was familiar. I
stepped aside and introduced myself in Telugu and enquired
who they were. He merely said Subbarao from Delhi and
walked ahead.
 I suddenly recollected that he was Koka Subbarao former
chief Justice of India and was a candidate for recent
presidential poll.
I boarded the flight and started ruminating on my
experiences in Britain.

Life in UK

I never thought in my life that I would come to Britain to

work and study. That way what all happened in my life was
purely accidental and never was intentional. I never wanted to
be a Doctor but became one. Because I secured enough marks
in the crucial exam I got a seat in medical college. Similarly
Coming to Britain was accidental as it was all done by Harinath.
Most of our batch mates migrated to either UK or USA. Only
20% remained in India. Out of those 80% who left only 20%
returned back to India. I was one of those. If I were to choose
another country to live in I would choose UK. Return to India
had three reasons. Karuna had a responsibility to care of her
surviving aged father being the only child to them. It would
only be possible if she was in India.
My parents too were aging. There was lot of sickness in the
family and it was a big family. With Manohar arrival in UK there
were no grown up sons in India to take care of them. I would
have been in a better position to send them money but would
not have shared their physical day to day tribulations. Thirdly
I could contribute only as a doctor to the society in UK and not
as an individual. As a Doctor I was respected and not as an
individual. I felt my country needed me more than UK both as
Doctor and as an individual.
Once I asked one of the local British consultants why was it
that there was scarcity of Doctors in UK and their dependence
on overseas doctors? His reply was very simple. He said it was
political and economic. Even those few who return would take
back with them the habits and customs. After their return they
would only use those they have been using in UK and prescribe
the same drugs and medicines of the same companies they
have been using. He further said it would be cheaper to import
cheap labor than train their own. Some of the British doctors
too expressed the same. Their view was that NHS would not
improve their working conditions as long they can obtain the
services of doctors from poor countries. It was true. I was
getting 10 times the amount I was getting in India. Even after
correction with Unit cost I could save money in UK. Most of
the doctors for that reason from UK in those days would
migrate to USA, South Africa, and Australia etc.
National Health Services (NHS) was a very good model. It
provided equity for all for health care. All those who were
earning would pay tax to provide the care. Everyone had a
Family doctor to attend to minor ailments and refer him to the
specialist when required. The medicines of the prescriptions
of Doctors and hospitals were given free in the chemist’s shops
who would claim the refund from Government. Boots chains
of Chemists shops were all pervading.
Many say NHS came into existence after the great drama
“Doctor’s Dilemma” written by Bernard Shaw. Emergencies
were attended on top priority; Cold case like Hydrocele etc.
had to wait for long periods for surgery. However, one could
jump the Q of cold cases if one was willing to pay. I assisted
few times in the private cases and I too was paid. Antagonists
of the system would say that in Britain one would be more
comfortable if one was ill. All the hospitals were managed by
local bodies.
Two things in public services were very apparent and
prominent. One was punctuality, and another was sticking to
the seat. One would not find a seat of service unattended any
time. The attitude was to help than raise questions why a
service cannot be delivered. All was a group activity. Everyone
in the group was allotted a task and one had to perform it.
There were no weaklings. Everyone was trained to perform.
This virtue must have been ingrained in them as Britain was a
naval and war faring nation. In such a nation everyone’s
survival depended on one another’s support activity.
 There were excellent ambulance services. They would not
only carry patients to hospitals but would also carry them back
home after discharge. The services were free.
If one was sick and was employed, he would get sick leave
pay. Even there were free facilities at holiday resorts to recoup
rest and convulse.
Physical needs in Old age were well taken care. 40% of beds
in hospitals were occupied by senior citizens. There were
many convalescent homes for old age. There were lots of
programmes like meals on wheels etc. for old people. All the
services were free. However, it was mostly a mechanical care
lacking the love and warmth of the home and kith and kin.
Once when I was moon lighting (substituting for the call duty
of a GP) I was called to certify a death in the night. When I
knocked at the house a young woman opened the door and on
learning purpose of my visit gestured me to go to a room
adjacent and she went back to the room where they were all
watching a football match. I entered the other room alone and
examined and the dead person and having completed the
certificate went into the room where TV was playing. There 5
persons all in the age group of 30s and one person introduced
himself as the son of the dead man and took the certificate.
The lady offered me a beer which I politely refused and
returned. How mechanical the modern society has become!
There were many believers in alternate medicine.
Homeopathy was popular. Lots of people were interested in
Yoga.
Some doctors from India practicing in areas with high
density of Asian population were indulging in malpractice.
They were still continuing with the myth of injection and cure.
They would prescribe medicines for impotency.
Communicable vaccine preventable diseases in UK were
under control. Most of these diseases were controlled not by
vaccines but by hygienic practices of people. Open defecation,
urination, spitting in public places were strictly prohibited and
to a large extent observed. Everyone would cover their
mouths while sneezing or coughing. Safe drinking water was
supplied through tap water. Food preservation hygiene was
maintained either by freezing or by heating. Disposable paper
napkins, towels, and safety napkins were used by all. However,
disposal of plastic was becoming an issue. Daily bathing was
not practiced by all. People would use perfumes. People were
well clothed. Absence of dust and absence of sweating used to
keep the clothes fresh for longer periods.
Generally, people had enough exercise. Most of the
exercise they would obtain from walking and heating their
homes and gardening and clipping and mowing their lawns.
One could obtain a small plot in public gardens on payment of
small lease amount where all facilities were available for them
to grow their own vegetables. The staple food was potato. The
meat was mostly from pork and beef and lamb. Chicken was
not a great delicacy in UK unlike in India. The food was mostly
boiled and eaten without spices. Potato, Peas, Cabbage,
cauliflower was eaten boiled. Carrots, cucumber, and green
leaves were eaten raw. The meal would end with a desert.
Mostly they were tinned fruit or rice pudding or some other
pudding. Fruits like Banana, Peaches, Apple, grapes, too were
consumed. Fish and chips, Egg and chips were the common
food of many workers. Fish and chips were an identity of
British. In hospitals some days they would make Indian curry
without Indian taste. There were few locals who were
vegetarians. They were pure vegetarians. They would not even
consume milk products. Indian restaurants were present in
many cities and few towns. In facts they were all owned and
run by East Bengalis. Mostly north Indian food was available in
those restaurants. At that time there was one restaurant in
London which catered south Indian food. There were
Chinese’s restaurants too.
Food was very cheap. All could afford it. In domestic life
costly item was House heating. In those days coal heating was
the cheapest, Next cheapest was Gas heating and costliest was
electric air conditioning. Coal heating required lot of one’s
time and labour. Gas was a central piped supply and there was
no need for cylinders.
 Transport too was cheap and various options were
available. Bus and Train services were easily accessible. Most
people preferred Train services for long distances instead of
air. Air services were not that commonly used internally as
they were uncertain because of fast changing climate. In
London people would use combination of Underground and
bus/car. The goods were mostly transported by ships, rail and
road. The habitations were well connected by road. The major
towns were connected by dual carriage ways and cities were
being connected by Motorways. The motor ways like M1, M4,
etc. were under completion. All the motor ways were very well
lit. Even some of them were heated during winter to melt the
snow. Winter used to have lot of snow and many blockages
and traffic jams.
Motorists generally followed traffic rules. Pedestrians
were not allowed on Motorways. On all other roads
pedestrians had a right of way. Automatic and pedestrian
operable traffic signals were available. Children were taught
road safety and would wear clothes that were visible.
Motorists were courteous. Every vehicle was to have
minimum third party insurance and individual drivers also
could obtain insurance to drive hired vehicles. Excellent
telephone facilities were available on roads to telephone
emergency services. I was caught once for speeding and police
officer had let me off with an oral warning once he came to
know that I was a doctor. Another time I was caught entering
a one-way road and again I was let off with a warning. I never
had an accident or even a scratch or dent to the car during my
stay.
Houses in UK were not plastered outside. They all retain
their brown brick colour. Interiors of the houses like wall
panelling, flooring and roofing was mostly wood. If you have
seen one house you can take that have seen all houses in UK.
All were similar unlike India where one house does not
resemble the other. All houses would have the basic facilities
like toilets, kitchen, electricity, gas, and water. Fire safety
certificate was a must. Most of the houses were furnished with
basic items like carpets, dining table, and cots & beds. Services
like plumbing, babysitting, gardening, driving were costly. Very
few could afford.
The weather was the one I didn’t like much in UK. It was
cold most of the year except in August for some time. You have
to be fully clothed. It would also rain often.
People at large were friendly.
I could make friends and learnt a lot both professionally
and in general. I liked the scientific search and analysis they
subject every aspect.

Return to India

I landed at Bombay airport one day before Vinayak Chavithi

in September 1972. Initially I was to embark at Delhi and stay
there for a day and go to Hyderabad. I was booked in Asoka
hotel Delhi. Since the flight got delayed I decided to alight at
Bombay and go to Hyderabad by next available flight. While I
was walking from the plane I bent and touched mother earth
and mother Bharath. I cleared my customs and came out and
booked an air ticket on the next morning flight and caught a
taxi and drove to a nearby hotel. I was terrified at the way in
which the taxi was driven. I was anticipating an accident every
second. It took me some time to get used to the Indian traffic.
I checked into the hotel which was clean, neat and new. I had
a bath and went down to the bar where a lady was singing
Hindi songs. Listening to it I had a beer and dinner and
returned to the room and slept. Next morning, I caught a flight
to Hyderabad and reached Hyderabad after 90 minutes.
I took a taxi and drove to my Uncle Satyanarayana Rao
house. There was no great change in Hyderabad. Old land
marks were still intact. I found the house locked. I enquired
with the neighbour Krishna Rao garu about their whereabouts
and on knowing that they were away on some pilgrimage I
could obtain the address of my cousin brother Mohan living in
Gandhi Nagar. On reaching his house I found that he was not
there, and his newly married wife was surprised to see a
stranger descending on them on a festival day. They were
married during my stay in UK. I introduced myself and she
welcomed me and gave a cup of coffee.
Soon Mohan returned, and he too was surprised to find me
and we spent some time tracing who was where. Dr
Nagabhushanam was staying close to his house. We went to
him and I went along with Nagabhushanam to book a ticket to
Khammam by train that afternoon. A new express train
Golkonda was commenced between Secunderabad and
Vijayawada which would leave at 2.30 afternoon and reach
Khammam by 6 PM. I returned to Mohan and we had the
festival lunch. I gifted a saree to his wife and left for
Khammam. After getting off the train at Khammam I walked
to Jupudi Narasimha Rao Gari house followed by two coolies
with head loads of my baggage. All were surprised to see me.
I saw beaming Jyothi and her daughter Sridevi who was two
years old and Vamshi few months old. They were born during
my stay in UK and that was the first time I saw them.
After the initial enquiries I had a wash and I along with
Prasad went to Jwala my new brother in law. Then he was
working as Librarian in Khammam. He was alone in the house
and was asleep. He woke up and Prasad asked him if he has
recognized me to which he made a gesture of a non-committal
yes. He didn’t recognize me. We pretended for some time and
then after he coming to know who I was entered into
conversation about the welfare of all those we commonly
knew. Buzzi his wife and daughter Prema Malini who was one
year old were away at his native village.
Next morning, I left in a car arranged by Prasad to Nela
Kondapalli where Karuna and Bharath were. I reached in an
hour their rented house on the main road. Bharath was sitting
on the platform (Arugu) in front of the house alone and
watching people. I picked him up and entered the house. He
was looking at me in surprise.
Dr Jwala Narsimha Rao was going on tour towards my
village. I went along with him to my village. My parents were
very happy to see me. I missed Gopalam Pedananna. I met my
other uncles and aunts and cousins. I called on my
grandmother and paid my respects. She was not in good
health. I spent a day in the village and returned to Kondapalli
on a cycle. Even in 1972 there was no bus conveyance to my
village.
After few days I went to Kallur and saw my elder sister and
children and to Khambhampadu and paid my respects to my
maternal grandmother and grandfather’s mother.
I went to Hyderabad for my posting. Dr Raghavendra Rao
was the Director of Health then. Dr Raghavendra Rao was a
cardiothoracic surgeon and was a superintendent of TB
hospital earlier. He was a very jovial man and a very honest
person. When we were students he used to smoke a pipe in
the class room while lecturing. He was a chain smoker. I went
to Director’s office to seek an interview. As I was waiting I saw
Dr Anjaneya Sharma approaching the Director’s room. I went
and met him and after exchanging pleasantries knowing the
purpose of my visit he took me inside and introduced me to
the Director. After knowing what I have done in UK he jocularly
said: “So, you have been chasing the white lady doctors and
nurses instead of pursuing either FRCS or MRCP”. Everyone in
the room laughed.
He offered to post me in Fever hospital at Hyderabad since
I had DTM&H. He thought I would immediately seize the
opportunity of a city posting. Instead I requested for a
peripheral posting in a tribal area. He was surprised and again
joked: “Yes, my suspicion is confirmed”. He further asked me
if I had any place in mind and on hearing that I had none in
mind he asked me to choose a place and tell him on his ensuing
visit to Warangal. We came out and Dr Sharma asked what I
was looking for I told him that I was looking to work in a
hospital like Bhadrachalam where there were beds and staff
and operating theatre. He advised me to go to Bhadrachalam
and see if the doctor there was willing to go and meet him at
Warangal on the day of visit of Director.
I and Dr P Rama Rao went to Bhadrachalam on his motor
bike and met some old friends and I spoke to Dr Krishna
Murthy who was the Medical officer then. He was there for a
long time and was willing to go to his native district East
Godavari. The line was clear. I met Dr G Radhakrishna Murthy
who too was working there. He was my senior in the college
and service.
On the appointed day I went to Warangal to meet the
Director. On my arrival at the guest house straight from
Railway station I was told that the Director suffered a heart
attack and was moved to Hyderabad in a special ambulance
and in a convoy. Dr Sharma accompanied him. I met my uncles
Sugunakar Rao and Prakash Rao and my friends Narasimha
Rao, Venkat Ram Reddy and Chakrapani, all working there as
assistant professors.
Dr Raghavendra Rao was admitted under the care of Dr
Sudhir Naik and Dr Dayasagar at Osmania General Hospital. He
was slowly recovering. In his absence Dr Ramandham was
officiating as in charge Director.
I went to Hyderabad and from there to Kurnool where BK
Rao was working. I spent a day with him. During the course of
conversation, he mentioned that he knew a person who was
close to the health secretary BRK Sastry and probably could
help in my posting. His friend was additional commissioner of
State Excise department and was staying near Secretariat. He
telephoned him and mentioned to him that I would call on him
with a small request.
I met this gentleman who was from Burgumpad area and
he obliged and spoke to the secretary.
I stayed in my uncle’s house and met all my friends. Dr
Amara Venkateshwara Rao was doing his MS and stayed close
by in Sultan Bazar. I visited Sripathi Rao family. I opened a bank
account in SBH, Gun foundry for foreign money remittances
and informed the same to Dr Leslie in UK.
After few days I had a telephone call from BK Rao’s friend
asking me to go and collect my orders next day. I collected the
orders from Directorate and proceeded to Khammam and met
Dr Krishna Rao DM&HO for further orders.
 Government Civil and ID Hospitals-Bhadrachalam
7th October 1972 to 14th October 1978

I joined as Medical officer Bhadrachalam on 7th October

1972. I stayed in Panchavati guest house of information
department near the hospital for 20 days till my predecessor
vacated the quarters. I used to dine there only.
Next day I went to the hospital at 8am. I met Dr Radha
Parameswari DGO working as lady medical officer and Dr G
Radha Krishna Murthy. We were conducting the outpatient
and as I was also the administrative head of the hospital I went
to another room to attend to some urgent correspondence. At
11 am when I returned to the OP the doctors were not there.
I thought they might have gone for rounds of inpatient wards.
Instead I found on enquiry that they have gone home as the
outpatient is closed at 10.30 am and there were no inpatients
to attend to. Another session of OP would only commence in
the evening between 4-6 pm. One out of the three doctors
would attend outpatients in rotation.
I was in charge of two hospitals at Bhadrachalam. They
were civil hospital and Infectious diseases hospital. Civil
hospital existed from British days as a taluk hospital. Civil
hospital was a tiled building having 25 beds- It housed an
outpatient block with X-Ray facility, a small rudimentary lab,
and two wards one for male and another for female a small
delivery room and a operation theatre. At a distance were
toilets. The civil hospital had a compound wall and also
housed doctors quarter, and 6 staff quarters. All of them were
tiled houses. There were few well grown Neem and silk cotton
trees providing shelter and shade and the patient’s attendants
used cook and sleep under them. There was a big well and an
overhead tank.
The Infectious diseases hospital was decade old. It came
into existence after a cholera epidemic break out a decade
earlier. ID hospital had a new modern building next to civil
hospital. It had no compound wall. It had 6 big wards to house
another 25 patients. There was a kitchen block. It also housed
an administrative block and behind it a mortuary at a distance
which again was tiled houses. The walls of the ID hospital
whenever damp was giving electrical shocks whenever one
touched them.
Both the hospitals had electric supply. The hospitals were
located at the far end of the town then. They were located at
the junction of road to Kunavaram and Reddypalem. There
was no street lighting on the roads leading to the hospital and
there was no lighting on the vast open spaces connecting the
various wards in hospital premises. There was a telephone
connection which was disconnected for default of payment.
Next morning, I went around the hospital noting down the
improvements each room and activity center required. When
I was about to enter the operation theatre an ass literally ran
out of the theatre.
There was wild growth of weeds and plants in the campus.
After couple of days I admitted a case with loose motions
and dehydration in the ID ward. I went and set up the drip with
the rubber tubing drip sets which were sterilized and reused.
The needle to puncture the vein and to keep in the vein was
also an ordinary 22G injection needle. There was no adhesive
tape and I had to secure it with bandages. Any how I stayed
for some time and after a bottle of saline went in I went to the
guest house. In the evening when I returned the patient was
better but was not willing to stay. He was afraid of the snakes
and wild animals. I thought over and shifted the patient to civil
hospital ward where electricity was available. I found to my
surprise that no staff nurse was on the night shift and was only
on a call from the house. One class 1V employee was only
present at night. Next day I gave a duty roster posting nursing
and other staff on all shifts and made it mandatory that they
stay during their shift in the hospital only. I also gave orders
that till repairs are completed all patients must be admitted in
civil wards only. This caused some unpleasantness, and all
wanted to wait and see.
Slowly I started admitting cases.
 There were no medicines. On earlier complaints a month
earlier to my joining the Collector made a surprise visit to the
hospital and conducted a check and sealed the Store room and
ordered an enquiry by ACB which was still awaited. No one
followed, and no one took a decision.
Dr Krishna Rao was the DM&HO. On his visit to
Bhadrachalam I requested him to supply some medicine to
hospital from some other source. He replied that he was
helpless. I requested him to lend some medicines from
hospital where there was no doctor. He agreed and asked me
to try my luck with Kukunoor MM unit.
I was planning to go and collect the medicines. I was
looking for transport.
One morning the Sub collector sent a request to the lady
doctor to visit his child who had fever. Dr Radha Parameswari
asked me permission and she narrated that she was not able
to communicate effectively with the mother of the baby and
requested me if I could go. I agreed and visited Samal, Sub-
Collector at his residence. He had camp office in the ground
floor and residence in the first floor. After examining the child,
I sat down with the sub collector over a cup of Tea and briefed
him on the hospital and the need for improvement. At that
time VL kantha Rao, Malaria officer came in and we all
discussed about malaria etc. I told the sub-collector to bring
the child for a blood test if fever does not subside. After few
days he visited the hospital with his other child and again we
discussed the issue of improvements. He informed that some
funds were available with local Red Cross branch which we
could use for improvements. He asked me to get estimates
prepared and identify some person to get the works done
without profit.
DV Janardhan Reddy a contemporary of mine in the
university became a civil engineer and was working as
Assistant Engineer in Kothagudem. He visited me one day and
on knowing my problem deputed two persons from his area
to undertake the repairs. I admitted them as inpatients and
provided accommodation and food from hospital. Potharaju a
contractor came to our rescue and provided invaluable help.
The repairs and renovation work commenced. Many people
donated fans, bulbs, furniture, small equipment etc. We used
to write the donors names on the articles. Red Cross would
provide necessary financial assistance.
After few days NRK Rao the District Forest officer was not
well and after examining him I diagnosed it to be Typhoid and
advised admission. With great reluctance he got admitted and
suffered all the inconveniences and was discharged after full
recovery.
During the period of his admission many local officers
wanted to contact me to know his wellbeing. They could not
do as there was no telephone to hospital. After knowing that
it was disconnected for nonpayment of bills they all subscribed
and got the connection restored.
After NRK Rao’s recovery all the local officers organized a
dinner on the launch and I was invited. I met Alluri Murthy
Raju, the chairman of temple, Nagi Reddy EO of the temple,
Mutyam Reddy deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP),
Satyanarayana Assistant engineer (AE) Irrigation, Prasad Rao,
Manager SBH, NRK Rao and couple of other contractors. After
that we all became good friends and used to meet very often.
NRK Rao requested some forest contractor to lend his
vehicle to me to go to Kukunoor to get some medicines for
hospital. One obliged and I went to Kukunoor. I collected good
amount of medicines. On way back in the evening the jeep
failed, and I had to walk in the forest with the help of a tribal
and reach the Godavari bank and cross to other side and
caught a timber lorry and reached Bhadrachalam in the early
hours. Walking in the forest during mid-night with the help of
a “Kagada” and crossing river Godavari in the early hours on a
small fishing boat and travelling on the roof of the timber lorry
was an unforgettable experience.
 My experience with private practice

I used to see some patients in the evening at the guest

house. They were paying consultancy fees of Rs 10. At the end
of the month I could count Rs 1200 which was the double the
monthly salary of a doctor in those days. However, one day
the pharmacist Satyanarayana brought a relation of his for a
hydrocele operation. I told him I would operate on him once
the Operating Theatre is improved which may take some time.
They agreed, and his relation offered me Rs 200. I said my
consultation was only Rs 10. He said the rest was for
operation. I was taken aback. I gently declined. That is how
one would be lured. I stopped next day my consultancy
practice. It did cause some problems. Rich, higher caste people
and Government employees expressed their inconvenience to
access me for advice. They felt embarrassed to stand and wait
to see me in Q in the hospital.
In those days Doctors working in curative care were
allowed private consultancy practice and those working in
PHCs and health programmes, administrative jobs, and
preclinical and Para clinical teaching were banned from
private practice and were paid some paltry sum as
compensation. However, those who were allowed practice
were not to charge for services rendered in hospital and were
not expected to deliver services in private hospitals. They were
expected to render consultancy and advice only in their
private clinics.
Dr Subbaraju, son in law of Seetharam Raju of
Satyanarayanapuram has set up his practice in Bhadrachalam
near Tatagudi center. Soon we became friends. He used to
consult me in some cases. A relation of mine delivered and
they wanted to undergo Sterilization operation. They were not
willing to undergo the same in Government hospital. Dr
Subbaraju requested me to operate in his hospital which I did.
I used to admit and operate such cases but have not charged
my fees.
 Dr Subbaraju was blessed with a son. The newborn infant
developed convulsions few hours after birth. Subbaraju
sought my opinion. After examining, finding no clue I asked
for a blood test for malaria of the neonate. Shockingly it was
positive. The mother too was positive. Immediately I started
the treatment and the infant had no further convulsions and
grew to be a “Surgeon”. That was the case I diagnosed as
“Trans placental transmission of Malaria”.
Dr Subbaraju mother in law had a gynecology problem and
on my recommendation, underwent Hysterectomy by Dr
Nagnath Mangrulkar who was a Gynecologist classmate of
mine. Dr Subbaraju used to help us out in Government
hospital, mostly in operating theatre taking care of
maintenance of anesthesia. Most of the surgeries I used to do
were under local, spinal or under GA with Ether. Since I was an
anesthetist I used to induce anesthesia and move on to
operate while someone would maintain the anesthesia.
With all this bubbling activity our outpatient attendance
and inpatient admissions soared. The doctors were too busy.
They were spending long hours in hospital.
Earlier one would take care of the case one admits. We
decided that case belongs to all. We used to take a combined
round and discuss and decide the course of treatment. There
was no dissent. Everyone felt they were learning daily. It was
a team work.
We decided to concentrate on “Diagnosis” and continuity
of treatment. In the process we decided to use more and more
lab tests to confirm diagnosis. I requested Mr Kantha Rao
Malaria officer to depute one person to collect blood smears
for all out patients visiting the hospital. He was too willing
and posted one young lady exclusively to the hospital. All
patients were screened for malaria. With this there were many
cases detected which would have gone unnoticed and
untreated spreading the disease. Was it “Silent malaria”
without symptoms?
I started spending some time in the lab looking at the
specimens. Kodanda Ramaiah was the lab technician. Even
though he had some reservations he too appreciated our
concerns and soon started taking lot of interest. He became an
asset to hospital. He too started spending long hours and
expanded the capacity tenfold. After some time, we could
acquire the equipment he required.
Soon we found that there were many cases showing high
Eosinophilia counts investigated for cough and respiratory
infections.
We doctors sat and developed protocols. We listed out
protocols for investigation, and treatment based on
symptoms, age and gender. Everyone was informed of the
same. Such a list was available on each doctor table.
Outpatients used to crowd at the entrance and enter the
OP room and go to any doctor who was free. The doctor would
ask his name and age and enter the same in register and ask
for complaints and write the treatment in register and on the
OP ticket and write on small chits for injections. Almost there
was no examination and sometimes a pretense of examination
of pulse and chest with the stethoscope over the clothes was
made. Less than a minute was spent on each case that too
recording his name and age. Patient would then go to the
pharmacy to collect his medicines, to injection room for
injections, to the dressing room for dressing. At the end of
outpatient, the pharmacist would compute all the expenditure
and sisters would compute the various injections given
unfolding the small chits. It used to take a long time and there
was no way they could be evaluated. The clerk was expected
to take the OP register and compute the category of
provisional diagnosis made that day and cumulative figures for
the month would be sent to higher ups as medical intelligence
data. This was never practiced as the clerk could not
understand the illegible hand writing of the doctors and would
add and subtract few cases of last month and send as the
report for current month. We decided to change.
The X-Ray machine was not working for last few years. It
worked for few days after installation and stopped working
since then. Rajeshwar Rao was the radiographer. His wife
Padmakshi was working as a health visitor and was under the
District health officer directly. There were two other ANMS.
Sarweswar Rao was the dark room assistant, and another
person too was there. Rajeshwar Rao informed me that a big
procedure was involved in getting the x-Ray plant repaired.
We had to inform the director with a request to depute an
Engineer from the suppliers and on depositing the money for
the air travel of that person he would arrive and would give an
estimate and after sanction of that he would repair. He told
me that they have addressed the Director with no reply so far.
He could not show me the same correspondence. The staff of
X-Ray department was unwilling to do any other work other
than X- Ray work.
Incidentally after few days while going through earlier
audit reports I found that audit party raised a question of
usefulness of three staff members in X-Ray department when
the plant was not working and advised surrendering of the
same for posting somewhere else.
I confronted the X-Ray staff with the same and told them
that I was planning to surrender them.
All the three relented and I posted them at the new
registration counter in shifts, They had to register all new and
old cases and enter their name, gender and age and where
they came from and assign unique code number and write the
same on OP ticket and direct them for malaria screening. It
eased off the unnecessary burden on the doctors to register.
We got more information on the catchment area. The doctor
would then enter the unique code and against it the unique
code of provisional symptomatic diagnosis. It was much easier
for the clerk to compute the numbers than the text.

Misuse and Disuse of medicines

Soon we found that there was lot of wastage of medicines

dispensed. We analyzed it and found the loopholes. The
medicines were supplied from the directorate to each district
based on a standard list developed for each category of
hospital. The category of medicines supplied depended up on
their availability, their inclusion in rate contract etc. Often
there would be litigations and delays and supplies would be
irregular and erratic. The quantities supplied would be the
same for each category hospital and it often resulted in
imbalances. Hospitals differed in turnover of work depending
on local access and reputation of doctors and availability of
doctors in private sector etc. Each outpatient department
would earmark certain quantity of a particular drug each day
for outpatient use to make the drug available throughout the
year. Always the quota was insufficient. When it came to
dispense the medicines in the hospital outpatient “First come-
First served” basis was adopted. A patient requiring penicillin
injection for 5 days may not get for all the five days
contiguously if he is not the first to arrive. So, everyone was
getting insufficient dosage. This was the first flaw. A patient a
may require a lower grade antibiotic and if it was not available
a higher-grade antibiotic was given. Soon both would not be
available for any case. That was the second flaw. We decided
to address these issues.
I got “Rummy coins” of different colors and earmarked
each color with an injectable drug. The quota for each drug
was decided and equal number of coins was made available
divided equally at each doctor table. The doctor would issue
the number of coins equal to number of days the patient need
to take a particular injection. The patient can go straight every
day to the injection room and take injection for the prescribed
days. For Tablets and capsules small card board colored tokens
were prepared with each shape and color identified with a
particular tablet/capsule. It made our work easier especially at
the pharmacy and at the injection room. Colors and shapes
were easily identifiable for computing daily expenditure than
written chits. There was no wastage of paper. All tablets and
capsules were dispensed in paper envelopes. Doctors would
borrow and exchange their coins. If no coins were available,
the patient was given a prescription to buy that day and come
early next day. Initially doctors felt that there would be
complaints if we ask the latecomers to buy. I over ruled and
said we would review after few days. There was some
murmuring in the beginning but it soon subsided. We didn’t
have to review.
We decided to cut down on unnecessary prescription
specially injections. There is a myth with injections. When
penicillin was invented it did wonders. It could cure most of
the infections with which people were dying. But it was only
available then in injection form. The layman associated cure
with injection and not with penicillin. Doctors perpetuated the
myth for their own ulterior gains. Since injection involved
equipment and a ritual of sterilization and a technique of
administration which was at that time available with doctors
only. They could charge more for the service than mere
prescription of non-injectable. Later he would prescribe more
potent oral antibiotics but would add a B complex injection to
charge for the service even though it was not needed. Patient
still thought injection (B complex) cured him of the infection
than the antibiotic. We put a stop to such practice. Each
reform would adversely affect our attendance and reputation
but for a short period. We would bounce back.
Once our DM&HO sent us a consignment of medicines
which we felt were not required and I made out a case and
showed my data of types of morbidity we were treating and
pressed him to supply the medicines we wanted. He relented
and ordered the main stores in his office to supply what I
wanted.

X-Ray Plant restoration

One-day Rajeshwar Rao of X-Ray department approached

me and told me that if I permitted he would explore the
possibility of repairing the X-Ray plant. I permitted him to
explore and he came back after a day saying one coil in the
circuit was burnt and if we get it rewound it may work. He also
told me that an electrical engineer would be able to do it.
 It was a coincidence that the next day an electrical lineman
has slipped and fallen down while climbing the pole in the
early morning hours and was rushed to the hospital. I
examined him, and he had a fracture of the ankle and had a
mild concussion. I admitted him and got a X-ray done in private
hospital. I was conducting the OP and after the OP I wanted to
put his leg in plaster. He was recovering from his concussion.
While I was conducting the OP, I saw a well-dressed person
standing underneath a tree smoking. He was still there even
after an hour. I got curious and sent someone to fetch him. He
came and introduced himself as Assistant Engineer (Electrical)
from Kothagudem and came to meet me to enquire about the
welfare of subordinate who fell down. Since I was busy he was
waiting outside. I informed him and assured him that he
would be Ok much to his relief. I offered a cup of coffee and
slowly broached the subject of X-Ray plant.
I called Rajeshwar Rao and asked him to brief him. He
handed over the coil to him and explained. He said he didn’t
know much about the X-Ray plant but would get the coil
rewound. He called someone and gave instructions to go to
Kothagudem to some person and return back by evening. He
said he would be staying till evening. I also brought to his
notice about the street lighting on the road to hospital. He said
he would find out and come back to me in the evening. Prompt
he came in the evening and told me that suitable lighting tube
bulbs were available on the bridge on Godavari River and they
were disconnected since payment was due for a long period.
There was a dispute between R&B department and Gram
Panchayath about who should pay. As it was unlikely to be
resolved soon he informed he could shift and erect them on
our street if Gram Panchayath agrees. I spoke to Sarpanch Sri
Raja Babu and he said he would turn a blind eye. By night all
the poles leading to hospital were lit.
The rewound coil also came, and Rajeshwar Rao fitted it
and the X-Ray plant started working.
 What a coincidence- All of us broke rules- We could
operationalize X-Ray plant which was not working almost for
3 years without spending even a rupee.

Fixed day Pediatric Services

Dr Satyabhama Sundaram a pediatrician at headquarters

hospital Khammam used to visit our hospital once a month
and conduct an immunization programme. After her transfer
Dr Chandravathi wife of Dr Satyanarayana Murthy used to
visit. Dr Chandravathi was a good family friend of my younger
sister Jyothi and classmate of Dr Radha Parameswari our Lady
Medical officer. After the programme she would have lunch
with one of us and rest for a while and then return back to
Khammam. Dr Chandravathi was a very pleasant person with
a very soft voice and was sincere to her job. Through her I
could make lots of friends at Headquarters hospital. One day
on my visit to Khammam she showed me a child with a big
lump in the abdomen. I diagnosed it as a Hydatid cyst which
was confirmed later.

Repairs and renovation

The renovation and repair works were getting over. All

entries into hospital wards were secured against stray animals.
All the verandahs were secured with mesh and entry of birds
was prevented. We built three attendant sheds for attendants
to stay and cook and sleep. They were provided with a
separate toilet. We have put separate bathing and cloth
washing areas for them. Rewiring has been done in the wards.
We converted a ward in ID hospital into main stores. We got
racks made for storing medicines. Proper accounting system
was developed. We established a record room. We converted
a ward in ID hospital into operating theatre block with
Operating room, scrubbing area, Post-operative observation
area, sterilization area and a room for surgeons and doctors.
We got the flooring done up. I converted the ID hospital wards
for normal admissions of civil hospital and civil hospital wards
into infectious diseases wards. We got the bath rooms and
toilets done up. We got a white wash done. The hospital
looked livable.
All these works were done up by donations. All the
promoted donations were credited to Red Cross account and
payments were made from there. Dayananda Sarasvati was
the secretary of the branch and Sub collector Samal was the
president.

Guest House for Hospital

Bhadrachalam being a temple town many VIPs used to

visit, and officials would always visit with their families and
friends. There was very little accommodation available for
VIPs. Always there was a pressure for accommodation. Most
of the officials were content being accommodated in the
hospital wards. At festival times most of the wards were
occupied by staff deputed and VIPs. I was not happy with the
happenings. I decided to convert the administrative block of
ID hospital into a guest house of the hospital. This time I raised
some donations from Doctors and converted the block into a
medical department guest house. It had three bed rooms with
attached bath room and lavatory and a dining room and a
sitting room. We purchased necessary furniture like cots
tables, and chairs, linen and crockery. With the establishment
of the guest house a major headache has gone. Doctor’s in the
area would stay there on their visits and subscribe a paltry
amount for its upkeep. Dr Bhat the then DM&HO too
contributed liberally. We appointed an orphan in the
beginning to take care of the needs of the guests. Later on, one
by name Koteswer Rao worked there and in due course learnt
driving and became a Government driver and rose to become
the president of District Driver’s association.

Anesthesia Equipment

Dr Bhat an ENT surgeon was the DM&HO. One day he

asked me if he could operate some of his cases in our hospital
with me as an anesthetist. I agreed but told him that there
were some deficiencies and they need to be addressed. We
had a Boyle’s apparatus, but It was not used. The gas cylinders
were empty. We didn’t have endotracheal tubes. The
apparatus needed servicing and calibration. He agreed and
provided all those. I anesthetized his cases.

Establishing Hospital Kitchen

The hardest thing for me was establishing the kitchen and

diet for patients. There were two cooks- a kitchen and a small
budget for diet. There was a contractor for diet by name
Pasam Venkanna from Khammam. He has sublet it out to a
lady in Bhadrachalam who used to supply only diluted milk.
The rate for the diet was inadequate. No one could really
supply meal at that rate. I made out a case saying that the rate
shall not be fixed in terms of amount in currency per patient
but as amount of supplies based on calorie and other
requirements. It was only raised in monitory terms after some
time. There were no utensils to cook food. All those available
were rusted. I started acquiring the needed article through
donations. I cajoled the diet contractor to supply me rations.
After great persuasion he agreed to supply even though he
was incurring loss at our hospital. He didn’t want to lose the
district contact. He was making his profits in all other
hospitals. After a prolonged struggle I could establish supply
of diet to patients. Each patient was supplied diet in separate
carrier along with a bottle of water. To support the kitchen, I
planned a small kitchen garden in the campus of hospital.
Chandrasekhar descended on the scene. He was a graduate
from Hyderabad interested in social service with lofty ideals.
He chose to work for Tribals. He helped me to set up a kitchen
garden.
While all this was going on the roof of the civil wards
started leaking. The roof was laid with country tiles. It needed
urgent repairs.
 Dr NRV Swamy and Temple honors

Dr NRV Swamy became Director of Medical and Health

services. He was my professor of medicine in the college. He
was a good teacher. He was very much interested in music,
dance and dramatics. He wrote a dance drama by name
“Siddhartha” and directed it. He spent lot of his time with us
in cultural activities. I knew him intimately. He came to
Khammam to inaugurate Annual IMA meeting. He told the
DM&HO that he would make some surprise visits next day. All
doctors came to IMA meeting. The meeting would only end in
the night with a dinner. They would not be able to return to
their respective places in time to DMS proposed surprise visits.
None knew the Director. Some said he would be very
aggressive with his inspections and would initiate disciplinary
action for any deficiencies. There were whispers and doctors
& DM&HO huddled together and sought my opinion. I
volunteered to invite him to Bhadrachalam. Dr Swamy was
happy to see me and conceded to my request. I left that night
in a vehicle provided by DM&HO and reached Bhadrachalam
in the early hours.
I telephoned Nagi Reddy the EO of the temple and
informed him of the likely visit of the Director and to arrange
a special darshan of the deity. Prompt came at 8 am the
director accompanied by his wife and DM&HO and his retinue.
After breakfast I took him round the hospital. The hospital was
bubbling with activity. The OP started. I explained to him all
the measures we have taken and showed him all the works
completed with donations. I took him to the wards and told
him that I would not accompany him inside as the patients
may not feel free to express their problems in my presence.
He went in and made enquiries with the patients and their
attendants. He came out beaming. He was very impressed and
told everyone around that I was his student and his training
helped to shape me. After the hospital visit I took him to the
temple along with his wife. As we entered the temple
premises I saw Nagi Reddy walking down the steps
accompanied by musicians playing on their instruments, and
priests chanting. For a minute I was disappointed that Nagi
Reddy had some other VIP to attend. However, the procession
came to us. Elephant garlanded the Director. After that the
Director was led into the sanctum sanctorum with temple
honors. Even Director was bewildered at this sudden honor.
Special pooza was performed and the couple was presented
with new clothes. He was very happy. At lunch time I raised
the topic of repairs to the hospital. He asked me to go to
Hyderabad after couple of days and meet him there with
necessary proposals. He assured an immediate action. He kept
his word and gave the sanctions, and released funds in three
days. My stay in Hyderabad was treated as official.
The civil hospital wards were upgraded with a proper roof
etc. On dismantling of tiled roof, we could recover lot of wood
which was used to make lot of furniture like benches for
patients waiting, Racks to store in medical stores, Record room
etc. The staff quarters were upgraded.

Additional Residential Accommodation

In front of the hospital there was a chowltry of the temple.

One journalist by name Sunder Rao was living in one of the
rooms for a very long time. All officials were afraid of him.
However, Nagi Reddy EO of temple took measures to vacate
him and handed over the chowltry to the hospital to
accommodate patient’s attendants. I allotted couple of rooms
to some members of our staff and rest was used as chowltry.
There was a quarter nearby belonging to R&B department
meant for junior Engineer. However, it was unoccupied for a
long time. I requested EE R&B to allot it to us and he not only
readily agreed but got it repaired. For some time, Dentist
used to live in that and later lady doctor. With this
arrangement the R&B department was getting rent. R&B
department also allotted a person exclusively to take care of
the maintenance of well and the pump and water needs of
hospital. Drinking water was from the Panchayath pipe line.
Prakash Rao was the superintendent Engineer and Krishniah
was the AE then. Dharma Reddy was there as AE for some
time. They were very helpful.
I shifted to my official quarters in the campus after a
month. I engaged the grandson of the cook “Ammamma”
garu, Ganesh who used to help my mother in cooking in my
school days in Khammam. He was there for almost six months.
Karuna, Bharath and her father were still at Kondapalli. I tried
for her transfer. I could have succeeded but for the request
made by the then Telugu lecturer whose wife Anasuya and
daughter Durga were working in our hospital. He came and
requested me not to disturb him. I used to make trips to N.
Kondapalli to visit my family.

I too bribed!

My baggage sent by ship arrived in Bombay. I and Jwala

went to Bombay to get it cleared. We stayed with BVSS
Sharma who was working in Shipping Corporation as an
accountant. Sharma was known to our family through BK Rao.
Sharma was the son in law of BK Rao’s boss Anjaneyulu garu.
He introduced him to Manohar. Sharma was living in his own
apartment with his wife, a son and daughter. All of them were
great hosts. Sharma was fond of playing cards. It was a daily
ritual for them to play cards in the local trains when
commuting to their work places.
It took us couple of days to trace our baggage from the
Docks. After identification we were told that next day it would
be checked and cleared. We booked our return tickets next
evening by train. Next morning Sharma also came to the
docks. Probably the person who was clearing our bags knew
Sharma and started checking all the three big trunks. He could
not find any taxable item except some wool which my wife
bought to knit sweaters. I dumped the same in the trunks. The
customs person was amazed that a person would return from
UK under transfer of residence with no taxable items and must
have taken pity on me and was trying a way out to avoid
levying tax on the wool. I thanked him for his kindness and told
him that I was prepared to pay the tax than missing my train
that evening. He levied a tax of Rs 70 and asked me to pay at
the counter and bring the receipt for the baggage to be
cleared. There were two counters. People only queued up in
front of one counter. At the other counter there was a person
but not accepting the payments. It was not moving. Some
persons who were not in the Q were attaching an extra rupee
note with the amount they had to pay, and a person was
collecting all such forms and was presenting at the second
counter and after stamping would deliver the back. I attached
a Five rupee note to hundred rupees note and gave it to him.
Prompt came back my form stamped and with Rs 30. I had to
pay only Rs 70+5. I too bribed.

Two trousers torn for learning Scooter driving

I registered for purchase of a scooter “Vespa”. In those

days there was a big Q to buy a scooter. Those who could pay
in foreign exchange were put on priority list and would be
allotted in 3 months. I was informed to collect the scooter
from Hyderabad. Dr. Amara Venkateshwara Rao was doing his
MS in Hyderabad. Since I never drove a scooter earlier Amara
came with me to take delivery of scooter. While returning
home Amara suddenly applied the brake as a dog suddenly
crossed the road in front of him. We both fell off the scooter.
I escaped totally unscratched. Amara’s trouser was torn and
he had some abrasions. We got up and went to Amara’s house
and after first aid went to University grounds for me to learn
scooter driving. Amara told me that usually it is the driver who
gets hurt in such accidents. He showed me how to drive and
after some practice we were returning back to his house. On
way back there was a big hump on the road which I didn’t
observe and both of us fell down again. Again, I went
unscratched and another trouser of Amara was torn and again
he had multiple abrasions on the other leg. This time I told him
that usually it is the pillion driver who gets hurt in such
accidents. I learnt my scooter driving with two accidents on
the same day and with two torn trousers of the instructor. I
got a driving license from Khammam. I rarely used the scooter
in Bhadrachalam.
One day I was informed that Bharath was suffering with
high fever. I rushed to Kondapalli and found that he was
suffering from measles.
Turlapati Sambashivarao (Sai Babu) got married at
Khammam on 25th October 72. Usha gave birth to Laxmi in
Warangal. We went and saw them. Nagabhushanam left for
UK in December 72.
Karuna applied for leave and joined me at Bhadrachalam.
We put Bharath in a preparatory school near Tatagudi center.
PV Narasimha Rao CM introduced Land ceiling act.

Andhra agitation

Mulki rules were upheld by Supreme Court and Andhra

agitation started. Bhadrachalam, Kunavaram and Nugur
Taluks were in East Godavari district of Andhra earlier before
formation of Andhra Pradesh. An agitation started in
Bhadrachalam for separate Andhra state. Agitators came and
asked me to close the hospital. I told them that members of
staff can take their decision to work or not, but hospital would
function since it was an emergency service. After some
argument they left.
I and Dr Radha Krishnamurthy were the only two in
hospital hailing from Telangana region. The rest all were from
erstwhile Andhra area. Amongst local officers Mutyam Reddy,
DSP and NRK Rao of forest department were from Telangana.
Soon agitation gathered momentum and there were strikes,
hartals, stoppage of services etc. in many parts of Andhra &
Rayalaseema areas. Ministers resigned and joined agitation.
There were incidents of violence and police firing. There were
deaths.
An Andhra activist commenced a fast on to death hunger
strike in Bhadrachalam on the banks of Godavari. It was the
hot topic of the day. People thronged to site for his darshan.
He became the rallying point for the agitation. After a week
Police arrested him and brought him to hospital. I examined
him and found him fit and normal in spite of his week’s fast.
Police pressurized me orally to force feed him. I refused saying
he was in a sane condition to take his own decisions and I
cannot force feed him unless there was written direction from
the magistrate to do so. With that objection I postponed any
intervention. However, I kept him under constant observation
and posted special staff. I used to monitor his condition four
times daily. Lots of crowds used to wait at the hospital for
news. Days went by and crowds slowly vanished. After few
days even the police posted was withdrawn.
One day on my rounds I found that there were ants next to
his bed and they were crawling in and out of the bed side
locker. I left silently his bedside. I asked the staff nurse
Bharathi to investigate the presence and crawling of ants into
the locker. After checking she informed me that there was
sugar, Madiphal Rasayanam bottle and few lemons. I left it at
that without further discussion.
There was one Tahsildar by name Sastry who was also a
sub-Magistrate. In tribal areas the judiciary was not there. The
revenue officials were also having judicial powers and were
trying various criminal cases. They were also responsible for
law and order. He was very agitated on my adamancy to force
feed the one fasting and was afraid of the consequences if
something went wrong. He was a god fearing, honest officer.
It was rare to see very upright and honest officers at lower
levels in revenue department. I could understand his concern
and we discussed many alternatives including the feasibility of
shifting him to Khammam district hospital. He felt it was
fraught with dangers. I assured him that I would do something
in 24 hours. That night I discussed with Dr Radha Parameswari
and hatched a plan. Dr Radha Parameswari hailed from
Andhra area.
The plan was: Lady Doctor accompanied by two ward boys
would enter the room where he was alone after switching off
the lights in the hospital. She would examine him with a torch
light and tell him that since his condition deteriorated, she was
left with no other option except to force feed him. She would
then show him big rubber tubes and tell him that she would
pass on the same into his stomach through his nose and
frighten him. The plan was meticulously implemented and the
“faster” agreed to drink milk instead of being force fed. We
kept the entire thing a secret. Staff concerned was told not to
reveal it anyone. The “Faster” also requested for the secrecy
since he was afraid of the truth coming out. We continued to
pretend that he was fasting.
However, this led to some problems for Sastry. Since we
were pretending that the agitator was fasting I could not
register him for hospital diet. Hence, I requested Sastry to
supply milk and fruits secretly to the agitator. Poor man he
used to bring milk and fruits in early hours covering his face to
keep intact his disguise.
Soon everyone forgot the fasting man. I asked for a chest
X-Ray of his. He was taken to the X-Ray department which was
in OP Block. On the way they had to pass my residential
quarters. While they were returning my father in law saw him
and called him inside the house. My father in law knew him for
a long time and he was his patient. When I went to my quarter
I saw him sitting on the floor conversing with my father in law
and eating some snacks offered by my wife. Later I was told he
was habitual faster and on least provocation would go on fast.
I discharged him quietly one day and he left.
PV Narasimha Rao resigned as Chief Minister and president
rule was imposed in Andhra Pradesh on 10th January 1973.
I went to Hyderabad sometime in May 1973. I met
Venugopal who was planning to go to UK. He asked me if I
could spare some amount for his travel. Both of us decided to
leave for Bhadrachalam that night to arrange for his request.
We met at the bus station at 8 pm. We had no reservation. A
lot of crowd was waiting to get into the bus. Venugopal slipped
out for few minutes and got us not only two seats but got them
in the first row. It seems he told the driver and conductor that
Medical officer Bhadrachalam wanted to travel that evening
urgently and he was directed to arrange for it. They obliged.
One should not underestimate one’s capabilities and status
too. Venugopal left for UK in June 73.
Usha and Laxmi left to join Manohar in UK in July 1973. We
went to see them off.
Laxmi eldest daughter of Satyam Babai married Dr Sharath
in Hyderabad on 23rd August 1973.
I was still continuing on the old basic of Rs 325 even though
the pay scales were revised during my stay in UK. I had to apply
for revision of my scales. I had to obtain a certificate from the
DM&HO saying that I could not exercise my option as I was not
communicated the said GO as I was on long study leave in
another country. It involved a lengthy process and d
Directorate, Government and AG office. It took many months.
In those days the salaries were very low for the staff. They
used to indulge in petty thefts and small bribes. I soon realized
it was very difficult to contain them. With increased work in
hospital Doctors gave up their private practice voluntarily. I
had no problems with them. Nursing staff also slowly fell in
line and stopped accepting bribes. It continued with class IV
employees. They would steal bulbs, locks, and cotton etc. I
introduced system of signing on the bulbs and one had to
produce the signed bulb if it had to be replaced. Earlier they
would put fused bulbs and steal the good ones. They would
make a lock unusable saying they lost the key. I purchased new
locks with duplicate keys and kept all duplicate keys in a sealed
bag under the custody of doctor. If anyone lost the key, he had
to buy a new lock and in return he would be given the old lock
and duplicate key. While I prevent, they would devise new
methods.
Satti Raju and his brother in law were the two thotis who
used to assist in postmortems. Earlier they used to do most of
the dissection and doctors would note the findings. I improved
the infrastructure in the mortuary too. I got a cement table
made for the body to be kept for dissection which could be
washed. I got a sink with water supply to be put in. I got the
windows and doors covered with mosquito mesh. With these
improvements I insisted that the doctors shall perform the
dissection. Usually I too assisted and helped them in their
cases. Earlier the thotis would collect some amount from the
relations and some amount from the police and some from
doctors too. They used to get drunk and attend the
postmortem dissection. They were ruling everyone. We had
put a stop to it by conducting the dissection ourselves.
In the first week of every month there used to be heavy
absenteeism of staff. It was mostly for two reasons. Few of
them would indulge in heavy drinking since they receive their
salaries. Few would absent themselves to evade the persons
from whom they have taken loans earlier at very high
interests. Both used to cause problems and effect adversely
smooth functioning of hospital. On enquiry I found that there
were two individuals in the staff who used to lend money to
the other staff and collect heavy interests. I called both and
counseled them. We came to an agreement that I would
arrange for recovery of their loan if they waive off major
portion of the interest and promise not to lend at such high
interest rates in future. On agreement the same was
implemented.
This provoked me to look for alternate sources of easy and
low interest loaning. I promoted and formed a registered Staff
cooperative society and entrusted management to an elected
body headed by Kodanda Ramaiah. It was very effective and
functioned very well.
While some staff stayed in the official quarters many were
staying in outside rented houses. Since most of them came
from the same areas they requested me to help them acquire
some house sites in some Government land nearby. They
formed into a cooperative housing society. I requested the
Sub-Collector to allot them some Government land. He
identified some land and issued orders. It was a plot next to
hospital. Almost all staff members were allotted a house site
at a nominal price. All of them were very happy. Within few
days they started building thatched huts in their sites. While
the activity of construction was going on, some people
descended on the land on a Sunday morning and started
demolishing the structures. There was resistance by staff and
their families. Few people rushed to me and to the sub-
collector. Both of us tried to talk to the police on telephone
but no one was available and after some time the phones went
dead. Even on lodging of a complaint by the staff the police
have not reacted.
A local resident claimed the land to be his and obtained a
stay from the high court with orders preventing staff from
occupying the land. Failing to receive help from police we
turned to legal recourse. Local legal person interpreted the
“stay order as “Stay as you are”- He said since the staff were
already in occupation the stay becomes “Infructuous”- We had
to prevent the demolishing. We contacted resident leaders of
Purushottam Patnam a hamlet nearby. Nearly 100 persons
from that village immediately rushed to the spot and
prevented further demolition. They took photos of
demolished structures to prove that they were already in
occupation. After few days I expressed my serious resentment
to the officials of the police department and they were
neutralized. I requested my uncle Kavuturi Krishna Murthy
garu at Khammam to help the staff in their legal recourse. He
not only pleaded their case free at Khammam but also
requested his brother in law Madiraju Ram Mohan Rao a
leading legal luminary to deal with the case at high court. The
legal battle dragged on. A compromise was reached between
the contending parties and staff built their houses. Each one
of them owned a house in a very important, developing,
costly, locality.
David Raju was a patient of Juvenile diabetes, and was
insulin dependent. He could not afford the cost of Insulin. As
long as I was in Bhadrachalam I used to buy insulin locally and
control his diabetes. After I left Bhadrachalam he died.
My younger sister Vijayalakshmi (Buzzi) was due for
delivery. Since she had a kidney operation I felt it necessary
to keep her under observation and brought her to
Bhadrachalam. She had a normal delivery and gave birth to a
female child “Kinnera” on 2nd November 1973. After many
years when she had to obtain her US citizenship they could
obtain the original birth record of her including the case sheet
in the hospital. That was a real mark of the usefulness of
record keeping we introduced.
We could do most of the repairs, renovations, in the
hospital and the welfare measures for the staff with the help
of Samal Sub- Collector at that time. But for him it would not
have been possible. Samal hailed from a middle-class family
from Orissa. He would not get excited easily. He would
measure and estimate the things calmly and act. Once he
would make up his mind he would not budge. He faced many
adversities in life. He was not an extrovert. He was not great
socializer either. He had few friends mostly from middle class
background. In conversations he is mostly silent listener. His
low voice and accent of English are his limitations for
becoming a good conversationalist. We have become good
friends and continue to be so. We worked together
subsequently in many areas.

Harinarayan as Sub Collector

Samal was transferred to Srikakulam as joint collector. On

the day of his departure we had lunch together at my
residence and proceeded in a jeep to Khammam. We drove to
Agnihotri’s residence. Agnihotri was the Joint collector. I met
Harinarayan there. Harinarayan was working as a sub collector
at Khammam and was posted in place of Samal. I saw him in a
cinema hall earlier. After bidding farewell to Samal at Railway
station I went to Harinarayan and we both travelled to
Bhadrachalam. 1st of January 1974, was few days away.
On the morning of 1st January 1974 Harinarayan
telephoned me and asked me if he could visit the hospital and
distribute fruits to the patients since many people presented
him fruits when they came to greet him. He came after our OP
hours and we all went around the hospital and distributed the
fruits.

Tom and the riddle

After that we sat down chit chatting. While we were talking

a new year greeting airmail envelope was delivered to me by
the postman. I opened it and read and burst out loud: How a
New Year greeting card can bring me bad news? It was a New
Year greeting from my friend Tom Stag on which Tom Stag
wrote a riddle and ended with a wish to come to India soon.
On the back of the card was another scribbling from his wife
that read: Dear Ranga, Tom held this card in his hand when he
died. He got into the car to post it and collapsed. Sorry- It was
so thoughtful of her to send it to me. I and Harinarayan tried
many times to solve the riddle without success. Tom Stag and
I stayed together with a German Land lady in Liverpool when
we did a course in School of Tropical medicine. His memory
still haunts me. I wrote back to his wife condoling and
thanking.

Harinarayan was a bachelor then. His father Jandhyala Bala

Sunder Rao (JB Rao) retired as OSD Traffic Commercial, of
Railway board. Hari had three brothers named Narayan, who
was working in ITC, Subbarao who was teaching in JNTU Delhi,
and Parthasarathy who was studying in Delhi and a sister
married to Kamesh, son of Malladi Subbamma and
Ramamurthy garu. They hailed from Duggirala. Harinarayan
did his school and college education in various urban cities of
India. As he was staying alone we used to meet often. On
Sundays other officers would join us and we would play cards.
He was a good Bridge player, and was very good in chess. He
won the first prize in Chess in the Officers club of
Bhadrachalam that year.
I, Kantha Rao, and Harinarayan became good friends.
Harinarayan continued to support us in the development of
Hospital.
 His parents joined him for some time. His mother
Kamalabai garu too was a good singer. There was an
“Ashtavadhanam” by a renowned poet which I presided. All of
us attended.
Neelam Raju Venkata Sheshiah a renowned journalist
settled in Bhadrachalam after his retirement. He was earlier
the editor of “Andhra Prabha” and helped in collecting
donations through Andhra Prabha for renovation of the
temple and also constructing the Kalyana Mandapam. He was
distantly related to us. He was main person who initiated the
“Vaggeyakar Utsavalu” in Bhadrachalam. His Viyyankudu
Palivela Narayan Rao an advocate was the chairman of “Amba
Satram”.
I, Harinarayaan and Neelam Raju Venkata Sheshiah were
the frequent guests of most of public functions during that
period. Shankar Sastry a teacher of mine in the school gave a
vocal Carnatic recital which I presided. I was really moved by
the performance and touched his feet as salutation. Bhandaru
Srinivas Rao who was working in Andhra Jyothi came as a chief
guest to one of the functions which I presided. There were
some active youngsters who used to organize such functions.
They were Sharma working in Andhra Bank, Murali of Friend’s
fancy shop, and Sambashivarao (at that time unemployed).
Sambashivarao subsequently joined excise department.
One evening I and Harinarayan went to a function in Cherla
which was 30 Kilometers. away. While the proceedings of
function were going on I observed an elderly person sitting
next to me on the Dias who was a local elder slipping away
from his chair. I caught hold of him in time and found that he
was pulseless. I did a cardio pulmonary resuscitation and he
could recover and was shifted home. His close relation was a
cardiologist in Hyderabad.
After few days I had an urgent call from Dr Jagannadham
who was MO at Dummugudem to visit a patient who was
unconscious and advice. I went on my scooter and after
examining found that the patient was in Diabetic coma and
treated her that night. She recovered, and I advised her to be
shifted to Bhadrachalam for follow up.
After successfully treating few cases of fractures, the
hospital was getting good number of fracture cases. At least
there would be one or two fractures to be set right daily.

Most admired Fake Doctor

One-day Palivela Narayan Rao told me an interesting story

of a doctor who worked in our hospital earlier. He also gave
me some papers related to it. I read about the same earlier in
newspapers earlier but was not aware of full details. One
doctor by name Krishnamurthy was posted at Bhadrachalam a
decade earlier. He soon became popular and became a friend
to senior officials and public men. One night a special team
DSP arrested him and whisked him away. He was charged for
not possessing required qualification to practice medicine and
alleged to have misled both the government and the public on
that count. He is supposed to have produced the certificates
of one diseased doctor of the same name to secure the
employment. He was in fact a dresser in the army and on
discharge got the employment in state Government medical
services as a doctor under the false pretext. He must have
become very adept in treating wounds and fractures and must
have gathered the needed skills in the army. He contested the
case and even produced photographs of the class photos of
original Krishna Murthy who died soon after obtaining the
degree. He cleverly manipulated his face in the photographs in
place of original Krishnamurthy. Even he obtained certificates
from others in the photograph that the face shown in the
manipulated photograph was of Krishnamurthy. He obtained
certificates of proficiency from Director of Medical services for
the period he worked as Medical Officer.
Muddu Krishna who was supposed to have investigated
the case has taken lots of pains and systematically demolished
his case. Krishnamurthy’s brother too was in army and he too
was an imposter and imposed himself as an Engineer in
Government services subsequent to his discharge from army.
It was while investigating that case Muddu Krishna got doubt
and investigated Krishnamurthy. Krishnamurthy was
convicted and sent to jail and after release settled in
Pithapuram.
My paternal grandmother Seetharamamma died in
Vallabhi on magha bahula Amavasya (March 74). She brought
in some reforms in Aitharaju family. Everyone feared her. She
was a very loving person. I went and saw her few months
before her death. She was fearless and would not tolerate any
nonsense and was very straight forward in her expressions.
I observed many cases of cough and low grade evening
fevers coming to the hospital. Simultaneously the lab was
reporting more and more cases with high eosinophilia counts.
After few days I started suspecting “Tropical Eosinophilia” and
started checking for microfilaria in the night blood smears.
Many did not cooperate. Few showed positivity and treated
and were relieved. I discussed the matter with Mr Kantha Rao
and after that requested the Director to send us a special team
to do a study on general population. The team was sent and
when they conducted night smear collections the population
had a positivity of 70% of those screened. It was after thirty
years there was a national campaign on this issue.
I suspected in few cases sickle cell trait and anemia. I sent
them for further evaluation and they came back positive. In all
these cases the parents had mixed marriages between Tribals
and Scheduled castes. I didn’t know if it was significant. I made
a request to the director health services to conduct some
study.
There was a nutritional study conducted by NIN. One Dr
Pandu Ranga Rao along with two staff nurses came to study
and stayed in our guest house.

Law of torts

One day a private bus met with an accident and few people
were injured and were brought to hospital. There was a big
commotion and many curious people gathered at the hospital.
The uncontrolled crowds were everywhere, and the skeletal
staff was unable to control them and discharge their duties
effectively. I immediately called the police and made
necessary bandobast. I opened an information center. I
requested local private doctors to come and help us who
readily agreed and came. We were triaging the cases and
deciding on treatment. I have referred few cases to Khammam
and requested Sub Collector and forest department officials
and ITC to help transport the cases. We had very little supplies
of suturing material, Bandages, Plasters and infusions. I
requested the bus owner to procure and supply the same.
That day I have set right 13 cases of fractures and sutured
many bleeding wounds and resuscitated few from shock and
blood loss. The lady doctor was on leave that day. I and Dr
Radha Krishna Murthy and Dr Subbaraju attended to all these
cases. I conducted postmortem on two persons who died on
the spot. This experience was very revealing and was useful
for me later in life in managing disasters.
However, one person whom I referred incurred lot of
expenses beyond his capacity in a private facility as such
facility didn’t exist in Government hospital at Khammam. In
those days treatment in private hospitals was not reimbursed
by the Government. He was a clerk in Sub collector’s office.
One evening Harinarayan broached the subject of
reimbursement and after a prolonged discussion I advised to
file a case under law of torts for compensation. All the vehicles
were supposed to have at least third party insurance and the
insurance company is expected to pay. Harinarayan did more
research on the subject and got his subordinate to file the case
with sub judge at Khammam. After few months the case was
decided in favor of the injured person and was paid
compensation. That was almost was the first case filed in
Khammam district. Many budding advocates later survived
with income generated by such cases.
 Gupta Sahayam

One evening I and Hari were walking back from his office
to my house. On the way a young man greeted and requested
for my help. He told me that he applied for a temporary job in
sub collector office and was attending the interview next day
and sought my good will to recommend his case to Sub
Collector. He narrated his pathetic tale. Apparently, he didn’t
know who the sub collector was. He told me his father and
sister was under my treatment for Tuberculosis. I didn’t say
anything and nodded at him and sent him away. After few
days he returned and thanked me. He didn’t know that after I
left I have not spoken even one word about it to Harinarayan
as he himself overheard the entire conversation.
Similar incident happened on another day while I and
Harinarayan were returning in his jeep from Khammam after
attending to some official work. We stopped near a wayside
tea stall at Tallada midway between Khammam and
Bhadrachalam. While we were sipping tea sitting in the jeep a
young boy approached him and sought help for his education.
He narrated his tale of poverty, helplessness etc. Harinarayan
asked me if I could note down the boys address etc. After a
day he sent him the amount required through money order
and supported his education. He used to spend most of his
money on such silent donations and was found broke too
often.

The Case of Missing Medicines

One-day hospital pharmacist reported missing of

medicines from main stores. He went on leave for few days
earlier and on return verified the stocks and found some
medicines missing. During his absence the keys were with me
and I gave them to the staff nurses who were on duty to fetch
any emergency supply required. The medicines missing were
few pethidine injections, 500 G jars of Furacin ointment and
some costly injectable antibiotic. While we were discussing
the issue Harinarayan came and after prolonged discussion we
hatched a plan to find out if they were sold in the market in
Bhadrachalam. He called one of his clerks to assist us in the
plan. He was given a prescription of Furacin ointment and was
told to go to all the eight medical shops in the town and find
out availability of that particular jar and quantity. He was not
to buy it if available but enquire about its cost and leave saying
that he would fetch the required amount.
If enquired, he was to say that it was meant for some
serious Burns patient in Burgumpad. He returned at about 7
pm with the information that the big jar was available in one
medical shop. I gave him the needed money and he fetched
the jar. We verified its batch number and expiry date etcetera
and sealed it in a separate container and three of us signed it.
Harinarayan summoned the police and instructed them to
close all the medical shops for the night and seal them and
seize the records and also verify if they could find missing
medicines in the respective shops. The same was carried out
and they found the missing medicines only in one shop.
However, Pethidine injections were not found even in that
shop. Slowly by midnight the picture emerged. One of our staff
members must have stolen them from main stores and sold
them in the medical shop. However, we could not establish the
real motive. The amount earned could not have been much.
However, at day break even that mystery was revealed.
One male staff nurse who was posted few months earlier to
our hospital was at my door early in the morning. My wife
woke me up thinking some patient required my help. After
opening the door, it was that male staff nurse who suddenly
prostrated at my feet crying. He confessed stealing the
medicines and selling them. On further enquiry about the
motive and missing pethidine injections he revealed that he
was a pethidine addict and used them for his personal use and
bartered the other medicines for supply of more pethidine
injections. I was nonplused. He was a very obedient person
and whenever required did extra work and was nice to
patients. He was staying alone and was an introvert. I didn’t
reveal this to anyone for few days and was thinking the future
course of action. FIR was registered against the medical shop
owner and police and drug inspector took up the investigation.
A charge sheet was filed in Khammam Munsiff court.
Incidentally the shop owner was the brother-in-law of my
close doctor friend, classmate and roommate. The shop was
closed for a long time. I immediately took off the male staff
nurse from ward duties and confined him to outpatient block.
I took a request transfer application from the male nurse
and on my next trip to Hyderabad got his transfer. After few
months the case was closed with some minor punishment.
Was I too guilty not punishing the male nurse? The case
created lot of commotion in druggists and chemists circle and
prevented recurrence of such incident for a long time to come.
The maintenance of stock registers with batch numbers etc.
and frequent stock verification helped early detection of theft.

The Slap

The family welfare programme usually picks up from

October onwards after the rainy season. We were busy
organizing camps and conducting vasectomy operations. I
used to go to villages and other hospitals to conduct
operations and return to headquarters in the evening. On one
such evening I was told by Dr Susheela that there was a
difficult delivery case and she was unable to do anything. She
referred the case, but the patient relatives refused to shift her
as they lacked the means. I examined the case and found that
it was an obstructed labor and the fetus was already dead and
the patient was in moribund and shocked state. I explained to
the relations that the baby was already dead, and the mother
too had the least chance of survival. They begged me to do
whatever could be done to save the mother and were resigned
to the fate. I advised Dr Susheela to do destructive operation
and take out the dead fetus. Dr Susheela replied that she was
not aware of the procedure and never even saw such a
procedure. I went into the labor room and perforated the skull
of fetus and cut the dead fetus into bits and emptied the
uterus of all the contents. We started the necessary
resuscitative treatment for the mother to recover. I and Dr
Susheela returned to the room nearby where we sat down
discussing the case and writing down the notes. Suddenly we
heard some argument going on between the staff nurse and
the lady sweeper. The argument was about the cleaning of the
labor room and shifting and burying the fetal parts.
I summoned both and heard them. Apparently, the
sweeper demanded some money from the relations of the
patient to bury the fetal parts. Since they were unable to pay
she asked them to clean up the mess. I tried to convince the
sweeper saying that there was another delivery case waiting
and the room has to be cleaned immediately. She was
repeating her denial saying that she was afraid. Staff nurse was
prepared to stand by her and help her. My repeated requests,
orders fell on deaf ears. The sweeper was behaving
hysterically. I got up from my chair and slapped her twice and
firmly ordered her to proceed and clean up. She complied and
the room was cleaned up and the next case was wheeled in.
After few days a complaint was made to the DM&HO about
the incident by few disgruntled staff members. He ordered for
an enquiry and Dy. DM&HO conducted a preliminary enquiry.
As no action was forthcoming against me they went to
Khammam and complained to the District Collector R
Parthasarathy. He must have enquired from the Sub Collector
and no action was forthcoming. They caught hold of the local
press and an item appeared in the press. They took out a
procession in the town. Only three hospital staff members
participated in it. The rest were local members of a political
party and a trade union.
For few days they also conducted lunch time
demonstrations where they were shouting slogans. I was
slightly disturbed with the happenings. It was disturbing the
peace and tranquility of hospital. One day I called few
agitators and gave my undated unconditional resignation
letter and told them that they can use that letter if they were
so convinced that justice was not done to them. I also told
them that I shall not deny my slapping and also was willing to
face any enquiry. The agitation subsided with that. However,
the trade union leaders and the party leaders perused it
further and made representation to the Director with no
definite answer from him.
Then they made a representation to the then Health
minister Rajamallu and requested to get an enquiry conducted
by officials of some other department other than Medical and
Health. He conceded their request and an enquiry by Labor
department officials was ordered. All this took a long time.
One day an assistant director from labor welfare department
came and conducted the enquiry. He examined Dr Susheela
and the staff nurse Victoria. Both gave evidence saying that
they have not seen me slapping. He also examined the lady
sweeper, the complainant. Lastly, he examined me. Union
representatives insisted the presence of one of them to be
present to cross examine me if necessary. Assistant Director
tried to convince them it was not necessary. However, I said I
had no objection. Their representative was allowed. I narrated
the entire event and admitted slapping. Everyone including
the enquiry officer was surprised. The witnesses denied my
slapping, but I as accused admitted it. I told the enquiry officer
that I had to resort to slapping for two reasons. One was to
prevent spread of infection in a crucial area and the second
was to bring the hysterical and bullying person to bring to her
senses and perform her legitimate duty. I told him that was
only my motive. I was surprised when he mentioned that
complainant too admitted to demand of money from relations
for cleaning the room. One good thing was that I was not
accused under prevention of atrocities against scheduled
castes by either complainant or unions. It was a level ground
and fair play from both parties not indulging in lies and
unrelated accusations.
After few days the enquiry officer submitted his report and
recommendation to the Director. I was absolved with a
routine caution to be more careful in future and
recommended the transfer of complainant to far of place in
the interest of administration. The evening we received the
report the adolescent daughter of complainant had
convulsions and I admitted and treated her. She had
tuberculous meningitis and required a prolonged treatment.
Even though she was transferred I have not relieved her on the
pretext of not having a substitute posted in her place and
continued the treatment and relieved her when a substitute
was posted.
Harinarayan fully supported the stand I took and told me
to continue to be what I was and not to change.
One day a senior judicial official came on a visit to
Bhadrachalam. His daughter who was still a school student
thought she was in love with a bachelor officer working in
Bhadrachalam. Parents came to officer their daughter in
marriage. On a negative reply the daughter was alleged to
have swallowed an over dose of some unknown pills of
unknown quantity. Immediately they rushed her to the
hospital. The parents and the officer were very worried as she
was not responding to their commands. I found her to be
conscious and was only feigning unconsciousness. I lifted her
arm and suddenly dropped it. The arm came down slowly and
has not suddenly fallen. However, I admitted her and gave
them confidence. The officer narrated the story in private.
After few hours the parents too realized that she was only
threatening. I counseled the girl in privacy and told her to
forget him saying she would be lucky if she does not marry her
as he was likely to go blind soon (A total lie).

A fostered case

Jayanthi Sharma and Upender Rao were the forest officers.

Jayanthi Sharma was a close friend of my uncle Satyanarayana
Rao and Upender a close friend from Burgumpad days. They
seemed to have caught some carts allegedly hired by some
police officials to smuggle some timber. The relations between
the two departments were strained after that. One-day police
booked a case of attempt to rape a tribal against the two
officials. The whole town was agog with the news. No one
believed it. I spoke to Harinarayan to intervene to find out the
truth. He immediately contacted the District Police officials
and advised to send a senior officer of the department to
enquire. Within few hours the Additional SP Venkat Rao came
and went to the village and enquired and found that there was
no substance in the allegation. A crisis was averted.

Bidam- Pamnoor Hills

VL Kantha Rao, the malaria officer told us a story one

evening. He told us that there was a very big cave in a very
remote tribal area where a big structure of lord Shiva was
there and Tribals offer their prayers there climbing the hills on
a bamboo ladder. He also told us no civilized person has ever
visited that place and many interesting other items were told
to him by their staff that in turn got it from locals inhabiting
those areas. He gave the location as Pamnoor hill area in
Nugur taluk bordering Madhya Pradesh. We all got excited
and the news was shared with Harinarayan. He did some
research and found that no mention of the area was there in
the earlier held surveys and records. However he found out
that an area was missing in their survey which the survey team
too indicated. He discussed the matter with District Collector
who authorized an exploratory team to visit the area to
conduct a preliminary survey and assessment. A curiosity visit
turned into an exploration. A team of 22 members headed by
the Sub Collector was constituted which included me, Kantha
Rao and representative staff members from medical,
irrigation, revenue, forest, engineering, agriculture,
departments. It also included a NGO, cooks, and attendants.
One fine morning in March 74 we all left for the area. It was
an expedition for a week. In that week we were expected to
walk 40 miles and climb a height of 1100 foot. We were to
reach 6 villages, trek 4 days to reach the last place that was
Bidam (The cave) and climb down home for 3 days. We carried
food rations, bedding and some gifts for Tribals like small
mirrors, combs etc. The total population to be covered in the
6 habitations was 1200. One village actually had 21 persons.
We outnumbered that particular village population. We
reached the first village by afternoon after walking 8 miles on
a pedestrian path and climbing a hill. It was the Revenue and
Panchayath village. “Pamnoor”- All the other habitations we
were to visit fell in its jurisdiction. The patwari was from the
plains area and was not a tribal and didn’t stay in that village
and never practically visited the village. The village had the
only primary school of the area. As expected the teacher from
plains never visited. The Sarpanch was a tribal who was
actually the headman of the village. The village had a
Government Radio.
After lunch we started conducting the survey. We
examined all most the total village population. We could not
find anyone obese. All were anemic. No child had a mark of
any immunization. No child was born outside the village. There
were no maternal deaths in the last 5 years. Child and infant
mortality was high. Most of the deaths were due to fevers. The
splenic index was 70%. The parasite index was high. Most of
those with positive spleen didn’t have a history of fever or any
other symptoms. Even though the staple food was rice and
jowar it was not available throughout the year. They lived
mostly on forest produce, fruit and tubers and tamarind seed
paste. They were not big game hunters. Occasionally they
would trap some rabbits and eat. There was no poultry or
dairy. There were no milk animals. There were no big wild
animals except Bears. They didn’t know archery. Only cow of
the area was with the Sarpanch. His child had enlarged glands
in the neck. He was consuming raw milk. It was a recent
acquisition.
The drinking water was from a local stream. There were no
wells. There was no electricity. There was no organized
agriculture and it was mostly “podu” cultivation. People had
very little clothing. Men mostly had a loin cloth. Women went
without any tops. Their chests were bare. They brew and
consumed local liquor. Fertility rate was high. Very few people
visited the plains. Occasionally some would go to the shandy
and fetch salt and some clothes bartering forest produce.
Surprisingly no one died of gastroenteritis, cholera etc. No one
bore the pits of small pox. Few adults bore the marks of
vaccination. No child bore the marks of small pox vaccine.
Their isolation might have been their protection. The local
“Vizzodu” would treat any ailments. They had lot of faith in
him. The forest, revenue and the police departments were
collecting a mamool of one rupee per year from each
habitation. No one was literate. They were jovial and playful.
They presented us with a dance in the evening in which we too
participated. By night fall everyone would retire as there was
no lighting. Crime rate was very low. Occasionally they
suffered raids from neighboring violent Gutthi Koya tribes
from Madhya Pradesh All heard of Indira Gandhi and family
planning even though none underwent the operation. Local
Sub Collector was their collector. We slept that night in the
open on the floor on mats. It was very peaceful and silent. The
village community would pay to the police one rupee a year
and to the forest department few baskets as yearly mamool
which was meticulously collected. It was supposed to make
the Tribals realize who was the boss?
We got up early in the morning next day and after
breakfast (Without coffee or Tea) proceeded to the next
village. The same routine was followed for next three days
covering rest five villages. The situation and findings were
similar. In one village we found a lady aged around 30 years
with typical physical features resembling a Britisher. She was
tall fair and had blue eyes. Was the birth of a lady with such
features the result of an inter-racial sexual union occurring
during an armed march of British soldiers in the area during
the rebellion of Alluri Satyanarayana Raju?
On the fourth day I, Harinarayan, Kantha Rao,
accompanied by a cook and a local tribal to guide left for
Bidam in the morning at 6 am. It was a 16 mile stretch up and
down. There was no clear-cut path, not even a defined
pedestrian path. The tribal guided us looking at some land
marks. His previous journey to that place was few years
earlier. We would walk and walk, climb up and down the hills
drinking water at the streams. We were very hungry and
exhausted. At one stream Kantha Rao forgot his spectacles.
Ultimately around 12 o’clock we reached the top of a hill and
climbed down from its edge and after a turn suddenly found a
gaping hole in the hill. That was our destination “the Bidam”.
As we stepped into it, it was very cool. We felt as if we were in
a refrigerator. There was a small stream flowing inside. When
we focused the torch light onto the roof we could not identify
the roof. Water was trickling from the roof top and from the
sides of wall. At one place there was a white, few feet high
Lingam shaped formation. It might be the deposit of trickling
water containing calcium or some other mineral over the
years. The cook prepared our lunch consisting of Kichadi and
Pacchi pulusu. It was most delicious lunch I ever had in life. We
rested for a while and started back. We reached the village
where other members of our team were camping by night fall.
We were very tired after walking those 16 miles, and fell
asleep early that evening.
Next morning, we started our journey back home. All of us
in the team walked few miles together and reached a cross
road. At that we split. I, Harinarayan and Kantha Rao took a
different path along with a tribal guide and all the other team
members would take a different path. The path the team took
would be long in distance. But it would be plain climbing down.
The path we took would be shorter by few miles, but we had
to climb down a bamboo ladder from one hill to the other
which was a steep climb down. We three opted to go the
adventurous way. As we reached the spot we realized it might
not be the correct decision. Any how we had no option. There
was a steep vertical fall of a hill by about 100 feet. Few
bamboos were tied with rope with the side branches cut to
size to rest one’s foot to climb down. The ends of clustered
bamboos were anchored at the top and bottom to the ground.
The tribal informed us that they usually change the
bamboos once a year and changing them that year was
delayed. There was a small platform at the top of the hill
where Bamboos were anchored, and the climb down
commences. Standing on the platform one could view miles
and miles of vast stretches of plain lands below. At a distance
to the platform was a water fall. A large foot print was there
on the plat form. The legend was Hanuman leaped from that
hill to another hill in Eturunagaram across Godavari and
landing foot print could be found on the other hill. I decided
to climb down first. I closed my eyes as I had a phobia for
heights and took a long time to climb down. On my climb down
I broke few twigs. Next was Kantha Rao who broke more twigs
but landed safely. Last was Harinarayan. I was really afraid of
his climb down as plenty of twigs were broken by both of us.
To our great relief he too landed safely. We waved to our tribal
guide our thanks and walked to the nearby R&B road where a
jeep was waiting to pick us up. We were back in the so called
civilized world. We three decided that we would go back to the
same villages after a lapse of ten years to witness the change,
which unfortunately never materialized.
Each department was asked to submit their observations
and recommendations of the expedition. After few days three
of us over a week end went to Chatty guest house on the banks
of Sabari River to relax and compile the report. Our
recommendations were:
 Erect an iron ladder in place of Bamboo ladder. It should
have facility to draw the supplies from the bottom on
pulleys after reaching the top. The departmental
recommendation was to lay a metal road to the first
village. We felt it would only be useful immediately to the
officials and not to the Tribals as they have no transport
system except their legs.
 The revenue department recommended resettlement of
Tribals from hill areas to the plains. We felt it may not be
immediately possible but over a period of time would be
an option.
 We recommended for an ashram school.
 We recommended training of Vizzodu in basic preventive
and curative care. As the social mixing was happening with
plains population we felt there was a threat of new
infections settling in population and recommended
immunization programme. We recommended regular
screening of population for splenic index and parasitic
index to control malaria.
 Some irrigation tank was also proposed.
The recommendations were forwarded to the District
collector and departmental heads for necessary action.
Suryanarayana a close friend of my father has joined as
Special Tahsildar at Bhadrachalam. His wife was a
Maharashtrian and was teaching in Hyderabad. She used to
come in holidays to Bhadrachalam and both of them used to
meet us often. Suryanarayana was related to Dr Radha Krishna
Murthy.
Lateef Mehdi and an Anglo-Indian Webster were working
in ITC. Mehdi was the son of Mehdi Nawab Jung who was
minister of health when I joined medical college. He was a
great administrator and Philanthropist. Mehdipatnam is
named after him. Lateef Mehdi’s wife was a scholar in Arabic
and Persian languages. We often used to meet in their guest
house. Both were very good conversationalists. Ramesh Reddy
from Mahbubnagar too joined ITC. I operated on Ramesh
Reddy. He was married while he was in Bhadrachalam and
after some time left ITC and joined SBI.

Chatty Chandrasekhar

Harinarayan introduced Chandrasekhar a bachelor

graduate from Hyderabad who was interested in doing some
social work. He was an asthmatic. He got the premises of
hospital cleared and helped us to set up vegetable gardening
in the campus. He would find out the problems of Tribals and
try to solve them. He was quite helpful. After some time, he
shifted his operations to Chatty and married a tribal lady. I
operated on his wife for a gynic problem and also took care of
her pregnancy. Chandrasekhar is still known affectionately as
Chatty Chandrasekhar.
My parents moved from Vallabhi to Khammam to take care
of education of my elder sister daughters Rukmini and
Satyavathi. They joined them in the college.
Harinarayan was transferred to Nizamabad as joint
collector. On the day of relief he came home for dinner and I
gifted him some shirts and went to see him off at the bus
stand. A new deluxe bus service was introduced from
Bhadrachalam to Nizamabad via Hyderabad. As he was getting
into the bus someone came running to me and handed over a
small paper. It was a cigarette packet cover; on the back of it
was a cryptic message from Jwala my brother in law.
Harinarayan asked me what it was, and I handed it over to him.
It read “I am called for an interview for the post of librarian in
BHEL School–Do you know anyone who can help me”.
Harinarayan folded it and pocketed it. I bade him good bye and
went home. After two days Jwala informed me that he got the
job. He was asked in the interview how he knew Harinarayan.
Jwala joined the job and was staying with his family at
Hyderabad.

Chakradhar Rao the RDO

Chakradhar Rao was posted in place of Harinarayan. He

was a RDO. Chakradhar Rao was a neighbor of my uncle TVP
Ranga Rao in Machilipatnam. He was a gentle person and was
affectionate to me. Later in life he succeeded me as State
Secretary of Indian Red Cross Society after his retirement. He
worked in Bhadrachalam for a very short period of four
months.
My eldest sister Hyma was admitted for abdominal pain in
Durgabai Deshmukh Nursing home under the care of Dr PM
Naidu. They suspected an ectopic pregnancy. My sister and
brother in law were hoping to have a male child after three girl
children. They vehemently opposed the treatment and went
to a Homeopath doctor “Jagannadharao”. He treated her, and
she became pregnant again after few months. She came and
stayed with us in Bhadrachalam and later moved to Kallur.

Jainder Singh as Sub Collector

An evening tea party was organized to bid farewell to the

existing RDO and to welcome the new Sub Collector. The new
sub collector was a young, fair and handsome person. All were
introduced to the new Sub collector and after that the guests
had their tea and Chakradhar Rao left. As I was leaving new
Sub Collector came to me and told that Harinarayan and he
were college mates and good friends. He also told me
Harinarayan briefed him about me. In the conversation he also
mentioned to me how he would pronounce and spell his
name. He slowly led me conversing to his residence. He told
me that his parents were Doctors too and retired from the
army. We spent some time and I took leave.
After few days Police requested me to exhume a body and
conduct postmortem on Godavari river bank few Kilometers.
away. Since the magistrate presence was necessary the Sub
Collector too had to come. We both travelled together, and I
conducted the post mortem after necessary inquest,
identification and orders. Jainder waited till the post mortem
was over and we both rode back. I found Jainder very
methodical and would take care of minor details too. He was
very courteous and kind to his staff.

PVRK Prasad: Collector Khammam

PVRK Prasad was posted as Collector Khammam. He made

his visit to Bhadrachalam. He was to accompany Bhattam
Sriram Murthy minister next day. PVRK worked as secretary to
PV Narasimha Rao earlier when PV was CM. Suddenly he fell
ill and was having difficulty in breathing. Jainder took me to
see him. After examination I prescribed some medicines and
advised him to take rest and not to proceed on his proposed
tour. I got a complete blood picture done and found a high
eosinophilia count. I advised him to get an absolute Eosinophil
count done at Khammam. However, he felt better next
morning and accompanied the minister and went back to
Khammam.
On one of the visits to Bhadrachalam a minister was feeling
low and my visit was requested. Minister wanted a B. Complex
injection to be given. I looked at the prescription given by a
famous Physician at Hyderabad. There were three B complex
combinations a capsule, a tonic and a biweekly injection. All
were prescribed for low BP? I told the minister that I have not
brought the needed syringes and needles and returned back
and sent a staff nurse to administer the injection. Minister
brought his own vial of B. Complex.
Jainder’s wife Amritha joined him. Amritha was Jainder’s
class mate and she was the daughter of Air Marshal Arjun
Singh. It was a love marriage. Amritha was pregnant and she
used to come for regular antenatal checkups to the hospital.
Few months later Jainder mother joined them. She was a very
soft spoken, affectionate lady and treated me as another son.
Mutyam Reddy DSP was transferred and in his place
Venkat Reddy a promote officer was posted. Venkat Reddy
was an elderly and affectionate person, fond of good food,
drinks and cards. He used to entertain us at his bungalow quite
often. A good coordination developed between various
departments and the officers used to meet often at some
one’s place in rotation for playing cards and for drinks and
dinner. Differences were thrashed out at such meetings.
Rameswar, Bhoom Rajam from forest department, Venkat
Reddy from police, Nagi Reddy EO, I from Medical and Sub
collector were the frequent participants.
I used to mix with various groups. Another group was our
Doctors group. We used to meet in our guest house in the
night and play cards. I used to return home by 9 but others
used to continue till late in the night.
 ITC Group

There was the other ITC group with Webster, Mehdi,

Ramesh Reddy, and Colonel Sapru. Colonel Sapru served army
and joined ITC. ITC was opening a Paper mill at Sarapaka on
the other side of River Godavari. He was posted to liaison and
coordinates the work. Colonel Sapru took a great liking to me
and would spend hours and hours with me. He gave up his
drinks on the advice of doctors. He and his wife along with a
son were staying at Bhadrachalam nearer to my residence. His
son who was sixteen years old lost his exams and was staying
with them preparing for the next exam. He had a daughter
who was in Delhi. While I was away in Hyderabad his son met
with an accident travelling in a jeep and lost his life. He was
the only son to the parents. I spent many evenings with the
couple sharing their grief. He got himself transferred to
Hyderabad and after some time left ITC and settled in
Dehradun. On a visit to Dehradun much later I went to their
house and to Webster. As Col Sapru was away I could not see
him. I sent an invitation to him for my son’s marriage. He
wrote back saying he was suffering with cancer and was not in
a position to travel.

Failures and Challenges

Daughter of Venkat Reddy with her small child came to visit

her parents. The boy child was two years. One day the child
started passing pure blood by rectum. I felt the child might be
suffering with intussusceptions or a bowel polyp and
requested them to immediately shift the child to Nilofer
hospital in Hyderabad. He was operated at Nilofer but died
after few days.
Hanumanth Prasad was working as APPO. He admitted his
wife for delivery. We kept monitoring the progress of delivery.
All was going on well. There was fetal distress at the last stage
and I applied forceps and delivered a 10 KG hefty baby. The
baby was born dead. I could not really explain the death.
 Upender Rao’s brother brought in his child with severe
dehydration. In spite of all efforts the child died.
Dr Subbaraju asked me to see his youngest son who was
few months old. The child had difficulty in breathing and had
hyperpyrexia. Few days earlier the child was administered DPT
vaccine and an abscess developed at the site. I got X Rays done
and put in a needle to aspirate and drained pus from pleural
cavity. The child died after few days. We knew he had no
chance.
The lady Doctor admitted the wife of a local officer for
termination of unwanted pregnancy and a tubectomy. While
she was doing the D&C she felt she perforated the wall of
uterus. She was panicky. I helped her open up the abdomen
and repair and conduct the tubectomy. The recovery was
uneventful.
Once a lady Doctor was doing an emergency caesarian
operation and in the process cut the bladder, However when
she saw the urinary catheter protruding she shouted for help
and I went in and repaired and patient was discharged after
few days without further complications.
Much later a lady doctor who was learning conducting
Tubectomy admitted a friend of hers and posted her for
tubectomy; she ignored the procedure of the hospital to get
the list approved by me and went ahead with the operation
independently. She accidentally ruptured the bowel which the
vigilant staff nurse detected and sent for me. I repaired the
same and patient was discharged safely after few days. She
never tried again to ignore the procedure.
One-day a tribal lady from far off place was brought on a
cot stretcher for retained placenta. She delivered 5 days
earlier and the placenta was not expelled. Patient was toxic
and under antibiotic cover we tried to evacuate the uterus.
The placenta was in bits and pieces with awfully smelling
discharge. She recovered with ordinary antibiotics. Thanks to
their healing capacity.
A young lady with 70% burns was brought in by a
contractor from Sileru in his car. The lady was “oriya” speaking
and was accompanied by her elder mother. They were
illiterate labor. We tried our best knowing that she had no
chance for survival. The contractor was kind enough to
provide the required antibiotics, dressings, infusions,
mosquito net and food for mother. The contractor was
Ankineedu. He became a very good friend in the process. The
lady succumbed to death after 19 days. We tried to contact
Ankineedu without success. In those days any unclaimed body
or without relations being present we used to contribute the
funeral expenses and our staff would conduct the last rites on
the bank of Godavari. I went to the mortuary where body was
kept conducting the post mortem and on seeing me the
mother ran away. I enquired my staff of the strange behavior.
They told me that mother was expecting me to take care of
the funeral rites and I may not agree if mother was still around
as it would not fit into the definition of unclaimed and no
relations present case. I simply wept. In India people are not
only poor to take care of themselves while alive but were also
poorer to dispose the body when dead.
An upper caste lady who was a widow was living with a
lower caste mechanic who was a drunkard. She had a small
child with rectal prolapse. I sent her to Nilofer hospital for
repair and they successfully did it. The widow was an actress
and would go on to various places to enact in some dramas
and get paid. After one such a trip she approached our lady
doctor for termination of pregnancy. The mechanic with
whom she was living suspected the father of the unborn was
someone else. The lady doctor knowing that she was a widow
was not willing to terminate. The lady approached me, and I
convinced the lady doctor and the same was performed.
However, she continued to be harassed by the mechanic and
was thrown out of his house. Even though she had all are kith
and kin and parents in the village all disowned her and she
committed suicide. Again, I had to arrange for the last rites.
The child was an orphan. I called the parents of the widow and
convinced them to take care of the child.
 A lady in abject poverty and disowned in helplessness
threw down two of her children from the bridge on Godavari
into the waters and they were swept away. Onlookers chased
her and she ran a distance and jumped down from the bridge.
She fell into the sand and broke her two ankles and was
arrested and brought to the hospital. She narrated to me her
story of life and I was deeply saddened. I pitied her. I applied
plaster to her broken bones. She went into a deep depression
and instead of sending her to the care of police I referred her
to Mental hospital at Hyderabad for counseling and care.
A lady used to get admitted after a bout of respiratory
difficulty very often during a particular period of the year. One
evening as I returned from Jainder’s house I found this lady
waiting in Casualty for the duty Doctor. There were two three
other cases too. On triaging I attended to the others and
disposed them off and took up this lady. She was in no distress.
I enquired the staff nurse and she told me she was in distress
when she came. I could not believe it. I have not given her any
medicine and sent her back. In the morning on rounds I found
her in the ward. The doctor who attended told me that she
returned back with distress after couple of hours after I sent
her home. She was normal then. After few days there were
heavy rains and an old building collapsed on the River bank. I
and Jainder went there to supervise the rescue and relief. On
our way back I found this lady in distress in front of her house.
I stepped into the house and looked around. The house was
full of fungal growth. Later I told her to shift her residence to
high land and a pucca house. After she shifted the house she
never had the problem during the period of my stay.
Dr B Kamala Prasad working as veterinary doctor at
Kunavaram was transferred to Bhadrachalam. Their family
was introduced to us by Upender Rao. They had two children
both boys. Bharath could find company of his age group.
 Usha illness

A cable came from Manohar in December 1974 informing

our family that Usha was not well and was admitted in
hospital. With great difficulty I could contact Dr Chetty on
phone and came to know that Usha was diagnosed suffering
with Disseminated Lupus Erythematosus with some
complications. Laxmi was being cared by the family of Dr
Gopal Reddy. The news shocked everyone. We decided that
someone from the family should go to assist them. Usha’s
mother volunteered, and we too thought that it to be the best
choice. I started preparations for her travel. We obtained the
sponsoring papers along with medical record and
recommendation from hospital for grant of Visa from UK. We
applied for the passport. We were told that process of
obtaining passport could be accelerated if the district collector
recommends. On coming to know I telephoned PVRK Prasad
collector. He came on the line and when told about the
requirement he readily obliged. Next was organizing money to
buy the tickets and for other travel needs. Jainder volunteered
to lend and gave me the required amount.
A date was given for collection of passport and Visa at
Chennai. We decided to couple the trip with a visit to Tirupati.
Dr Kamala Prasad said if we were going they too would join us.
Keshavulu RTO a good friend arranged a taxi for us. I, Bharath,
Karuna, Usha’s mother, Dr BK Prasad, his wife Vijaya and their
two sons totaling 8 persons travelled in the ambassador.
Ambassador was really the car for Indians. We went to Madras
and stayed in a hotel, and collected the papers next day and
drove to Tirupati, had Darshan of the lord and on way back to
Khammam went to Kaluvapamula the native village of Vijaya
and reached Khammam. It was a very comfortable journey and
the children and we the adults too enjoyed it thoroughly.
Usha’s mother left in March 75 for UK by air. It was her first
travel alone even in India. She was not well versed with spoken
or written English. We wrote down all what she may require
on the flight in Telugu and against that in English on sheets of
paper and she would look at the need in Telugu and show the
English matter on the sheet to the helper. She could converse
with the others, but others could not. However, she managed
with that and her native commonsense and overcome the
little inconveniences.
Family planning campaign was in full swing. All the beds in
the hospital were full of Tubectomy cases.

Maya (Jainder Daughter) Born

Jainder’s mother took care of the mother and child for the
next few months in Bhadrachalam.
One-day Maya fell ill. It was a case of Malaria. I got the
slides examined at various levels and the diagnosis was
confirmed. She was on suppressive treatment for next one
year. She was given the routine immunization. Thus, I became
the “God Father “of Maya.
Bharath too suffered with Malaria. Once he had a very
severe abdominal pain. Later I found out that he had eaten too
many guava fruits.
Political unrest was brewing in the country. Jayaprakash
Narayan a Gandhian socialist was agitating in Bihar for change
and wanted party less democracy. Janata Party A coalition
party captured power in Gujarat. In this backdrop came the
historic judgment of Allahabad high court on 12th June 1975,
setting aside the election of Indira Gandhi to Lok Sabha in 1971
and disqualifying her for six years on the basis of misuse of
Government power to win the elections. Rajnarain defeated
by her in 1971 elections petitioned the court. There were
protests and counter protests.
Indira Gandhi on the advice of Siddhartha Shankar Ray
recommends to president internal emergency. President
promulgates the same on 26th June 75. The government
brought in censorship of the press, arrested many political and
opposition leaders like JP, JB Kripalani, Vajpayee, Advani, SN
Sinha, Many communist leaders and Akali dal leaders, banned
few organizations like RSS and crushed the uprising with iron
foot. Two elected state governments of Tamil Nadu and
Gujarat were brought under president rule. She brought in
many ordinances and legislative changes like taking out the
election of prime minister from the purview of courts, brought
in 42nd amendment to constitution to continue in power. To
sustain in power, she brought in the 20-point economic
programme and streamlined administration of Railways etc.
The agriculture production increased. Outwardly the agitation
was under control but was simmering specially in many
northern pockets and Punjab. She postponed the elections.
Sanjay Gandhi her younger son took reins of administration
and initiated demolition of slums, forcible sterilizations, etc.
In Andhra Pradesh and in south the alleged atrocities of
emergency were minimal. In AP compulsory retirement of
Government officials took place. Kura Ram Mohan Rao a
senior efficient and honest engineer was a victim of the same.
The Family planning programme was taken on a targeted
approach. The incentives were increased. The officials when
asked to bend literally prostrated. Everyone in Government
has shown unusual enthusiasm. The emergency continued for
six months.
Jalagam Vengal Rao invited Sanjay Gandhi to visit Andhra
Pradesh. Even though it was unofficial arrangements were
made on huge scale. He visited Kothagudem and he was led to
the Public meeting arena in a big procession. Few lakhs of
people were mobilized.
Krishna the youngest son of Sripathi Rao garu came to
Bhadrachalam to study. He was of great help to Karuna in
taking care of her father. My father in law got his cataract
operated in Hyderabad.
There was a memo to Karuna from College education
department calling for her explanation for her long absence
without sanction. They also said: to explain why action cannot
be taken for her continued absence? I wrote back on her
behalf to take action as they deemed fit. Was it a sound
decision? We have not heard from them again. I believed that
it was not morally correct in those days for Government to
provide jobs for both husband and wife when there was so
much of unemployment of educated youth. Was it correct?
My uncle Aitharaju Jagannadharao visited me. He was a
cousin of my father. He was the Karanam of my village. He had
lot of agricultural lands. His first wife had no children. He
married again and said to have children in second marriage.
None in our Aitharaju family had good relations with him. He
sold all his property over a period of time and wasted the
same. He migrated from my village and was living in
Vijayawada. He was in dire poverty. He stayed with me for few
days. While he was leaving I bought him some new clothes and
gave him some money. Later he died. We lost touch with the
remaining members of his family. Everything lost in one
generation.
Kodari Venkaiah my father’s friend and associate visited us.
His son Dr Gopal Rao was working in Chintur. Eluri Narasiah
Son of another friend and associate of my father Eluri Kistiah
was working in Sileru as AE in electricity department.

The Three Krishnas

My younger sister Jyothi gave birth to a second male child

on 13th July 75. He was named as Shamanth Krishna.
My sister Hyma delivered a male child on 30th September
75 at Kallur. We all went there for the naming ceremony. The
boy child was named Prashanth Krishna.
My younger sister Vijaya Laxmi (Buzzi) gave birth to a son
on 24th December 75. He was named as Aditya Krishna Roy.
After couple of months Jwala came to Bhadrachalam and I
conducted Vasectomy operation on him. He had unexplained
fever after that and after treatment with Diethyl carbamazine
he recovered.
Ankineedu developed chest pain at Sileru and was brought
to Bhadrachalam accompanied by Dr Venkat Rao. We
stabilized him at Bhadrachalam and referred him to
Cardiologist at Vijayawada. He recovered slowly that episode
but died few months after. He was one of the partners of
Natraj hotel at Vijayawada. He would personally entertain me
whenever I went to Vijayawada.
During that period, I came in contact with Jalagam Prasad
the son of Vengal Rao the then Chief Minister. We used to
meet whenever he came to Bhadrachalam. He was planning
to build a hospital in his native village Penuballi. Vani Sree the
then popular cine actress gave a donation of one lakh rupees.
Prasad raised the remaining donations. I travelled to the site
with him and also went to Vijayawada with him and
participated in the planning process. He was dynamic and
meticulous in planning and had a natural wit. We became
mutual admirers.
Dr Anjaneya Sharma got posted to Khammam as Additional
DM&HO. Dr Krishnaji Rao was the DM&HO. Danam IAS,
Venkata Shiviah IAS, Murali Krishna IAS, Ramchandra IAS,
were occupying various posts of project Directors in the
district. Danam was introduced to me by YSN Sharma. YSN
Sharma was Assistant commandant and was a good friend of
Bommakanti Shankar Rao and Ravulapati Seetha Ram Rao.
Sharma would mix up with anyone very quickly and become a
friend. He later married the sister of Duvvuri Subbarao IAS.
Subbarao later became the Governor of Reserve Bank.
Dr Ramani a Gynecologist became the additional Director
of family planning. She was a great devotee of Sri
Krishnamacharya a guru from Vishakhapatnam. She visited
our hospital and made lot of recommendations to strengthen
our work.
Dr SN Mathur became the Director of Health services. Dr
Lingam Surya Narayan a well-known surgeon became the
additional Director of health services.
Dr Lingam Suryanarayana visited Khammam District and
went round very far flung hospitals. He spent 4 days in the
district. He visited our hospital and was very impressed with
our work. He wanted me to accompany him to other hospitals
in the district. In one PHC the doctor was not posted and the
ANM was conducting the OP. He went through the OP register
carefully and found that the ANM was liberally administering
injectable antibiotics liberally for all cases without any
indication and also everyone was being given B complex
injection. He was very upset and was talking about it
throughout our return journey. He ordered DM&HO to
suspend her and he complied. DM&HO said he would conduct
enquiry and take necessary action’ However the additional
Director ordered me to conduct enquiry. DM&HO was taken
aback. After DM&HO left Additional Director told me that if he
allowed DM&HO to conduct enquiry he would only be helping
him to make money. Such was the impression about DM&HO’s
those days. In the evening he summoned the doctor and the
staff of MM Unit and MCH center. On finding out that they had
no work he brought them under my control to use their
services as deemed fit by me and issued necessary orders. Dr
Lingam Suryanarayana was very cordial and kind to me and
told me to meet him for any help I required.
Dr D Bhaskar Reddy additional Director Health too visited
Bhadrachalam. He was my examiner for pathology in medical
college. He was a great promoter of sports amongst students.
He was liked and loved by every student of his. He was the
most popular teacher. He would overcome even his enemy
with his wit and goodness. He visited our hospital. He spent
hours looking at each aspect of the hospital. He was very
impressed and took photographs of all developments and our
experiments and the formats and prepared a slide
presentation which he would present in many meetings and
speaks well about us. He was portraying our hospital as the
model. Even he wrote a page about me in his memoirs. We
became mutual admirers. Such was his love that, he sent a
senior friend of him, an elderly gentleman Malakonda Reddy
at 11 pm to my house to deliver the invitation for release of
his book by Venugopal Reddy (Retired Governor RBI). He
ensured my presence at the function. Even though I was much
junior he would telephone and seek my opinion on many
policy issues of the department. After the visit of our hospital
I accompanied Dr Bhaskar Reddy on his visit to other hospitals
and finally reached Kothagudem. He stayed in Singareni
collieries guest house as a guest of Dr Raja Ram Mohan Rao,
Superintendent of Collieries hospital. We all went to the club
in the evening where Dr Raja Ram Mohan Rao was waiting.
After dropping him there I and Dr Sharma planned to return to
Bhadrachalam. But Dr Bhaskar Reddy and Dr Ram Mohan Rao
would not let us go. Dr Bhaskar Reddy was a teetotaler.
However, he insisted that we should give company to Dr Ram
Mohan Rao and ordered for drinks. I enjoyed the hospitality of
Dr Ram Mohan Rao on many other occasions.
Dr Shanthi Narayan Mathur became Director of health
services. He was professor of Medicine. He was a
dermatologist too and has taken lot of interest in Leprosy
patients and their welfare and was the founder Secretary of
Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh. He was a very affectionate person.
He visited along with his mother and few other family
members Bhadrachalam on Sree Ram Navami. It was Dr
Mathur’s birth day too. They witnessed the Kalyanam of lord
Rama and came to the guest house. Dr Mathur went around
the hospital and was greeted by all members of staff on his
birth day. We organized a small party on his birth day and his
mother too joined us in a toast. He released funds for
renovation of Doctors and other staff quarters.
Dr Chittisheshu was the Additional Director of TB. She
visited our hospital and stayed in the guest house. She was a
great animal lover. She would collect street dogs and sterilize
them and take care of them. I was told that she was very angry
with the doctors in other institutions who were using the
national programme Anti TB drugs for in patients. On that
score I too was a culprit. I was using the programme drugs for
our inpatients extensively. There was high incidence of
Tuberculosis in Tribals then. I used to admit most of them as
they could not afford to travel and also could not feed
themselves I used to admit and use the programme drugs and
give extra diet to them. I accompanied her to the wards but
didn’t enter the wards. I wanted her to know the truth and
facts about our patients and their conditions and I felt my
presence may inhibit her to know. She apparently was very
pleased but any how raised the issue at dinner time. I made
out a case and told her for me the patient was more important
than the rules. She laughed and said that as an exception she
would condone my action which she recorded in her visit
notes. We discussed further, and I requested her to
recommend our hospital as an exception for locating a TB
ward and center. She not only recommended but also
proposed that if it was not feasible a part of District TB center
budget could be diverted to us. I had the occasion to meet her
many times later and also came to know that she was distantly
related to us.
I shifted to the guest house and stayed till the repairs were
completed to my quarters.
Bhadrachalam used to be very hot in summer. We used to
get many cases of sun stroke in summer. I made out a case for
an airconditioned ward to treat such cases. On the
recommendation of Jainder Singh, the district collector
sanctioned an air conditioner and thus our hospital became
the first in the state to have an airconditioned ward.
Jainder Singh followed up the recommendations we made
in regard to Pamnoor area. He spoke to MR BN Raman who
was then the chairman of collieries about our
recommendations. He was excited and not only sanctioned
the budget for the Iron ladder but dispatched his Engineers to
erect the same. I accompanied the Engineers and shown them
the site and they soon erected the ladder which was a great
relief to the Tribals travelling to the shandy.
New reforms were brought in by Gangopadhya the then
Secretary of Medical and Health department. Cadre strengths,
new service norms, release of budgets based on the
performance were introduced. With that Bhadrachalam
hospital got more posts of staff nurses, and another doctor
and more supportive staff. There was temporary
departmental recruitment of doctors. All the posts in the state
were filled in. New cadre of Dy. DM&HO was created. A newly
graduated pathologist was posted to our hospital. A new lady
doctor was posted in place of Dr Susheela who left to join post-
graduation. Dr Koora Narasimham was posted as Dentist.
Many other doctors joined in the neighboring PHCs and
dispensaries. Dr Shankariah was transferred to MM unit from
Burgumpad and Dr Babu Rao was posted to Burgumpad.
Usha improved, and Manohar decided to return to India
and join the Government service. From UK he applied and was
selected. Anjaneya Sharma was the additional DM&HO.
Ramappa was posted to Hyderabad. He took a house in
Himayath Nagar and settled with his family.
Manohar with his family returned to India in Sep 75. He
was posted to some interior place in Bhadrachalam. In view of
Usha’s health, we thought a posting in Hyderabad would be
much better. I met Dr Lingam Surya Narayana and explained
to him the background with all the health documents and he
readily obliged and posted him to Osmania General Hospital
as Casualty Medical Officer. Manohar took a house in
Chikkadpally and later shifted to a flat in Ashok Nagar.
I got elected unanimously as the Secretary of Telangana
Civil Assistant Surgeons association (TACASA) of the district
branch of Khammam. In the first meeting itself we decided to
build a guest house for Government doctors in Khammam.
Many Doctors in the district had to commute to Khammam for
various meetings, and court duties. They could not afford the
cost of hotel accommodation as the DA paid was very low. We
decided to collect Rs 116 from all doctors in the district and Rs
116 from all the medical shops in the district. Dr Prabhakar and
Dr Vasanthamma working in Madhira voluntarily declared a
donation of Rs 1116 and paid immediately. Next day I met the
district collector and requested for allotment of site in the
premises of Governmental and he promised the same. On way
to Bhadrachalam I stopped sat Kothagudem and entrusted the
responsibility of design and its construction to DV Janardhan
Reddy engineer friend. The work soon started and we were
determined to complete the construction by the end of the
year. It was to house a hall, two bed rooms with attached
bathrooms and a kitchen and dining. Few of us went round the
district and raised the donations from the doctors and medical
shops. Probably we would not have thought of this but for the
enormous, unexplained delay that was taking place in building
the IMA building. The IMA building came up only after a
decade even though the funds were raised even before us.

Family planning programme-Emergency

The family planning programme was in full swing again.

Targets were given. The incentive and compensation for loss
of wages for undergoing the operation was almost doubled for
those who would get operated with two children and tripled
for those who undergo operation with one child. This was to
be certified by the health worker. The revenue department
and other departments were issued orders to promote cases.
Lot of pressure was being brought on the health staff to certify
that users had only one or two children to get more
compensation. There was dissension amongst the health staff.
All the doctors started mobilizing cases. Dr Baburao was the
surgeon in Burgumpad area and I was operating in
Bhadrachalam area. We were conducting camps in the
villages. We would convert any room with a concrete roof or
tinned roof into a makeshift operating theatre and conduct
vasectomies.
As the programme picked up I faced a very challenging
situation one day. Around thirty Tribals were mobilized and
brought to our hospital for vasectomy. All of them were in
their mid-forties. Almost except two, all had more than three
children. When the health staff informed them of the likely
compensation they would get they were totally disappointed
and said they would undergo operation only if all of them were
paid the increased incentive irrespective of number of
children. They had a sound argument too. They said it was
compensation for loss of wages and one would suffer the
same loss of wages irrespective of the number of children they
have. No argument to convince them had any effect. They
were preparing to leave.
 Tribal community had their own peculiar beliefs and
customs. He would address any one in singular form. If there
is a chair vacant even without offering, he would sit in the
chair. He would like to be addressed as Dora. If we say the
hospital time is over he would not try to plead, beg or bribe.
Either he would wait for the next session to begin or go home.
If you admit someone and tell them that the attendants
cannot stay in the ward he would obey your instructions
scrupulously. If he suspected any foul play or felt that one was
not getting adequate treatment he would simply carry the
patient on his shoulder even in a serious condition and walk
away silently. Nothing could stop him.
I told them that we would talk to the sub collector and they
calmed down. Jainder Singh came and understood and
assessed the situation. We didn’t want the issue of payment a
bone of contention and a cause for failure of programme.
Luckily Collector was camping in the town. Jainder spoke to
him on the phone. Collector too came to the hospital and after
failing to convince them advised the newly created Integrated
Tribal Development agency to pay the balance from their
funds and actual amounts from the Health department in case
of Tribals. He issued written orders to that effect. All
underwent operations and left. Such was the authority and
capacity of a collector to settle issues on the spot.
We drew up plans for conducting camps throughout the
tribal belt. One day when we reached a habitation we could
not find anyone in the village. All were under the “Vippa Trees”
savoring the Vippa Kallu a local alcohol tapped from the tree.
No amount of cajoling would change them. Their static answer
was they would not miss their season as the Kallu was only
available for few days in a year whereas the operations could
be conducted round the year. We had to change our calendar.

Breeding Bulls

One-day I and Jainder went to a village where the

inhabitants were not coming forward for operations. There
were many old people with young wives and young children.
They were not willing to undergo operations. On lot of
persuasion they agreed but raised a condition. They named
few young lads of the village to be operated first. After them
all were willing to undergo the operation. We could not
understand the logic behind their argument in the beginning.
Slowly it dawned on us. The old people were suspecting these
few young lads to be the fathers of their young children. If they
underwent the operation and still continue to have children,
the community would laugh at them. We sent the old people
away and sent for the young lads. After cajoling and sharing
our drink with the young married lads they came around and I
operated on them immediately. Soon all the others followed
suit.
Some Habitations on the banks of Sabari were not
approachable by road. There were no rooms in those villages
where we could operate. We surveyed the through launch and
boat. While returning it struck me that we could dock the
launch on the shore and convert the launch into a theatre and
operate. We implemented the plan with great success. Again,
Jainder made all the arrangements. It was a national news and
broadcast over All India Radio in its national news bulletins.
Soon some more doctors started learning the skill of
operation and they too started operating independently. Dr
Anjaneya Sharma would come every evening to Bhadrachalam
and spend the night reviewing the programme, supplies,
transport, incentive amounts etc. Early in the morning he
would go back to Khammam and all of us would leave for our
camps. I would go to the farthest and after completion would
touch all other camps on the way and collect all the
complicated cases or those who developed complications and
reach our hospital and operate on those with complications
like haematocoele etc. and join Sharma. It went on for few
months.
In the midst of such massive campaign One day an
unidentified dead body was found on the other side of
Godavari bridge in a ditch. There were fresh marks of
Vasectomy operation on the scrotum. The body was
unidentified and fresh. A rumor was floating saying that he
died of operation and the dead body was dumped by doctors
after the death. Meanwhile the Doctor from Burgumpad
telephoned me and told me that police were trying to
implicate him. I advised him to apply for leave for two days but
stay in the headquarters. The police brought the body to
Bhadrachalam as MO of Burgumpad was on leave for
postmortem. I went through their panchanama. In it there was
an expression of doubt about the death being caused by
operation. I had a preliminary glance at the dead body and
satisfied myself that there was no bleeding and no
haematocoele. Further I was confident that none in the area
operated him as the incision indicated. There was only one
incision instead of two. All the doctors in the area would give
two incisions. I telephoned the District collector and gave him
the details and requested him to issue orders to the police to
shift the body to MGM Hospital where a forensic expert was
available to conduct the post mortem. Anyone of us
conducting the postmortem may be construed by others as a
cover up. The collector was kind enough to get the orders
issued by the competent authority. I sent a written report to
the Collector narrating what I have already told him. Later I
came to know that the death was due to crush by vehicle
which ran over him. Again, there was the invisible help of
Jainder.

Van- Fixed day and fixed route services

There was a van belonging to MCH unit which was kept on

stones for last few years as the amount was not released for
purchase of new tires. Otherwise local health staff said the
engine etc. were in excellent condition. Since MCH unit was
brought under our control I was eager to operationalize the
vehicle for outreach programmes. I discussed the matter with
Jainder and he after few days arranged a loan from Girijan
coop society and we bought the tires and needed oils and got
some minor repairs done and the vehicle was on the road. We
developed a plan where in the vehicle would run on specific
routes every day and any official having work at any village on
that route could travel free in the vehicle and return back to
his headquarters in the evening. Most of our doctors who
were staying in Bhadrachalam would use it and go to their
PHCs and return in the evening. It could carry 16 persons. We
also used it as an ambulance and also to pick up and drop
family planning cases. Once I took it to Hyderabad with all
equipment that required to be repaired and got both the
vehicle repaired, painted seats changed and got my
equipment repaired from “Benco” agencies. Benco agency
was a local surgical agency in Hyderabad owned by Mr. Suri’s
family. Dr Raghavendra Rao always used to get his cardio
thoracic equipment repaired there and also got manufactured
some instruments he designed.
Sriram Navami was celebrated on a huge scale at
Bhadrachalam. Thousands of pilgrims would throng the town
on that day for Seetha Rama Kalyanam. In earlier years when
transport facilities were bleak the pilgrims would arrive few
days earlier and stay for few days. Arrangements for their
food, shelter, water, bathing had to be made. Decade earlier
there was a tragic boat accident where few hundreds of
pilgrims lost their lives crossing the river. The boat was
overloaded and capsized in the middle of the stream.
Subsequently a bridge was built on Godavari 1n 1966 and it
eased the travel. One year there was an epidemic cholera
broke out few persons lost their lives. Subsequently ID hospital
was built attached to our hospital. Unlike earlier years the
pattern changed. Many special buses were run for two days to
fetch the pilgrims who would leave soon after the festival. But
arrangements were still made as earlier. Further it was
compulsory for all pilgrims irrespective of to have Cholera
inoculations. Cholera inoculations were not known to give
lifelong immunity and were painful and most often those
taken would have reactionary fever and a painful injection
site.
 That year a massive campaign was launched to advertise to
inform people visiting the festival about the compulsory
inoculation. Temple authorities feared many pilgrims may not
come. It was a “catch 22 situation”. After a detailed discussion
I & Jainder came to the conclusion that we would concentrate
on three things. 1. Provide safe drinking water to all, 2. Ensure
hygiene of food, 3. Provide adequate facilities for sanitation.
We concentrated on those three principles that year
minimizing our focus on inoculation. Slowly Cholera
inoculations were withdrawn in subsequent years. Thanks to
Jainder for the excellent arrangements.
Nilofer hospital a specialty children’s hospital proposed to
conduct a health camp in Bhadrachalam for children. I and
Jainder had a detailed discussion. I always thought that such
erratic, occasional, general health camps do not benefit the
population without follow up. However we both concurred
that it could be a children’s mela where children could enjoy
their first visit to a new place. Most of the children of tribal
community might not have had a ride in an automobile, seen
a cinema or a temple or even had a sweet dish to eat. We
discussed with private bus operators to carry the children and
parents free, Cinema hall owners to screen continuously films
for the children to have a free view, and temple authorities to
give special free darshan and provide free adequate
Prasadam. It was a grand success. Few thousand Tribal
children visited Bhadrachalam and had a great picnic. Thanks
to Jainder it was made possible.
I took a break and went to Nizamabad to spend few days
with Harinarayan. He was joint collector then. He was
surrounded by many friends who were very protective of him.
I met Nagraj youth welfare officer and Kishore form Oil
Company. Hari was very popular with youth and was trying to
organize them into a cohesive group. We went around the
district and stayed for a day at Pochampad. On the way I
stopped at Nagabhushanam house in Mupkal and met his
parents and brothers. As I was returning Harinarayan gave me
a Jet injection to vaccinate thousands in one hour without the
traditional needle and sterilization etc. It is a useful gadget but
not much used in our country.
I and Jainder and Amritha made few trips to Hyderabad.
Hari would join us from Nizamabad. On one such trip we were
staying in Dilkusha guest house and walked to a site next to
Rajbhavan. Some plots were for sale. The going price was Rs
30 per yard. We discussed the same and for some reason did
not take. What a costly mistake? Chandra Mowli IAS,
Yugandhar bought and built their houses there.
While I was in UK my father applied to the housing society
for allotment of some flats in Vengal Rao Nagar and Sanjeeva
Reddy Nagar colonies on my name with few thousand rupees
I sent. Two flats were allotted but all were of the view that
they were far away, and I took back the deposit canceling
them. Was it another costly mistake?
VL Kantha Rao found out that a new English medium school
opened in Paloncha. He decided to admit his children Srinivas
and Sirisha in that school. He encouraged me to admit Bharath
too in the same school. Upender Rao too was ready to admit
his children if I did. Ultimately, we admitted all our children in
Paloncha. They used to commute in RTC bus and someone
from Kantha Rao office would collect them and put them in
school. In rainy season we would encounter some problems
and the children would get stranded if the there was a heavy
down pour and there was overflow on the culverts on
Kinnersani etc. However, Kantha Rao used to tackle the
problems. After his transfer we withdrew our children. I
admitted Bharath in Government school (Guttakinda School).
My parents were staying in Khammam.
My father in law sold his lands in Tamarakollu to
Venkatappiah who was a paid servant on the forms. He paid
only half the amount and was given possession of the land. I
found it very difficult subsequently to chase him and obtain
the remaining amount as he started evading. The sale is still
not registered on the name of Venkatappiah.
I read an article in Indian express a popular newspaper on
new treatment of poisonous snake bites. It was said to have
been developed in Indonesian islands. I was very impressed. I
could appreciate the logic immediately as an anesthetist.
Within few days I had an opportunity to test the new
treatment.

Snake Bites

A girl of ten years was brought to our hospital at around 7

pm. It was summer, and the child was sitting in open in front
of her house and studying under a lantern and she observed
some shadow on her side and threw her arm and a snake hit
her and bitten on the back of her hand. With her shouts elders
came out and killed the snake and brought the child to the
hospital. Luckily, they also brought the snake. It was a cobra a
deadly poisonous snake. I could see the child going into
paralysis. As per the article I read Cobra poison was a neuro
toxic poison and it acts like “Curare” a long-term muscle
relaxant anesthetists use to relax the muscles to intubate and
control respiration and to provide muscle relaxation during
operation. Once the operation is over they reverse the action
of curare by administering Neostigmine an injection. To
counter some unwanted side effects of Neostigmine they
would also administer Atropine. We had only two ampoules of
Neostigmine. The lay press didn’t speak of the doses and
frequency etc. I intubated the child and connected her to an
Ambu bag and asked the sister to ventilate the child. I started
a drip.
I knew that Neostigmine would not be available in the
shops and was also not sure if it was available in Kothagudem.
However, I thought Singareni Collieries may have it. I wrote a
small request to Dr Raja Ram Mohan Rao of Singareni collieries
hospital to send me as many ampoules as possible with the
bearer. I told the relations to rush someone to Kothagudem to
obtain the same. I told them to try for Dr Raja Ram Mohan Rao
at the club which he usually frequents in the evening. They left
on a motor bike and met Dr Rajaram Mohan Rao and gave him
my letter. He is supposed to have asked them what sort of
Operation I was doing that night and why I needed so many
ampoules (Each operation would only require one ampoule).
When they said it was not for an operation but to treat a snake
bite he had a surprised shock and said to have commented “I
hope he is not drunk”- However he was kind enough to
dispatch 10 ampoules of Neostigmine and also a polyvalent
anti snake venom indirectly hinting me that the treatment for
snake venom is anti-snake venom and not Neostigmine. The
relations returned with the supplies by 11pm. I and sister in
turns went on ventilating the child with the Ambu bag. There
was recovery of movements in the limbs and the child was
breathing through Ambu bag on her own. As the morning
broke I was happy and satisfied and removed the endo
tracheal tube and sucked out the secretions and observed for
some time and left. I felt too exhausted and hit the bed and
slept peacefully. I woke at 11 am and went to see the child.
She was sitting in the bed and on seeing me said she was very
hungry.
After few days I went to see Dr Raja Ram Mohan Rao to
thank him and met him in the club. I narrated my experience
and told him that I was not drunk that night of the event and
told him that I intended to get drunk that evening in his
presence at his cost. He had a hearty laugh and told me I
deserved it and entertained me. He asked me to make a
presentation of the same to his staff.
Snake bites were common in those days. When I joined at
Bhadrachalam there were many snakes in the campus. We
must have killed at least 30 snakes during my tenure there. I
used to preserve them in the long glass jars in formalin and
had an exhibition of them in hospital. I myself killed 6. They
were both poisonous and nonpoisonous. They were
everywhere like in toilet, kitchen, bath room, roof, in the
chairs etc. As days when by and there was more activity and
lighting they disappeared.
I have treated around 25 cases (both the neuro toxic and
haemato toxic) during my tenure there with almost 100%
survival. I had to resort to amputation of foot in one case. The
staff got trained well and I am told after I left they used to
educate the doctors in the new treatment.
After few months I narrated the same to Dr Venkat Rao
who was the chief anesthetist and Superintendent of Osmania
General Hospital. He too was convinced and instituted the
same line of treatment and trained his anesthetists.

Ruptured Uteruses

We used to get cases of ruptured uteruses from various

villages close by. The RMPS when called to attend to a
prolonged labor would inject Pitocin and the uterus would
rupture and the patient would die. To avoid death at home in
their hands they rush the case to Government hospital and
blame the Government hospital for death. If delivery happens
they would take the credit and collect fat fees. I did operate
and repair around 14 such cases during my tenure without
blood and save the mother.

Branded as Extremist!

Murali Krishna was junior to me in the Medical College. He

was an intelligent student and was a good debater. He also
penned down some poems in the Telugu journal I edited in the
college “Jaathi Naadi” (Pulse of the nation). He slowly started
leaning to the left politics and mysteriously left college. On my
return from UK I enquired of him and was told he went
underground and joined Naxalites. I lost touch of him. One day
he appeared in front of me in the outpatient. When I looked
up I recognized him and took him to my house and enquired
his whereabouts. He told me he was underground and
recently surfaced and met the Chief Minister and took pardon
and joined main stream. He also told me that he was trying to
join the college and complete the medical course. He had
lunch and enquired about other friends. He also asked me
about my close Doctor friends in Khammam and I gave him
few names. He left in the evening. After two days I and Venkat
Reddy DSP went to Khammam to attend some court duty in
Reddy's jeep. I dropped Venkat Reddy at Police guest house
and went home to see my parents. I returned back to the guest
house to pick up Venkat Reddy. An orderly led my way to
Reddy’s room. While he was getting ready the orderly
returned to tell me that someone two rooms away wanted to
meet me. I went out and to his room. It was Murali Krishna.
On seeing me he asked if I too was brought for interrogation.
I was surprised. He told me that he was brought there for
interrogation. After few minutes I took leave and went to the
court. On the way I told Venkat Reddy what happened and
asked him if he could find out the truth. After attending the
court I went to see few Doctor Friends. They told me that my
friend Murali Krishna met them and took some pethidine
injections from them for some friend who was in labor. I read
a news item that day in the newspapers of an encounter of
Naxalites where few of them were supposed to have been
injured and escaped. While returning in the evening to
Bhadrachalam Venkat Reddy told me that Murali Krishna was
brought after being caught in a dazed condition and with
extremist posters in his hand at 4am.
One-day Jainder told me that a police officer of the rank of
OSD whom he met in Kothagudem in a party was discretely
enquiring about my political leanings. Subsequently I too met
him in a party. On introduction he said sarcastically: So you are
Dr Ranga Rao. After some time and little more jovial
conversation eased us both I asked him straight: Why was he
enquiring me? He said he had strong reasons to suspect and
frankly narrated them.
1. Why did I return to India from UK/ (Which usually is not
done)?
2. Why did I choose to work in Bhadrachalam a tribal area
when I was offered a posting in Hyderabad?
3. Why do I frequently visit villages in the evenings and
render medical care which was not in my job chart?
4. Did I conduct delivery of a top Naxalite leader’s wife in
our hospital?
5. Did I conduct a difficult delivery in a forest?
 6. There were few calls from my phone to some phone in
Khammam which they were tapping?
I said I could explain the first three questions which
were mostly based on my attitude to life and my concerns. The
next two questions were basically about my professional
ethics. I said it was a fact that I conducted a delivery in the
forest on the request of some health staff in some tribal hut. I
could not care less whose wife she was. In regards the
treatment rendered by me in the hospital I said we don’t ask
the patients about their political affiliations. To last question:
I said I cannot answer as I do call some numbers in Khammam.
I jocularly said that he should also contact Interpol as I stayed
for 5 years in UK.
In those days all the calls made to any number outside
the exchange from any phone was a trunk call and they were
registered and charged. There was no direct dialing. We had
to go through the exchange. I requested the telephone
exchange not to accept any trunk calls without my permission.
One day they told me that the cook “Ganesh” in my house
requested for a particular person connection on a number.
When verified it was the number of medical shop near Dr Y
Radhakrishna Murthy and Ganesh wanted to talk to his
brother who resided next to the shop.
PVRK Prasad performed the marriage of his sister at
Khammam. It was a simple marriage with 5 outside guests and
the rest were relations.

Allegation

One-day I went to Khammam in Jainder’s vehicle along

with him to oversee the construction work of the guest house
for doctors we were building. I dropped Jainder at the office
of Banerjee the then joint collector. Banerjee invited me to
join them for lunch. After finishing the work at construction
work I went to DM&HO office. I saw a staff nurse of my
hospital entering the DM&HO room. I went to Dr Sharma’s
room and was awaiting his return as he went for some
meeting with DM&HO. Soon he returned. He told me that he
was returning after conducting an enquiry against me in
DM&HO’s room. He told me that DM&HO received a petition
the previous day through post from a staff nurse in my hospital
complaining sexual harassment by me. DM&HO sent his
vehicle in the night to fetch the staff nurse by morning with
instructions that I should not be told of the same. After office
opened he called for Dr Sharma and Dr Subramanyam Dy.
DM&HO and summoned the staff nurse in their presence.
Then he read from the petition. He asked the staff nurse if she
has anything more to say to which staff nurse is said to have
replied that she had nothing to do with the petition. DM&HO
was taken aback. Dr Sharma gave her a blank paper and asked
her to write few sentences from the petition in her own
handwriting. He compared the hand writing on both papers.
They didn’t tally. DM&HO had to cut a sad face. After narrating
this Sharma left saying he & DM&HO had to go to meet the
additional Director at collector’s office. I too left for Banerjee’s
office. I and Banerjee went to the collector’s room to collect
Jainder. I met Dr Lingam Suryanarayana in collector’s room.
On seeing us he got up to leave. I greeted the collector and
accompanied Dr Surya Narayana. After coming out of the
room I was conversing with the additional director for few
minutes and DM&HO and Dr Sharma joined us. On seeing me
DM&HO invited me to join them for lunch. I politely refused
saying I had another engagement. Meanwhile Jainder and
Banerjee too came out and three of us left for lunch. At lunch
Jainder told me that about the conversation Collector had with
our additional Director. In the course of conversation Collector
is supposed to have told the additional director showing him a
big bunch of papers saying they were all the complaints he
received in the last few days against DM&HO.
After lunch I went to see the additional Director in the
guest house. On seeing me he dismissed the DM&HO. I made
my request for transfer of Manohar from casualty and he
asked me to meet him at Hyderabad on my next visit.
Afterwards he made some discrete enquiries about DM&HO.
 Cultural Divide

On one evening a Tribal woman aged around 25 years

was brought to our hospital with a slit throat. She was
conscious but could not speak. She slit her throat with a knife
when police from Madhya Pradesh descended on her village
to nab her brother who was suspected to have stolen in a
shandy in Kunta a town bordering Andhra Pradesh. As the
brother was not traceable they were interrogating her to
reveal his whereabouts. In a fit of desperation she slit her
throat and was rushed to our hospital. This was narrated by
her mother who accompanied her. Both were illiterate and
could not even speak Telugu properly. As she was conscious I
decided to get her dying declaration recorded. I sent a
requisition to magistrate who was the Sub collector to record
the same. Prompt came Jainder. He asked me how he could
record her declaration when she cannot speak. I said we will
try sign language. We used Yes and No method. He would ask
her a question and she would show one finger if it was yes and
two fingers if it was no. Patiently he recorded the declaration.
He arranged for transport to shift her to Hyderabad ENT
hospital in Kothi along with her mother.
After few days I and Jainder went to Hyderabad on
some work. We both decided to go to ENT hospital to find out
the progress of the Tribal Lady. While we were entering I saw
the mother and went to speak to her. She was in a semi
shocked state and didn’t answer most of my questions. I went
into the ward and was happy that she was making a good
progress but could not speak still. I enquired with the staff
about the mother and they told me that she was urinating and
defecating in the corners of the wards and hence was not
allowed into the wards. I narrated the entire sequence of
events, and the background of the ladies. I told them that the
mother and sister come from a remote village where they
have never even seen a bath room or latrine. They were not
aware of most of the modern things. I convinced them to be
more understanding and slowly help her understand the
things. They called her back into the ward. Again after few
days I visited the hospital and found that the mother was
missing for few days. It is said that the even though the day
staff relented with my request and allowed her, the night shift
staff threw her out and she was missing since then. It was a
tragedy resulting out of cultural differences.

Meeting G. Krishna the Journalist

That day I happened to meet Dr Madiraju Radhakrishna

and along with him G Krishna. G Krishna was a senior
journalist. He was a true Gandhian and always wore Khadi, and
was very lean and thin. He was highly respected by journalist
community. During the conversation I narrated the story of
missing mother. Next morning there was a box item in one of
the popular newspaper giving the full story. I left for
Bhadrachalam and again returned to Hyderabad after few
days. Again, I visited ENT hospital. To my shock I was told that
the tracheotomy wound healed well and the lady improved
and was discharged as nothing more could be done. The lady
however could not speak. What a continuation of tragedy of
errors? Here was a lady who hailed a from remote village and
was never out of her house in her life standing in the midst of
a bubbling city traffic hungry and unable to speak. Both
mother and daughter were missing.
We conducted a health checkup in an ashram school.
The hemoglobin levels of all the children except three were
low. Those three children with normal levels were those who
would frequently go to their families. When questioned we
were told by the children that they visit their families to enjoy
a homely meal. The menu in the hostel was rice, potato and
tomato. Day in and day out that was the menu. It was much
easier for them to obtain them once in fortnight from
Bhadrachalam and it was easier to cook. There were no greens
or any other vegetable. The urge of children to go home and
eat different food once a week helped them to get their iron
requirements.
 Accident-Paraplegia-Suicide

A motor bike with wealthy youngster aged 27 years old,

as a pillion rider hit a parked lorry on an evening few
kilometers away from Bhadrachalam on a village outskirt. A
person known to me and the relation of the pillion rider called
me on phone and informed me of the accident and requested
for my help. The person driving was dead on the spot and this
youngster pillion rider was lying on the road paralyzed below
neck. I slowly put him on a stretcher and put the stretcher in a
jeep and took him to Bhadrachalam. By that time all his
relations gathered. I told them that he has a chance to recover
if he is operated within 24 hours and such facility was only
available in Pune military hospital. They were ready to go and
were looking for a taxi. I told them that it was not safe and put
the stretcher with the patient on the top of front three rows
of seats and tied to the railings of the front three rows. The
patient was taken out at Hyderabad and was admitted in
Osmania General Hospital. They could not do much in
Osmania in those days and patient returned to his village after
few weeks. The family imported all necessary gadgets to make
his life comfortable. He had paraplegia and few boys were
engaged to exercise his limbs. He had a urinary catheter
inserted. He was mentally alert and could speak and swallow
food. I visited him few times. He would always ask me to end
his life. He was married and had a child of two years. He was
very fond of the child. I used to change the catheters and treat
incidental infections. He survived for few more months after I
left Bhadrachalam. Later when someone told me that he died
I said aloud: How did he commit suicide?
Kolipaka Rajendra Prasad my cousin working in
Nagarjuna Grameen bank got married on 5th February 1976 to
his first cousin at Miryalaguda. I attended the marriage.
I borrowed lots of books from Jainder and read. He had
a very good collection of books.
Jainder was transferred to Nellore as Joint collector in
May 76. With his transfer I felt orphaned. He was a great
support to me in all the activities I took up. Raja a promote
RDO was posted in his place.

Post Jainder

Raja was a very pleasant person and would always be

smiling. However, his stay in Bhadrachalam was very short.
Much later his son Raja & I worked in a different assignment
in the same office. After few months Raja was transferred to
Vishakhapatnam and Shirohi IAS was posted.
Komaragiri Apparao Babai of Penuganchiprolu died in
June 76. Towards the end of his life he took to religion and
almost became a recluse. My aunt Annapurna took good care
of the children.
Manohar was finding the work in casualty tiresome and
heavy with night duties. He was finding it difficult to take care
of his ill wife and the young child and official duties. He was
not able to effectively meet the expenses with his salary. Again
we approached the authorities and they were kind enough to
transfer him to ESI dispensary in August 76. He could get some
extra non-private practice and ESI allowance.
Dr Radhakrishna Murthy was transferred to Khammam
to the TB clinic. Dr Premnath was posted in his place. Dr
Premnath was senior to me in the college and he had long
experience in Anesthesia.
My father with some money saved from the income at
Tamarakollu bought a house site on Ellendu road on the name
of Karuna and registered it.
Radhakrishna an employee of Coop department
promoted a Government and local body employees housing
society. I and Manohar joined as members. We were allotted
two plots for which I paid the money and they were registered.
Dr C Shiva Ramakrishna constantly goaded me to acquire
these properties.
The building of TACASA guest house was completed.
We had an inaugural function of the same at the end of 1976.
Gangopadhya the health secretary inaugurated it. PVRK
Prasad collector presided. Dr Bhaskar Reddy and Dr Lingam
Suryanarayana were special guests. Prasad collector said it
was very rare to lay a foundation stone and also attend the
inauguration of the building in the same year. All were praising
me. After listening to the good words said about me both in
public and in private by the senior officials he asked the
additional directors if they recorded the same in my
confidential reports and made any recommendations how I
should be rewarded.
The post at Government Hospital Bhadrachalam which
I was occupying was upgraded to that of Deputy Civil Surgeon.
I was only a civil assistant surgeon. There was no chance for
my promotion for another few years. I would be facing a
transfer soon. All my senior officials recommended that I
should be continued at Bhadrachalam as long as I wished and
requested to upgrade some other post in the district and
continue my present post as civil assistant surgeon.
Government issued necessary orders to that effect and my
imminent transfer was averted.
A doctor working in a PHC nearby would go on telling
me what mistake I committed by returning to India. He would
tell me what great life he would lead if he had a similar chance.
He was applying to most of the countries for an opportunity.
He got a permission to go to UK. He needed some money and
I lent him. He went and promptly returned in few months. He
told me that best country was India. I exactly don’t know what
happened. But he has taken almost a year to repay the money
I lent. Later he became professor of Forensic medicine.
A newly posted Doctor to a dispensary in Bhadrachalam
area came to meet me when I was in outpatient. I asked him
to wait till I finished my patients. I called for him afterwards.
He came and introduced himself and started narrating his life.
He suddenly brought out a photograph, and asked me to look
at the photograph and offer my comments. Curiously I looked
at the photograph. It was a photograph of a young and pretty
lady. He asked me if she was not very beautiful? to which I said
yes. He immediately asked me if I would like to spend a night
with her. I was shocked and nonplused with that question
from a stranger. I asked him who that lady was, and he told
me it was his wife. I didn’t know what to say or do? I got up
from my chair and walked out. He followed me. He continued
his story. He worked in army for a short while after his
graduation. On discharge from army he was planning to get
married and settle. One day a close friend showed him the
same photograph and asked if he was interested to marry. He
agreed and married her. He further told me that he found out
after the marriage that she was a prostitute and felt he was
trapped by his friend into it for monetary gains. He left her
after that and applied for divorce. He told me that he decided
to marry a virgin and asked me if I could recommend one. Not
knowing what to say I shook him off by saying I had some
urgent cases to see in the ward and took leave of him.
Many doctors brought to my notice about his erratic
behavior especially with ladies. We decided that it was in the
interests of everyone including himself that he should leave
the area. I went to Hyderabad and impressed on the Director
to shift him to some institution where effective supervision
was possible. He relented and transferred him.
One day a young unmarried ANM came to the lady
doctor requesting for MTP. She was working in a dispensary in
the area. She alleged that the doctor in that hospital made her
pregnant and she further stated that he was not only refusing
to marry her but was also demanding money for termination.
I advised the lady doctor to go ahead with MTP to prevent
mental torture to the lady. One day the same doctor packed
all the medical supplies of the hospital and sent them through
the launch to Rajahmundry to sell them. Some local person
coming to know of it informed the police in Rajahmundry who
seized the same and filed a case. The doctor was suspended.
He managed and got reinstated and was posted as jail medical
officer of Rajahmundry jail. What an irony? One to be sent jail
gets posted to Jail.
A new dispensary was sanctioned in a tribal village with
a very small population. The doctor’s post was filled.
Dispensary was located in a small makeshift hut. Only a
watchman post was filled in addition to the doctor. The
watchman was a young local tribal with a wife. There were few
toddy trees in the open campus. The hospital was away from
the village. The doctor was staying in the hut along with the
watchman and his wife. Three used to tap the toddy and make
merry. Another doctor working in the area decided to get
posted to the same place. He took a tribal to Hyderabad along
with him. The tribal posing as a MLA requested the Director to
post that particular doctor to the dispensary. They managed
with the lower level staff to hide the fact that a doctor was
already working there. He obtained orders and straight went
to the dispensary without any movement orders and occupied
the only chair available in the dispensary. The Doctor who was
already working went to the high court and obtained a stay on
the sworn affidavit and plea that he was transferred in the
middle of academic year and the education of his children was
getting affected. The doctor who signed the affidavit was not
married and had no children and there was not even a primary
school in the village. Both the doctors were running the
hospital with no patients. Both of them became a laughing
stock. Collector made enquiries with me and wrote to the
Director and both were transferred.
I and Dr PV Ramakrishna then working in Chintur went
to Hyderabad on some work and were returning in the night
by bus. Nearing Khammam he complained of chest pain and
both of us got down and I admitted him in Government
hospital. He had an ischemic attack. I stayed at Khammam till
his family joined him from Rajahmundry. Luckily few days after
the attack Dr Dayasagar cardiologist came to Khammam to
attend continued education programme. On my request he
visited him and confirmed the diagnosis and advised on the
treatment. Soon after discharge he got himself transferred to
Rajahmundry.
However after few months his wife died on 3rd July
1978. Few of us friends went to Rajahmundry to console him.
Dr Ramesh who graduated from Kakinada and son of
Charugundla Narasimha Murthy too came with us. His
maternal grandparents were from Rajahmundry. They had a
big mango orchid and he took us there for lunch. Bapu the
famous cine Director and artist and his team were shooting
“Manavoori Pandavulu” in the orchid and we had an
opportunity to witness it.
Fakhruddin Ali president of India died in office on 11th
February 77. BD Jatti vice president was sworn in as president.
Indira Gandhi lifted the emergency and announced
parliament elections. Papers were full of stories of atrocities.
Few congress leaders like Morarji Desai, Jagajivan Ram etc. left
congress and joined opposition. There was hectic campaigning
and the elections held in March 1977 were keenly fought.
Congress lost the elections and even Indira Gandhi was
defeated in her constituency. Morarji Desai was elected as the
prime minister and was sworn in on 24th March 1977.
PVRK Prasad was transferred and Banerjee the then
joint collector became the collector.
Jupudi Narsimha Rao garu opened a petrol bunk in
Cherla which was inaugurated by Banerjee. I accompanied
Banerjee to the function. After the function the firm tried to
gift the silver scissors used in cutting the ribbon to the chief
guest which he gently declined.

CM Jalagam Visits Vallabhi

Jalagam Vengal Rao as Chief Minister made a visit to my

village. There was no road to my village in those days. He
travelled in a jeep. A public meeting was organized in the
grounds of High school and my father presided over the
meeting. I went to Vallabhi at my father’s command. Banerjee
collector accompanied the Chief Minister. Since it was a party
meeting I and Banerjee stood at a distance and watched the
proceedings. Vengal Rao sanctioned road to our village from
project command area funds. The road was laid soon. Surya
Prakash Rao, superintendent of R&B was in charge of the
project. He would always negotiate with the local people in
regards the alignment and finalize.

Jubbi (Vani) Marriage

My father was looking for a match for my youngest sister

Jubbi to get her married. He fixed up the match of Vijaya
Shankar. Vijaya Shankar completed his graduation and was
working in postal and telephone department. He hailed from
Nandigama. He was the brother in law of Komaragiri Krishna
Mohan Rao garu, an ardent social worker and an educationist.
He was running a school in Nandigama. He was an active
leader in Andhra agitation and was an active leader in BJP.
We decided to outsource the catering for the marriage. It
was the first time. We decided to perform the marriage in
Jupudi Vara Laxmamma chowltry, which belonged to my
younger sister Jyothi family. The marriage was performed on
20th August 1977 at Khammam. Banerjee and his wife Shobha
attended the marriage. On the same day marriage of my Uncle
Satyanarayana Rao’s daughter Beena was performed at
Hyderabad with my aunt’s son SP Ranga Rao who was studying
medicine in Warangal. My paternal relations had to split to
attend these two marriages at different places.
Nagarjuna Grameen bank announced filling up some posts.
Karuna and Vijaya Shankar applied for the same. Karuna wrote
her exams in Vijayawada. Both of us went to Vijayawada and
were the guests of Sri Ankineedu at his hotel Natraj. Vijaya
Shankar got selected and joined the bank in November 1977.
The hospital sponsored by Jalagam Prasad neared
completion. The building came up very well. We decided to
felicitate few people on the day of inauguration on behalf
TACASA of Khammam district. We got mementoes of “Poorna
Khumham” made with rosewood and with inscription on silver
plates inserted. The chief minister presented the same to
Jalagam Prasad his son and the promoter, Vani Sri Cine actress
and principle donor, Ramarao the contactor, and Sri Ramulu
the engineer. It was inaugurated on 14th November 1977.
 Divi Cyclone

A devastating cyclone struck coastal Andhra, especially Divi

Seema of Krishna district on 19th November 1977. It inundated
vast areas, properties were damaged, and Communications
were disrupted, Roads washed away, bridges collapsed,
electricity and water supply discontinued. Many people lost
their lives, and animals drowned dead. Whole families were
washed away. There were many tragic stories. Government
response was quick and effective. Teams were mobilized and
rushed for rescue, relief and reconstruction. Central kitchens
were established to supply hygienic food for the population.
Safe drinking water was supplied from central points. Medical
teams were pressed in to provide necessary treatment.
A team led by Dr Anjaneya Sharma was drafted for the
same. Even though I was not in the team I went to see to
myself the devastation and study the impact of the measures
undertaken. Ankineedu made the needed arrangements. I
spent two days and returned. I sent a small report to the
Additional Director. My understanding of the situation was all
the drinking water sources were inundated with salt water, all
the breeding sites of flies, and mosquitoes were washed off.
Even though many animal carcasses were lying there was no
imminent danger of epidemics since transmitting agencies
were not there. It would be few days for epidemics to happen.
Supply of safe drinking water from a central point, and food
were the best measures. I recommended for a study of mass
grief and its effects on surviving population. I also felt that
there could be need for re canalization operations for those
who lost their spouses and children. Dr Lingam Surya
Narayana acted on the same and deputed Dr Venugopal to
study the mass grief. Dr Venugopal returned from UK few days
earlier and was working in institute of mental health,
Yerragadda. Doctors were trained in re canalization
techniques.
I visited Jainder and his family at Nellore and was their
guest for 3 days. Arjun Rao was his collector.
 The congress party was in great turmoil. There were
dissensions. It split into two camps. One was led by
Brahmananda Reddy and the other by Indira Gandhi. Vengal
Rao was leaning towards Reddy Congress. He didn’t
accompany Indira Gandhi during her tour of cyclone affected
areas as president of Indian National congress, and even
denied accommodation to her in Government guest house.

APPSC Selection-CMs intervention

Andhra Pradesh Public service commission announced

recruitment of Doctors. It wanted to conduct written
examination for Doctors. Earlier there were no written
examinations. Since there was no recruitment from 1970
onwards the existing vacancies were filled by temporary
recruitment by department. There were many who were
working for 5 to 6 six years and were suddenly asked to appear
for the written examination along with the fresher who would
have an edge. The serving doctors were agitated. There were
many in such in Khammam District. I took up the matter with
central association without much success. I met Jalagam
Prasad and requested him to get an interview with the Chief
Minister to few representatives to present their problem. He
could arrange an interview just two days earlier to the
proposed examination. He cautioned us that the interview
would be very brief and also told us only one person should
explain. I along with two more met the CM. Prasad introduced
me as son of Aitharaju Ramarao. I narrated in few sentences
the problem. He said aloud: Why should doctors working for
few years should write the exam for the same post?
He picked up the phone and told his secretary to talk to the
concerned and cancel the exams. We came out. Bhandaru
Srinivasa Rao and few other friends from press were waiting
outside. We told them what happened. There was a press
conference soon after that and when journalists raised the
question of doctors and the exam Chief Minister said there
would be no exam and all those working would be absorbed
through a special qualifying test. That was great relief. I
thanked Prasad for the great help. Srinivas Rao who was the
correspondent for All India Radio broadcasted the same news
in the evening bulletin.

Demise of Father in law

My father in law Dr Venkat Ratnam garu went to

Tamarakollu to collect the sale dues. He went by bus. He
returned after few days. He developed cold and cough and
slowly developed pneumonia. After a day I thought it safer to
shift him to Khammam. We all left for Khammam and I
admitted him in Government hospital under physician.
Sripathi Rao garu with his wife Lalitha and Nageshwar Rao garu
with his wife Sudha came and stayed with him in Khammam.
Slowly the condition deteriorated, and he expired on the early
hours of 6th Feb 78. We took the body to Bhadrachalam and
Sripathi Rao garu performed the last rites. Sri Palivela Madhav
Rao garu and few other local Brahmins carried the body. Body
was to flames the same evening.
Dr Anjaneya Sharma was transferred as Assistant Director
Family Welfare and posted to Hyderabad. A fitting farewell
was organized by many associations coming together. The
district collector presided.
Laxmi Kumari ANM was selected to undergo HV training
and left to join Nilofer health school at Hyderabad. Her sister
has undergone Hysterectomy at Khammam.
Soon Dr Krishnaji Rao DM&HO was also transferred. Dr
Inniah was kept in additional charge as DM&HO.
Prema my aunt and Madhusudhana Rao her husband were
living in Mahaboobabad. They were blessed with a son and
three daughters. Sravan the son was the eldest and was in the
school. Angered at chiding by parents he left the house and
went to Chennai. No one knew where he was. They gave police
complaint and advertised in the papers as missing with his
photograph. Vijaya Nirmala a cine actress and wife of famous
cine actor Krishna saw this boy loitering in front her house and
took pity and sheltered him. After few days another person
working there identified this boy through the photograph in
the papers and wrote to the parents. They went and collected
him, and the tension was eased. This all happened while I was
in UK. Now parents were confronted with another problem.
The elder daughter was happily married. The second daughter
who was just sixteen fell in love with a relation of ours. The
boy was still studying. Naturally parents had the anxiety. Once
when I went there they mentioned it to me. All of us thought
separation for few months may help everyone to take a
correct decision. I brought the girl to Bhadrachalam with me.
After few months everyone realized separation has not helped
since both were in communication and continued to be in
love. After few months on 19th April 78 they got married and
lived happily since. I got a Mangala sutra made for their
marriage.
Elections for Andhra Pradesh assembly were held in
February 78. Dr Marri Channa Reddy led Indira congress and
Vengal Rao, the Reddy congress. Indira congress trounced the
elections. Channa Reddy became the chief minister in March
78.
Ram Laxman IAS replaced Shirohi as the Sub Collector.
Shirohi had a cadre change and was posted to Madhya
Pradesh. He joined his wife Alka Shirohi IAS in Madhya
Pradesh. I continued to enjoy the support of Shirohi during his
tenure and later of Ram Laxman. Ram Laxman and N Narsimha
Rao brother of NRK Rao Forest officer were good friends and
studied for IAS together. Narasimha Rao got selected as direct
recruit RDO and was conferred IAS later.
My father and mother decided to go on pilgrimage to north
India. A local of Khammam used to run a pilgrimage special
during summer months. He would hire a sleeper coach which
would be connected to the local train and disconnected at a
predetermined station for pilgrims to visit the sites and again
the coach would be connected and taken to another site. Food
and local travel was organized by the contractor. It was the
best way to travel and see India. They left from Khammam
station on 14th April 1978. We all went to the station to bid
them farewell for a safe journey. They visited many places and
safely returned on 18th June early morning. I and my sister
Jyothi and few other relations went to station and gave them
a traditional welcome.
Ramappa was posted as Chairman of Vishakha Grameen
Bank with headquarters at Srikakulam in June 78.
Harinarayan got married to Kameswari in Delhi on 12 th
August 78. Kameswari was studying in US and returned to
India.
I was deputed to undergo family planning training at
Hyderabad RTC for few weeks. Dr Hassan was the principal.
Earlier he was health officer in Khammam and was very
upright person. He worked earlier in World Health
Organization and was knowledgeable. One day he counseled
me of my irregular attendance in the programme. He even
threatened to cancel my programme. There was a threat of
floods and collector ordered me to return. Even though the
threat of floods receded I stayed back to write and update the
flood manual.
A staff nurse by name Ramanamma who joined few
months earlier was selected as a nurse in army and wanted to
join. She just had few days to get relieved from State
Government services and join army. She was related to Dr
Parvatheesam who became director later. She sought my help
and accompanied me to Hyderabad and Dr Anjaneya Sharma
helped her to get the orders in a day.

My stay in Bhadrachalam

My stay and my work in Bhadrachalam were most

interesting, satisfying and rewarding. I could do most of the
things I wanted to do except one task. I tried to establish small
coop poultry to supply free eggs daily to the patients and to
the children of hospital staff. We all joined together and
contributed and placed orders for chicks. We built a makeshift
shed for housing them. It was summer. Many chicks died
within a day of their arrival. Dr Subbaraju had a poultry form
in his wife’s village. I immediately sold the remaining chicks to
him and closed my adventure.
I made many friends, spent many nights in the wilderness,
seen beautiful places, innovated new programmes,
experienced trials and tribulations, searched for solutions,
assisted employees to grow financially, took care of father in
law and my family members.
All of it was possible only with the willing cooperation of
my colleague doctors, staff who worked with me and my
bosses in the hierarchy especially Dr KA Sharma, Dr Lingam
Suryanarayana, Dr D Bhaskar Reddy, DR SN Mathur, and Dr
NRV Swamy: the understanding and support I received from
Divisional and District administrators specially Samal,
Harinarayan, Jainder Singh, Shirohi, PVRK Prasad, Banerjee:
and active collaboration of individuals like Jalagam Prasad,
Potharaju, DV Janardhan Reddy, and Dr Subbaraju: and lastly
was my willingness to give up my private practice, and quest
for new solutions.
I learnt many lessons. My work in Bhadrachalam remained
a bench mark for me. The experiences shaped my thoughts,
and paved way for many ideas and programme to evolve in my
life.
The life of tribal community fascinated me. They were very
independent. They had their own customs and rituals. They
were not feudal in nature. They were content. They had a
higher index of happiness. I think it was mostly because they
had no options. They had a peculiar gait. They could walk long
distances with ease. Mixing with plain population was slowly
eroding their way of life. They were mostly half clothed.
Projects in the tribal area corrupted their women. They were
lured by the workers from plain areas.
After some time, the tribal girls were not willing to marry
the tribal boys. They were trying to learn Telugu and in the
process, were ignoring their own dialect. Their reasoning was
very native. Jainder told me about a conversation he heard
between a social scientist and a tribal. The social scientist was
trying to impress on them the need to work to earn money. He
was telling them that they could buy a radio, a transistor if
they worked and earned money. The tribal questioned him
what he should do after earning money and buying transistor
radio. Scientist said he could buy another. Tribal man laughed
and said there is no end. Instead he could enjoy his life in his
own way. Another time another IAS officer was trying to
impress them about the need to stop Podu cultivation and
their frequent migration and to settle at one place. The tribal
started questioning the IAS officer where from she has come?
Where did she study? And where did she work few years
earlier and presently working where? After obtaining the
answers about her life he said why didn’t she settle at one
place? I often was confused? Is it correct to impose our way of
life, our Governance, our values on them?
The doctor colleagues during my tenure at Bhadrachalam
were Dr Radha Krishnamurthy (ID Hospital), Dr Radha
Parameswari (LMO), Dr Susheela (LMO), Dr Jamuna Devi
(Dentist), Dr. Koora Narasimham (Dentist), Dr Prasad Rao
(Pathologist), Dr Premi (LMO), Dr Shankariah, Dr Parijatham
(LMO), Dr Babu Rao (MM Unit), Dr Satyanarayana (MM Unit),
Dr. Premnath.
The staff members were David Raju (Thoti), Satti Raju
(Thoti), Subbiah (Watchman), Husain (Thoti), Malliah (MNO),
Susheela (FNO), Kannamma (FNO), Krishna Murthy (Cook),
Muttiah (Waterman), Dhobi, Suryanarayana (Water works),
Bharathi (Staff Nurse), Victoria (Staff Nurse), Suri Bhashyam
(Male Nurse), Anasuya (Staff Nurse), Padmavathy (Staff
Nurse), Bharathi Jr (Staff nurse), Suprabha Devi (Staff
Nurse),Ramanamma(Staff Nurse), (Laxmi Kumari (ANM),
(MNO), Nasiruddin (MNO), Sailu (MNO), Satyanarayana
(Pharmacist), Palliah (Cook), Kodanda Ramaiah (Lab
Technician), Rajeshwar Rao (Radiographer), Suryachander Rao
(Dark Room Assistant), (Veerabhadra Rao (Jr. assistant),
Rehman (Jr. Assistant), Sarweswar Rao (Dark room assistant),
Yellamma (sweeper), Subbamma (maternity assistant), One
of the cooks was Krishna Murthy who was a union leader. He
was suspended earlier at his behavior with an earlier lady
medical officer. As there was no work in the kitchen he used
to indulge in petty politics in the hospital.
The other medical Staff members who were associated
during my tenure were Reddy (Driver), Simon (Driver), Yaqoob
Ali (Pharmacist), Durga (ANM), Padmakshi (HV), Jyothi (ANM),
Kotiah (HI), Suryanarayana (HI), Suryanarayana (Malaria
officer), VL kantha Rao (Malaria officer).
The doctors who worked in the area were Dr. Babu Rao
(MM Unit), Dr Appaiah Pantulu (Dy. DM&HO), Dr Patnaik (Dy.
DM&HO), Dr Singh & Dr Hari Narayana Murthy (Nellipaka), Dr.
Tirupati Reddy (Leprosy), Dr Ranga Prasad, Dr Hari Ram Singh,
Dr Raja Rao, Dr Parthasarathy, Dr R Ramarao (Kallur), Dr.
Venkat Rao (Sileru), Dr Ramachary (Sattupalli), Dr Prasad Rao
(Kothagudem/Paloncha), Dr Chalapathi Rao (TB), Dr PV
Ramakrishna (Rekapalli, Chintur), Dr Shantharao, Dr Subbiah
(Edugurallapalli), Dr Sripathi Rao (Nellipaka), Dr Jagannadham
(Dummugudem), Dr. Jagannayakulu &Dr Laxmaji (Penuballi),
Dr R Gopal Krishna, Dr Rukmini, Dr Rami Reddy (Kallur), Dr
Ganapathi (Kukunoor), Dr U Prasad Rao
(Satyanarayanapuram), Dr Sesha Rao (Kunavaram), Dr K
Gandhi Mohan (Nela Kondapalli), Dr Ch. Sudhakar, Dr Prasad
Rao (Burgumpad), and Dr Shivaram Mohan Das.
At the headquarters and at Khammam District hospital
were Dr Sundaram (Superintendent) & Dr Satyabhama
Sundaram (Pediatrician), Dr, Balbir Singh Yadav
(Surgeon/Superintendent), Dr Chandravathi & Dr
Satyanarayana Murthy, Dr Itigi (Physician), Dr JR Prasad
(Physician), Dr Viswanadham, Dr Rama Rao (Physician), Dr
Prabhakar (Surgeon), Dr Mutiulla, Dr Chalapathi Rao & Dr
Venkat Rao (TB Programme), Dr C Shiva Ramakrishna
(Leprosy), Dr David Paul (Mobile surgical Unit), Dr
Nagabhushanam (Anesthesia), Dr Bhaskar Rao (RMO) etc.
The active private practitioners at Khammam were Dr Y
Radha Krishna Murthy, Dr Jayachandra Reddy, Dr Venkat
Reddy, Dr N Apparao, Dr Gorky, and Dr Prameela. Dr. Asha
Kumari, Dr Ahmad Ali, Dr Harish, Dr. Ramchander Rao, Dr Itigi,
Dr Prasad, Dr YV Rama Rao, Dr Andhra Jyothi, etc.
The noted politicians in the area were Palivela Madhav
Rao, Srimanthula Gopal Rao, Ram Mohan Rao, Shabuddin,
Puvvada Nageshwar Rao, Chandram, and Seetharam Raju of
Satyanarayanapuram, Zamindar of Venkatapuram etc.
The local press correspondents were Sunder Rao,
Subbarao, and Krishnamurthy.
The local private practitioners were Dr P
Suryanarayana, Dr Veer Raghavaiah and his wife, Dr
Ramakrishna, Dr Subbaraju, and Dr Rajendra Prasad.
The police officers were Mutyam Reddy, Ramchandra
Reddy, Venkat Reddy, and Ramchandra Reddy as Deputy
Superintendents of police and Yugandhar and others as Circle
Inspectors of Police. The prosecuting officers were
Hanumanth Rao and Madiraju Ramakrishna Rao.
The forest officials were NRK Rao, Rameswar, Bhoom
Rajam, as DFOs and J Sharma as ACFO and Upender Rao as
Ranger.

Family planning operation

Visits to Bhadrachalam

I had to visit Bhadrachalam to appear in the court to

give evidence in medico legal cases. Every time I visited one of
the doctor’s working in the area would ask me to conduct
vasectomy operation. I would operate and in the evening, we
would have a party hosted by one operated. On one visit I
operated on a doctor who used to assist me in the operations.
Whenever I operated I would always converse with the patient
during the operation since the operation was under local
Anesthesia. I would explain to him each step I was performing
like” I am giving an injection, it would prick you but don’t move
your legs” or “I am catching and pulling on your Vas tube which
may cause little nausea” etc. I would also explain and give
instructions like “Use condom for next twenty times when you
indulge in sex” etc.
 On my next visit I was informed by the Doctor (Who was
operated) that his wife was pregnant. I got his sperm tested. It
was negative. I questioned the couple in detail. I came to know
that they have not used the condom when they indulged in
sex. Thank goodness! My reputation and the Doctor’s spouse
faithfulness were intact.

Exams- Postponement

When I was a final year student suddenly the final exams

were prefixed. We were informed that our exams are likely to
be advanced. It was told that the dean Dr BK Naik Professor of
medicine Osmania Medical College has recommended to the
Vice chancellor to that effect. We have not completed our
syllabus and the time left was too short. We the exam
appearing students of Gandhi medical college decided to
represent to the Vice chancellor of Osmania University. The
medical colleges in Hyderabad and Warangal were affiliated to
Osmania University. We took an appointment and met the
vice chancellor Dr. DS Reddy. I was nominated by all students
to be the single spokesperson. I made a passionate argument
and in reply Dr. DS Reddy assured to look into the matter and
do the needful. Soon orders were issued cancelling the
advancement.

House Surgeon Stipend

When I was a house Surgeon in 1965 our stipend was Rs 50

which we considered as very meager and we decided to
represent. We formed an association. Alapati Venkat Ramaiah
was the health minister and Kasu Brahmananda Reddy was the
chief minister. When we met the chief minister he sarcastically
said “why should they raise when patients were only receiving
colored water “to which I replied in the same sarcastic way
that what was supplied by the Government was what was
dispensed to the patients by the doctors.
 TACASA- District Branch

While I was working as civil assistant Surgeon at

Bhadrachalam I got elected unanimously as the Secretary of
Telangana Civil Assistant Surgeons association (TACASA) of the
district branch of Khammam. In the first meeting itself we
decided to build a guest house for Government doctors in
Khammam. Many Doctors in the district had to commute to
Khammam for various meetings, and court duties. They could
not afford the cost of hotel accommodation as the DA paid
was very low. We decided to collect Rs 116 from all doctors in
the district and Rs 116 from all the medical shops in the
district. Dr Prabhakar and Dr Vasanthamma working in
Madhira voluntarily declared a donation of Rs 1116 and paid
immediately.
Next day I met PVRK Prasad, district collector and
requested for allotment of site in the premises of
Governmental and he promised the same. On way to
Bhadrachalam I stopped at Kothagudem and entrusted the
responsibility of design and its construction to DV Janardhan
Reddy an engineer friend. The work soon started, and we were
determined to complete the construction by the end of the
year. It was to house a hall, two bed rooms with attached
bathrooms and a kitchen and dining. Few of us went round the
district and raised the donations from the doctors and medical
shops. Probably we would not have thought of this but for the
enormous, unexplained delay that was taking place in building
the IMA building. The IMA building came up only after a
decade even though the funds were raised even before us.

Government Doctor's Guest House

The building of TACASA guest house was completed. We

had an inaugural function of the same at the end of 1976.
Gangopadhya the health secretary inaugurated it. PVRK
Prasad collector presided. Dr Bhaskar Reddy and Dr Lingam
Suryanarayana were special guests. Prasad collector said it
was very rare to lay a foundation stone and also attend the
inauguration of the building in the same year. All were praising
me. After listening to the good words said about me both in
public and in private by the senior officials the health Secretary
Mr. Gangopadhya asked the additional directors if they
recorded the same in my confidential reports and made any
recommendations how I should be rewarded.
The hospital sponsored by Jalagam Prasad neared
completion. The building came up very well. We decided to
felicitate few people on the day of inauguration on behalf
TACASA of Khammam district. We got mementoes of “Poorna
Khumham” made with rosewood and with inscription on silver
plates inserted. The chief minister presented the same to
Jalagam Prasad his son and the promoter, Vani Sri Cine actress
and principle donor, Ramarao the contactor, and Sri Ramulu
the engineer. It was inaugurated on 14th November 1977.

Activating Civil Assistant Surgeons Association

Few of us friends met at Hyderabad and decided to activate

the Civil Assistant Surgeons Association. As a first step we
decided to conduct an interactive panel workshop in
Hyderabad to discuss and bring forward issues ailing the
medical and health services. There would be a panel of invitee
representatives of Doctors, Medical administrators, experts
on the dais. I would be the anchor and would raise questions
for them to answer. It was a well-attended programme. There
were few hundred doctors in the audience and Dr Bhaskar
Reddy, Dr Lingam Suryanarayana, additional Directors, Dr
Venkat Rao Superintendent of Osmania hospital, Dr Gopal
Kishan, Dr SL Kantha Rao, and Dr CB Srinivasa Rao etc. We held
it for 3 hours. We discussed many issues of concern thread
bare. It was a tremendous success. I stayed for few days at
Hyderabad to organize it.

APCASA

Andhra Pradesh Civil Assistant Surgeons’ Association was

formed in late sixties. Dr Prasad plastic surgeon, Dr Gopal
Kishan, Dr Sudarshan Reddy, and few others took active
interest in its formation. It got split into two during the Andhra
agitation. Subsequently there used to be a coordination
committee of both the groups. Dr SL kantha Rao was the main
anchor for Telangana group. There was a move to merge both
the groups again. An understanding was reached between
both the groups. Telangana region would have the General
Secretary and Andhra region would have the President. Similar
understanding was there for all the other posts. First time
representatives of respective regions would only vote and
elect the office bearers allotted to respective regions
Telangana region representatives would elect the General
Secretary. Soon a general council meeting would be called for
such a merger. Informally few of us discussed and decided
that we would make CB Srinivasa Rao as General Secretary. I
broached the same with Srinivasa Rao. It was decided that
Kakinada unit would host the General council meeting at
Kakinada on 1st September 78. I left for Bhadrachalam.
As the date was approaching there were some second
thoughts and a strong group emerged advocating that I should
contest as General Secretary. That group started working for
the same.
I left for Rajahmundry along with my family and left them
at Rajahmundry with Deena Devi a friend, relation and
classmate of Karuna and proceeded to Kakinada. There were
heated lobby and room discussions, parleys and consultations.
Ultimately there was a contest between me and Dr CB
Srinivas Rao and I won with a slender majority. Even though I
won I lost in one way that I have not kept the word I have given
to Dr Srinivasa Rao. Both associations got merged and APCASA
(Andhra Pradesh Civil Assistant Surgeon’s association) was
born. Dr Sudarshan Reddy, Dr BG Prabhakar, Manohar, and Dr
Niranjan Singh Yadav, DR PV Ramakrishna were my main
supporters.
During my stay in Hyderabad lots of friends met me and
everyone urged me to get transferred to Hyderabad to
activate the association. I met Dr SN Mathur and requested
him for my transfer to Hyderabad to a not so a busy post. After
discussion with me he selected the post of medical officer,
Leprosy in Hyderabad district replacing someone. Necessary
orders were issued. It was a routine transfer and not a request
transfer.
The day I was returning to Bhadrachalam with my orders I
saw a news item in the newspapers. It was gist of comments
of Venkata Swamy the then minister labor about the
conditions that existed in ESI hospital at the time of his
inspection. Some press friends showed it to me. I gave my
reaction to those comments. I said the existing situation was
the result of system failures and not individual’s failures.
When I got down at Bhadrachalam I saw that my comments
were prominently published in some newspapers. The
publication of the said news at least served the purpose of
informing people that a new Secretary to Doctor’s association
was elected. I genuinely felt that system had too many
loopholes and failures which needed correction. I was
determined to improve it with the combined strength of
Doctors.
I handed over the charge to Dr Shankariah as no substitute
was posted. There was a farewell presided over by I/C DM&HO
Dr Inniah. Many doctors and local citizens attended and spoke.
The gist was: I have a harsh tongue and a heart made of butter.
I left for Hyderabad along with my family by the night bus.
I could not sleep. I reviewed my stay in Bhadrachalam.

Association Office

I tried to concentrate on building the association. Initially I

concentrated in building the needed infrastructure. Even
though the association was few years old it had no office. The
office of the association used to be in the boot of the car of Dr.
S. L Kantha Rao the earlier Secretary. Dr Kantha Rao was
secretary for a very long time. No clerical or typing assistance
was available. I inherited the association with no bank balance
and few debts to settle.
 I negotiated with IMA building trust and got a room
allotted for the association. I appointed a girl to assist us
typing. I also requested Chary, a clerk working in health
department in leprosy to help us for collecting data and for
correspondence. Dr Niranjan Singh Yadav the joint Secretary
was made in charge of the office.
The association had a general body. Every State
Government Civil assistant surgeon/ Deputy Civil Surgeon or
Dental assistant surgeon was eligible to become a member on
payment of annual fees. The collection of annual fees was
laborious and many never contributed. Each district was a unit
and so was each medical college. There was one unit for ESI
doctors and one unit for peripheral doctors at Hyderabad.
General body of each unit would elect office bearers like
president, secretary, treasurer and an executive body. Units
are empowered to nominate two members to the General
council which was the policy making body of the association.
The General council would elect the central office bearers like
a President, a Secretary and a treasurer, Joint secretaries for
each region and some executive committee members. This
elected body was the executive committee. It was the
implementing body. Person working in Telangana region was
only eligible to be the General Secretary and Person working
in Andhra/Rayalaseema was only eligible to become
president.
Dr. Raghuram Gupta was the president from Rayalaseema,
and I was the General Secretary from Telangana and Dr B
Krishna Reddy was the treasurer from Andhra area. Since the
other important office bearers were in peripheral areas the
burden of building and administering the office was mainly on
me. Dr Raghuram Gupta was a good speaker and would grasp
the subject quickly. Dr Krishna Reddy was a very quiet person
and would render practical advice on important matters.
We invited Madan Mohan the then health minister to
inaugurate the merged association. Dr Gupta in his address
showered praise on Madan Mohan which paved way to build
relationships.
 Guest House at Anantapur

A guest house for Doctors was built in Anantapur with

contributions from Doctors. Dr Bhaskar Reddy DME was
invited to inaugurate the same. I accompanied him in his car. I
could not see any greenery on the way. It was all barren. In
the meeting Dr Bhaskar Reddy narrated all the work I have
done in Bhadrachalam Hospital. He was full of praise. My uncle
Parvatal Rao who was Regional Director of Public relations
who attended the meeting was surprised.

A Madan Mohan- Minister for Health

In the first General council meeting I unfolded our strategy.

I obtained sanction to dispense with annual membership. In
its place we brought in a permanent membership of Rs 200 per
member which would be equally divided into unit share and
central share which would be deposited in a national bank and
the interest alone can be utilized by respective bodies. The
corpus cannot be touched. I volunteered to collect and
contribute from Khammam unit in a weeks’ time. I gave my
contribution, then & there and became the first permanent
member. The units were requested to follow suit. The units
were asked to conduct monthly meetings and discuss various
issues in their meetings and forward their resolutions and
recommendations to the central office which would be
discussed by the general council. The General council would
meet initially every month.

APCASA Newsletter

The momentum was building. The permanent membership

fee was flowing in. Units were discussing issues and were
forwarding the resolutions which were discussed in general
council. However, I felt that primary member was still not
participating in the discussions. There was gap. Few of us
discussed and felt that we should start a monthly newsletter
(In house Magazine) and circulate the same free to all
members. To build transparency we would print the names of
all permanent members and their unique ID numbers in the
newsletter.
We registered the newsletter as APCASA News, obtained
necessary permissions, including for mass posting. We
obtained the official addresses of all the civil assistant
surgeons in the state. I was the editor of the newsletter.
We wrote, composed, and got printed and posted the first
issue. It was a hit. Dr Jagannadha Tupari then working in IPM,
Niranjan Singh Yadav helped me in the task.
I started visiting various districts and addressing meetings.
I have completed visiting all the districts in the state once.
Slowly a picture of the problems doctors were facing
emerged. The General council gave a shape to it after few
rounds of discussions and prepared a chapter of demands. The
demands were three folded.
Few demands were financial like pay structure, allowances
etc. Few demands were those coming in way of Doctor’s
morale to deliver better services like restoring downgraded
parity with other cadres, and removing the administrative
control of BDOs in primary health centers. Few demands were
those to improve services like banning private practice to all
doctors and filling up of all vacant posts.
Earlier Civil assistant surgeons were equated with RDO,
Executive engineer in rank, pay, and authority. The earlier pay
commission reduced their rank to Tahsildar and assistant
Engineers who were earlier a rank below. This caused lot of
heart burn amongst doctor’s community. The special
allowances doctors were drawing for attending Sub jail
patients, RTC employee’s clinics and ESI allowance and non-
private practice allowance were very meager and were fixed
decades earlier.
Lowering the rank and equation affected the morale of the
doctor’s than the financial loss. It was aggravated further
when the BDOs were reviewing their work in PHCs. Earlier it
was the Samithi president. Since the elections were not held
for Panchayath the BDO’s who were of lower cadre were
reviewing their work.
Many posts of civil assistant surgeons (around 800) were
vacant in many hospitals especially in rural areas. The
Government didn’t have any valid data with them in regards
the vacancies. Those who went on leave were still continued
on rolls. There were MLAs who submitted their resignations to
contest elections and no one cared to sanction or deny, and
they still continued on rolls. Most of my batch mates who
joined service in the state and went abroad on study leave
were continued in service beyond 5 years.
Certain cadres of doctors like those working in health
services like PHCs, non-clinical teaching posts, and
administrative posts were paid a small amount of Rs 75 per
month and those working in Taluk, District, and General
Hospital in clinical departments were allowed private practice.
Allowing private practice for these doctors was affecting the
services in hospitals. Originally when most of the health care
and medical teaching was delivered by Government they were
allowed to provide second consultation to those seeking it
after they went to RMPs, LM&S, and others. They were not
delivering services like operations, investigative procedures
etc. since the primary doctors were not equipped with the
facilities for the same. With mushrooming of Nursing homes,
and other hospitals in private sector they were giving
consultation and were also operating in their nursing homes.
The costs of health care have gone up. Often the specialists
were not found during their duty hours and were coming late
and were promoting case for admission in private hospitals.
With such attitude of some doctors the whole profession was
getting a bad name and its image was going down. We took a
bold decision in spite of heavy resistance seeking ban of
private practice for all and paying compensation with
increased non-private practice allowance.
 First Strike Notice

We submitted our demands to the Government on 30th

April requesting it to consider them favorably failing which we
would be forced to go on strike from 2nd June 79. We released
the same to the press that evening. Local English, Telugu, Hindi
and Urdu newspapers carried the same in their next day
editions very prominently. Some papers wrote editorials in our
favor. Department has invited us for talks, but we were
reluctant. We insisted for a dialogue and discussion with the
health minister in the presence of all concerned officials. After
few days we were called for talks with the health minister A.
Madan Mohan along with Kasipandian, Joint Secretary Health
and the director Medical education Dr D Bhaskar Reddy and
Director Health Dr Venkat Rao. Eight representatives from
APCASA participated. After prolonged discussions all demands
except the one revision of pay were conceded. We insisted for
written minutes of our discussions and agreement. We called
off the strike. There were mixed reactions from our members.
Some called us timid and traitors. However, majority were
with our decision.
The Indian Government headed by Morarji Desai fell on
July 28th, 1979. Morarji resigned as Charan Singh's group
withdrew its support. Charan Singh became the prime
minister.
We waited for the Government to implement the
conceded demands. There was no response. All of us felt
cheated. We met the officials. They were nonresponsive and
were evasive in their replies. There was cold war going on
between ministers and the chief minister. Chief Minister was
busy celebrating his 60th birth day.
General council in its meeting on 14th October 79 insisted
that we should take up agitation method to force Government
to implement the conceded demands. We again toured all the
districts and discussed with the primary members. All the units
were in favor of a strike. They all signed their consent to abide
by majority decision and demanded us to organize the strike.
We made the primary member as supreme in taking such a
crucial decision. The will of the majority of primary members
alone would decide to call on a strike and to call of the strike.
There was a demand from few to discuss with Civil
Surgeon’s association and also involve them. However, many
of us were against it. We could not be convinced that they
would sail with us till the end. We also felt that emergencies
required their presence in the hospitals. However, we had
discussions with junior doctors and they were willing to join us
with their demands. We met few other associations and
addressed their meetings and apprised them of our problems.
We spoke to the trade unions. We spoke to the opposition
party representatives. We held a meeting of various
associations where they expressed their solidarity.
I met Kannabhiram an advocate and human rights activist.
When I informed him about our intention to go on strike he
told me that we will not be able to hold for more than a day or
two. Educated and intellectuals are unlikely to be together on
any issue for long. Secondly, he said in trade union agitations
few strong people would picket at the gate and would not
allow others to enter. He opinioned that in case of Doctors it
would not be possible as a single doctor would be working in
a PHC and there is no way he can be prevented if he wishes to
join work.

Second Notice-Strike

Again, we served a notice on the Government that we

would strike work from midnight of 18th November 1979 if our
demands are not conceded and implemented. As a strategy
we said Doctors working in medical colleges would first strike
work from midnight and after three days all the other doctors
from periphery would join. We told the members to listen to
news on All India Radio on the morning of 19 th Nov 79. All India
Radio broadcasted the news saying that the Doctors in
Government hospitals in Andhra Pradesh successfully struck
work from midnight of 18th November 79.
 We hired two rooms in Hotel Haridwar opposite IMA office
and established the strike office. We raised donations from
our members only. We used to conduct General council
meetings every week to review the situation. The meetings
would start at 10am and would continue after lunch and a vote
is taken at the end of meeting in regards continuation of strike.
The same would be released to the press and Radio. Few hours
of TV telecasting were available in Hyderabad only.

Curfew-Communal Riots

We were hardly into strike of five days when the communal

riots broke in the old city on 23rd November 79. Curfew was
imposed in the old city and was extended up to Kothi. Injured
persons from both communities were rushed to Osmania
General Hospital. I was in hotel Haridwar with couple of other
friends when Dr Bhaskar Reddy DME called me on the phone
and asked me to relax the strike in Osmania hospital and
permit doctors to attend to work. He sent his vehicle to our
hotel in which I went to his office across the street. We
discussed and I after consultation with few other office
bearers agreed to relax. I asked for a list of Doctors working in
Osmania Hospital, their telephone numbers and addresses.
Hospital could not give me such a list immediately. I asked for
some vehicles to pick up doctors from their houses and take
them to the hospital as the hospital itself was in curfew area.
They could not mobilize. I requested the Director to
requisition vehicles from Police department with escorts for
mobilizing doctors. He spoke to the police commissioner
Pavithran and handed over me the phone.
I explained to the commissioner the situation and he
agreed to send few vehicles to the hotel. I contacted few
doctors whose telephone numbers I had and asked them to
talk to others and rush to Osmania hospital and organize
services. There was no dissent. All moved to the hospital. . Few
went to hospital in their own transport and others were picked
up by dispatched police vehicles. We provided the services for
ten days and called off the services after ten days. I had some
taste of riots and learnt few lessons of organizing the relief.
We permitted free clinics to be opened by striking doctors
in front or nearby the hospitals in tents to provide free
consultation. The civil surgeons were expected to run the
emergency services.

Hotel Haridwar: Strike Office

I used to spend most of the time in the hotel room

receiving calls from various units, releasing press notes etc. Dr
Niranjan Singh Yadav used to look after the office work. I
would go for lunch to Fateh Maidan Club along with Dr KR
Chary and Dr Jaggannath Tupari. Dr A Ranga Rao from ENT
hospital, Dr K Ranga Rao President of Osmania unit, Dr I Ranga
Rao TB officer, Dr CB Srinivas Rao, Dr M Radhakrishna from ESI,
Dr Sudarshan Reddy and Dr Manohar from fever hospital. Dr
Poornachandra Rao from Osmania, Dr Krishna Prasad and Dr
Prabhakar from Gandhi used to visit office regularly. Dr Uttara
and Dr Sarasvati Raju were our active lady representatives.
Both of them joined us in touring few districts. I would go back
to hotel in the evening and spend till 8 pm and go home or visit
some important official. I would spend my evenings mostly
with press people, or Dr Venkat Rao our director or with
Pavithran commissioner of police, Dr Sharma and Adiraju
Venkateshwara Rao etc.

Who is Dr Ranga Rao?

Dr M Channa Reddy the Chief Minister agreed to meet our

delegation. All the working committee members went to meet
him. CM was busy looking at some files and he motioned us to
take seats after our greetings. He looked up and asked, “Who
is Dr Ranga Rao”? I replied saying there were four Ranga Raos
in the group. I introduced Dr A Ranga Rao, Dr K Ranga Rao, Dr
I Ranga Rao as members and lastly me as Dr AP Ranga Rao, the
General Secretary. CM looked into my eyes and said, “So you
are Dr Ranga Rao organizing the strike”. I didn’t reply. He
advised me saying: Medical profession is a jealous mistress.
One cannot ride both profession and politics. One has to
choose in between them to be successful like him. He listened
to our presentation and asked us to call off the strike first then
he would consider our demands. I said we would present the
same to our members for decision.
In my conversations with various officials I could gather
that CM was reviewing the situation daily. Often, he would ask
what the intent of ours in organizing the strike? Daily a new
dimension would be given to him. Till my entry into the
association as an office bearer the association was totally led
and run by Dr A Gopal Kishan, Dr SL kantha Rao etc. Dr A Gopal
Kishan was a close associate of Dr Channa Reddy during
Telangana agitation. Telangana agitation and subsequent
Andhra agitation split the association into two. Dr Gopal
Kishan became a civil surgeon and was not directly associated
with our organization. However, he still continued to influence
many of our members.
Incidentally Gopal Kishan was the cousin brother of Madan
Mohan our health minister then. Differences were creeping in
between CM and ministers. He might have suspected Dr Gopal
Kishan behind the agitation which was not true. He expressed
his suspicion in a meeting with Civil Surgeons. Civil Surgeons
association too was concerned with a prolonged strike and
they were trying to convince us to seek an early solution.
Naturally it must have led CM to look for motives somewhere
else. On enquiry he was told that I was behind the strike. In
the beginning he must have suspected the hand of Jalagam
Vengal Rao the earlier chief minister since I was a friend of his
son Prasad Rao. There were many in fights in the police
department between commissioners of police, DGP,
Intelligence agencies. Everyone was hoping to end the strike
and take credit. They would try and get some information and
feed to the CM. Different versions emerged. I was accused of
being man of Vengal Rao, a trade union activist of CPI, a man
of Madan Mohan, an extremist etc. CM was confused. One-
day G Krishna journalist met CM. In the course of
conversation, he mentioned about our strike. CM repeated his
earlier question “Who is this Dr Ranga Rao”? G Krishna
mentioned to him that I was the son of Aitharaju Ram Rao
whom he knew. CM narrated to him his earlier suspicions. G
Krishna tried to allay his fears. After few days CM summoned
Bhide then collector Vijayanagaram. Bhide worked as deputy
secretary in medical and health department. Jainder
introduced him to me and we became good friends. Knowing
that Bhide knew me personally CM made enquiries about me.
Some of our doctors went to Kasipandian house and held
unauthorized demonstration. I felt very bad about it and
apologized to Kasipandian next time I met him. He took it
sportively.
We held a demonstration in front of secretariat which went
on peacefully.
In a fit of anger and frustration I told Adiraju that “one day
we may just drop all demands and come up with only one
demand that if Madan Mohan is sacked from the ministry we
would call off the strike”. It was in a private conversation. It
appeared in a newspaper next day. As usual the item named
none as the source and simply said it is learnt from reliable
sources. There was pressure on me to condemn it. I replied
that I didn’t want it to be an issue since no one might have
even read it and condemning may attract bigger attention.
Since the private sector in curative services grew well in the
earlier decade people were not adversely affected. There
were no adverse remarks in the press. However, people bore
the burden of private cost silently.
There were hawks and doves in the association. Both were
united for a long time in the long struggle. However non-
receipt of salaries was badly affecting the doctors who were
mainly dependent on salary. We organized loans to them from
banks standing guarantee. Many started being skeptical about
the likely outcome. Few approached me to find an end. I was
sure on the day one itself about the likely outcome.
Government would not concede and loose its face. It would
just ignore and wait for opportunity to divide us. Once we are
divided it would come heavily and smash it. My task from the
beginning was very simple. It was to keep the flock united
either in defeat or success. Luckily, I had good friends and
supporters in both the camps. Few of us again undertook tours
to districts to sense the mood. In the meetings they would all
ask us to continue but in private conversations they would
question and express many doubts.

Resign and join me

Dr Channa Reddy in his public speech inaugurating the

Industrial exhibition (Numaish) is supposed to have said that I
should resign my job and join him to solve the problems facing
doctors.
Few of our doctors decided that they would go to Dr
Reddy’s house to greet him on his birth day which they hoped
would pacify him and he would be more favorable to us. Few
of our senior members along with few junior doctors went to
Dr Reddy’s residence. They waited outside awaiting his return
from a funeral. They waived and greeted him from a distance.
The officials advised them to wait. They waited for a long time.
It was said that Dr Reddy went for his bath and from there to
perform pooja. The junior doctors became restless and under
the mistaken impression they were kept waiting deliberately
shouted slogans against Dr Reddy and stampeded the garlands
they took and forced every other doctor to leave with them. It
was another unfortunate event. The divide was becoming
much sharper.
Indira Gandhi was sworn in as prime minister of India on
14th January 1980.

Medical Services declared as Emergency Services

The Government declared medical and Health services as

Emergency services and banned strike. It hoped it would
create scare and doctors would join. Some doctors went to the
high court and obtained a stay. Dr Reddy was away in Delhi.
On return from Delhi at the airport he is supposed to have
commented on coming to know about the stay from the press
people that: The order was only a scrap of paper. CM’s peshi
headed by my uncle Parvatal Rao who was the PRO to CM saw
to that no such comment would appear in papers. After few
days the stay order was lifted by the court. There was panic.
Dr D Bhaskar Reddy our Director of Medical Education
suffered a heart attack and was admitted to NIMS. I called on
him. He wished us the best. He always supported us. At the
back of my mind I felt guilty. Our strike could have been a
factor for his attack.
In one of the tours I went to Khammam. My father must
have been following the strike progress in papers. He called
me aside and asked me to be careful how I travel. He advised
me not to travel alone and on my scooter.

Court Cases and Suspensions

Manohar my younger brother and few of his colleagues

working in fever hospital were summoned by police. Police
registered a case against them under emergency services
ordinance. They took bail. It was building pressure on me.
Pavithran knew that Manohar was my brother. No case was
booked against any other doctor in the state. I telephoned
Pavithran and gave my mind. I refused to see him after that.
After few days Dr K Ranga Rao, Dr Raghuram Gupta and I
were suspended. I refused to take the order saying I was on
strike. They posted it to my house. Dr Ranga Rao consulted a
lawyer and gave the reply. I did not reply immediately. I
replied to the charge memo after few days. I accepted having
led the strike but not instigating the strike. I replied saying that
it was a unanimous decision of all the doctors and as elected
representative I implemented their wish.
Some of our Doctors went to Delhi and met Sanjay Gandhi.
He promised to look into the matter.
G Venkata Swamy minister labor then sent for us. I met him
at his residence early in the morning. He enquired about our
demands. He didn’t say anything.
 The general council met in the last week of January 1980.
The tone of the meeting was totally different. The Hawks were
silent. Unknown doves came to the meeting headed by KJR
Murthy. They praised all our efforts. I could sense the mood.
All were tired. Still they were all united.

Calling off strike unconditionally

On 31st January few of us met and discussed calling of the

strike unconditionally. We decided to take the opinion of all
units. We telephoned them and asked the presidents and
secretaries separately to find the opinion of their general body
members by evening and let us know. By evening all units
called and gave their verdict to call off. I released a cryptic
short press note calling off the strike unconditionally. We kept
the entire thing a secret till evening. We didn’t give scope to
anyone to take credit. I went home at 9 pm and shut myself
off and was not available to anyone.
Next day all doctors rejoined duty except Dr. Gupta, Dr K
Ranga Rao and me since we were under suspension. Our file
went up and down few times. Everyone recommended lifting
our suspension and reinstatement and dropping all charges.
But Chief Minister insisted punishment. After few attempts
CM relented. The order said that we were never suspended.
Convention of civil assistant surgeons was held in Kadapa
on 1st Sep 80. I also conducted the elections. Hussein Reddy
was elected as President, Dr CB Srinivas Rao as Secretary and
Dr Prasad as treasurer. I made my earlier commitment to Dr
Srinivasa Rao true. He is a gentle soul. He never took to heart
my failure to keep my promise of making him secretary earlier.
He always supported me.
Even though we called off the strike unconditionally almost
all the demands were subsequently met and implemented.
 Welfare activities for Doctors

Housing coop Society

I started taking interest in welfare activities. I founded with
few other doctors "Doctors Housing cooperative society" and
bought land from Siris Raju in Dilsukh Nagar and some more
land on Nagarjuna Sagar road. Niranjan Singh Yadav, Dr
Sudarshan Reddy, Dr Anjaneya Sharma, Dr Manohar, Dr
Sridhar took active interest and ran it successfully. I too bought
a plot with the money given by my father.
COOP Credit Society
I also founded Doctors cooperative credit society and was
managed well subsequently by Niranjan Singh Yadav, Dr
Venugopal, Dr Devender Reddy, Dr Nagabhushanam etc.
Post Graduate Study circle
We also started a post graduate study circle to train
Doctors appearing for PG entrance. It became very popular. Dr
Manohar, Dr Dasradha Rami Reddy, Dr Radhakrishna, Dr
Sudarshan Reddy, Dr Madan managed it.
APCASA Building- Eluru
Danam was collector west Godavari. I visited him and
requested for sanction of land in premises of hospital for
construction of a guest house. He was kind enough to order
the same and Doctors built a guest house with their own
donations.
APCASA Building -Hyderabad
We decided to build a guest house and office for our
association members. There was vacant land in the premises
of ENT hospital earlier Pratap Girji Kothi. A new public road
was laid separating the vacant land in the back of the hospital.
We felt it was most suitable and central place. I was made
chairman of the building committee. We approached the
Government for sanction of the land. Understandably it was
opposed by Jain Superintendent of Hospital. Madan Mohan
who was the revenue minister then helped us and sanctioned
it. It was 1000 sq meters. We requested each unit to subscribe
to the building fund. I requested DV Janardhan Reddy my
engineer friend to draw the designs and oversee construction.
It was designed for three floors. We built the first floor. We got
it inaugurated in a record time of one year. It had an office
room, meeting hall and two guest rooms and a watchman
quarter.
Post Graduate Study Circle
I had more free time and again I started taking interest in
association activities. We registered a post Graduate study
circle on 21st Nov 84, to conduct teaching classes for
candidates appearing for PG entrance examinations at
nominal fees. It was an instant success. Manohar my brother,
Dr Dasharatha Rami Reddy, a neonatologist, Dr BG Prabhakar,
Dr Uttara, Dr Krishna Prasad, and Dr Madan, working in SPM
were running it very efficiently. The office was in Gandhi
Medical College. All senior teachers of various faculties joined
the teaching programme and were taking interest at a very
small remuneration.
Coop Credit Society
We also registered a Coop credit society for twin city Civil
Assistant Surgeons, and again it was managed very efficiently
by Dr J. Venugopal, Dr CB Srinivasa Rao, and Dr Devender
Reddy etc. Initially we were borrowing from COOP bank to give
loans but soon had our own corpus fund.

Posted in Hyderabad

I joined Leprosy unit of Hyderabad east as Medical officer

on 12th October 1980. The office was in a rented building in
the first floor nearby Darulshifa in old city near new Salarjang
museum building. There were three rooms and some open
space. There were three office staff members and an attender
and a driver and two programme supervisors and a
physiotherapist. In the field there were 20 non-medical
assistants of leprosy. They were managing the sub centres
which were in some municipal wards and also in the villages in
the outskirts of city. Radius of my coverage area was thirty
Kms from the centre of city. Clinics were held in the villages
and population screened for signs of leprosy, examined,
diagnosed and given domiciliary treatment. My immediate
boss was Dr Anand Raj, Assistant Director. Dr Anand Raj was
medical officer at Kothagudem when I was Mo at Burgumpad.
Dr Narayana Rao, Dr Bhaskar were the other two doctors
manning other units.
I rented the first floor of a residential house in
Chikkadpally. My neighbours were Kankipati Satyanarayana
Rao garu (working in secretariat) and his brother in law
Venkatarama Rao garu (Working in AG office). They were
related to Jwala my brother in law. My brother in law Jwala
and my cousin brother Mohan were staying right behind our
house in the lane behind. We could see them and converse
with them from our house. My brother Dr Manohar was
staying in Ashoknagar, at a walking distance from my house.
Dr Anjaneya Sharma was living in Nallakunta. Sripathi Rao garu
built a house in Vijayanagar colony and shifted there. Dr KR
chary built a nursing home in the lane next to Deepak Mahal.
Harinarayan was working in Delhi. KV Chalapathi Rao working
in Andhra Bank was staying in Chikkadpally. Srinivasa Rao was
staying in Chikkadpally near Tyagaraya Ganasabha.
Ramappa was posted as chairman Vishakha Grameen Bank
and was staying in Srikakulam. My uncle Parvatal Rao was
staying in Kadapa. Ramappa would often visit Hyderabad on
official visits and would stay in Taj Mahal Hotel, Narayan Guda.
We would all meet him there in the evenings.
We admitted Bharath in a private school nearby. Later we
shifted him and admitted him in People’s high school nearby.
After few months of stay in Chikkadpally we rented and
shifted to the house of Kesiraju Chalapathi Rao garu in
Ashoknagar. Jwala and I shared the accommodation. My
father sent Aitharaju Venkateshwara Rao (son of Late
Aitharaju Gopal Rao my uncle (China Venkanna)), and
Bhandaru Ramakrishna (son of Bhandaru Kameswara Rao and
Laxmibai) to Hyderabad to join some technical course. We
admitted them in Allhuddin Technical School in welder’s
course. China Venkanna stayed in my house and Ramakrishna
stayed with Manohar. Sharma garu working as lecturer in New
Science College was our neighbour. He was staying with his
parents. On Sundays his father used to conduct Brahmin
Vivaha Vedika (Marriage Bureau) for free. My other neighbour
was Vijayakumar and Swathanthra garu. They used to live with
their children and their niece Nirmala who subsequently
married my youngest brother Venkanna. Venkanna was
studying graduation and was staying in Nizam college hostel.
Kodari Venkaiah daughter (From his second wife) had
rectal prolapse and I got her operated and they stayed with us
for a month.
Kolipaka Jaya and Prabhakar SI were married on 9th March
79.
My youngest sister was pregnant. We brought her for
delivery and she delivered a baby boy “Rajeev” on 8th May 79
in Kavitha Nursing home belonging to Kavitha and Dr KR Chary.
Most of our health needs were met in that nursing home.
Laxmi d/o Manohar underwent Appendectomy there. Vijaya
Shankar underwent Hernia repair. Dr Sharath’s daughter
underwent removal of mole there. My mother and aunt Prema
underwent surgeries for Breast conditions there. My maternal
uncle Venkateshwara Rao underwent surgery for fracture. My
uncle Sri Kavuturi Krishna Murthy garu was admitted for
malignancy throat there and passed his last days in that
nursing home. My sister Jubbi gave birth to a second child
Kedar also there. Jainder underwent some minor surgery and
Vasectomy there. I think but for help and kindness of Chary
and Kavitha we would have been breaking.
Manohar was finding it difficult to manage his house with
his salary. He wanted to setup his practice. As he was in a non-
practicing post he could not do so. I requested the director for
a change of posting. He obliged and posted him to fever
hospital. After few days Manohar opened a clinic in
Chikkadpally and never had to look back. He practiced
paediatrics and soon became a leading practitioner in that
area. His practice was not dependent on his hospital posting.
 Anantapur district branch of APCASA constructed an office
cum guest house and held an inaugural function in June 79. Dr
Bhaskar Reddy our DME and I travelled together in his car for
its inauguration. I met my uncle Parvatal Rao who too came
for the function. As usual I was the topic for Dr Bhaskar
Reddy’s speech. He showered lots of praise on me for my work
in Bhadrachalam.
Soon after Parvatal Rao garu was transferred as the PRO to
Dr M Channa Reddy CM of the state. Initially he stayed in
Nallakunta and later shifted to Punjagutta PJ officers’ quarters.
The mother of my maternal grandfather Bhandaru
Rukkinamma died in Khambhampadu. She was ailing for long
time. She was the pillar of that family.
My parents went for pilgrimage in south India. They started
their journey from Hyderabad. All of us went to see them off
at Secunderabad station. They were scheduled to visit
Puttaparthi as part of their travel after few days. Manohar,
Jwala and I decided to travel to Puttaparthi and meet them at
Puttaparthi. We travelled by train and Dr Gangi Reddy took us
to Puttaparthi and from there to Anantapur. We saw
Penukonda fort.
We celebrated Shastipoorthi of our parents at Hyderabad
in a simple function. We had a celebration of 15yearss of our
marriage too in 1979.
Seenappa father in law was ailing with malignancy. He was
treated at Madras. He spent his last days with his daughter in
Chikkadpally.
Ramakrishna a distant relation of Seenappa stayed with us
for some time. He used to give tuition to Bharath. I became a
member of press club. After wards he became a famous
journalist.
I was invited by Harinarayan to a get together with Dr Arole
of Jhamkhed who received the Ramon Magsaysay Award. He
did an impressive work in Jhamkhed. I met Vittal Rajan, KS
Gopal and few other friends there.
 Meeting Kaloji Narayan Rao

G Krishna and I along with Jwala called on Kaloji Narayana

Rao the famous Telugu poet, Freedom fighter and humanist
and Gandhian in Chest hospital. He was admitted for chest
ailment. While we were talking to him a young lady came to
his room. He handed over his food to her and enquired about
her husband's health. After she left he told us on our enquiry
that she is distantly related to PV Narasimha Rao, and her
husband was admitted that morning after 12 o'clock. As per
the rules patient admitted after 12 AM would not be served
food from the hospital kitchen. Since they were very poor, and
the lady would not able to go out and bring food he gave his
food to them. He said he requested a friend to bring him some
food. I was witness to many such acts of his subsequently.
I gave up smoking in the first quarter of 1980. I would only
smoke outside Hyderabad. I gave up for almost three months.
One day I went to visit a friend’s wife who died of third degree
burns. Her husband was abroad. She had three children. I felt
bad and started smoking again.
Krishna Bhoopal a forest officer had some work in Delhi. He
asked me if I could go with him. We both went to Delhi and
stayed with Harinarayan in his official flat. That was my first
trip to Delhi. Adiraju gave us very valuable information about
Delhi. We met Samal and few other friends in Delhi.
Dr Surya Prakash Rao husband of my cousin Padmaja was
ailing with some problem and required neuro surgery of the
brain. They decided to have it done in Chennai. They sought
my help. The surgeon was the sister of Dr Satyabhama
Sundaram. She agreed to operate in Dr Ramamurthy neuro
centre. I accompanied them to Chennai. I requested the father
in law of Komaragiri Gopi my cousin to accommodate my sister
in their house. He was working in catering in Railways. They
not only accommodated her but took great care of her. Dr
Surya Prakash Rao had a successful operation but died after
many months.
 My cousin Sudhakar son of of Aitharaju Radhakishan Rao
was studying engineering in Karnataka and went on a study
tour to Goa along with his classmates. He met a watery grave
on 26th Sep 79 when he went for a swim in the sea. They could
recover the body and after post-mortem the body was sent to
his village. I was informed of it and accompanied the body to
the village from Hyderabad. Two of his friends from Jaggiahpet
accompanied the body from Goa. I was impressed by the
arrangements the vehicle which carried the body. The owner
driver had lot of imagination. The body was well preserved for
4 days. There were huge crowds in the village to see the body.

Leprosy training

I was deputed to Salur for training in Leprosy. Around thirty

candidates from different parts of the world attended. It was
in an exclusive hospital and training institute run by a NGO
headed by Dr Tyagarajan, who was a renowned figure in
leprosy work then. There was a lady from Denmark, a lady
Doctor from Nepal and Christian nun doctor from Bangalore
and the rest were from Andhra Pradesh. The course was for
six weeks. It was residential. Ramappa was working as
chairman Vishakha Grameen Bank. Pradeep Bhide was
collector Vijayanagaram. I visited Ramappa couple of times at
Srikakulam. Pradeep Bhide invited me and Ramappa for
dinner. Ramappa and I went to Bhide’s residence on one
evening. Bhide was still at office. Sheila Bhide wife of Pradeep
received us and we were made comfortable. That was the first
time I met Sheila. Sheila too was in IAS and was PD, DRDA of
Vizianagaram. Soon Bhide and another gentleman walked in.
Bhide introduced us and the gentleman was Mr Chandra
Mowli IAS and MD of Girijan Corporation. He was very
knowledgeable and soon the topic turned to health. I
expressed my opinion about expansion of NGO sector in
health. After dinner we all departed.
Salur 50 kilometres from Vijayanagaram was a taluk
headquarters and a sleepy town. Tribal belt was closer, and it
was bordering Orissa. Mostly people were semi clad and spoke
Telugu in a different accent. I saw many trees growing in the
area which I have not seen before. They were called “Paachi
chetlu”.

Visit to Konark, Puri, and Bhubaneswar

We had long stretch of weekend holidays during the course

of our training. Few of us decided to go and see Konark and
Puri in Orissa which were closer to the place. Initially three of
us planned to go. Except the three ladies who came from far
off places rest all candidates left for their homes for the long
weekend. The three ladies too joined us.
We went to Bhubaneswar by train and checked into
railway waiting rooms and went around the city. We went to
Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves 8 Kilometres away. There
were great carvings belonging to Buddhist and Jain religions of
second BC.
We reached Ling raj temple by 3 pm. The temple is said to
have built in 11th AD. The presiding deity is Shiva. Both Hari
and Hara are worshipped here. The pandas (Priests) menace is
very high in Orissa temples. They demand money for
everything. While we were going around a person approached
us and demanded money. Since we objected he raised an
objection saying that nun doctor and the Dutch doctor and the
Nepali doctor cannot be allowed to visit the deity. He was
persistent with his refusal saying that the entry is only for
Hindus. I said that in south India if one signs a statement that
they have belief in the Hindu god they would be allowed.
However, he said no such practice existed there. We relented
and told him that the Nun doctor and the foreign doctor would
not come in but asked him to allow the Nepali doctor who was
a Hindu. That too he refused. We went out and I saw a police
station nearby and went there and spoke to the police officer
there. He said he was helpless in temple matters. I told him
that we would not leave unless he accompanied us and
arranged the darshan. I insisted that the Nepali doctor who is
a Hindu should be allowed. Nepal was the only country which
declared itself as a Hindu state. Her passport clearly states her
religion. at last the police officer agreed to accompany. On
seeing us with the police officer they closed the main temple.
There was a big que. Sensing that the situation was
deteriorating the police officer went to higher ups in the
temple and we were allowed.
We left for Konark that evening by bus and stayed in tourist
hotel and saw sun rise next morning. It was simply beautiful.
We visited the Konark temple. What a majestic construction.
Many stories are told about this magnificent structure.
We left for Puri and visited Jaggannath temple. A peculiar
custom was practiced in the temple premises. It is considered
that if one of the "Panda" approaches you, one has to bow,
and offer money and he would lightly tap on your body with a
small staff. That act is supposed to absolve one's sins. It was
said that records of our ancestors visiting Puri were well
preserved there. I didn't have time to check. We returned to
Salur.
I went to Ramappa few times to spend weekends. After
finishing the course, I returned to Hyderabad.
After return to Hyderabad I started taking interest in my
job and commenced touring my area daily and seeing the
patients. I used to leave at 8am with a packed lunch and go to
few villages each day and visit patients and return by evening.
There was very little I could do. I could not make much impact.
I was getting frustrated. The staff too were not happy with my
visits as it put pressure on them to be in the field. There was
unhappiness all round. I decided to change my job. I requested
for a shift and was posted to Gandhi hospital as an
anaesthetist.

Gandhi Hospital- Anaesthesia Department

I Joined department of anaesthesia as Civil assistant

surgeon on 5th June 1980. Dr LN Rao was the Head of
department of anaesthesia. Dr Rupendra Lal and Dr
Satyanarayana were the other two Civil Surgeon
anaesthetists. I was posted to Obstetrics and Gynaecology
department as anaesthetist under Dr Rupendra Lal. Dr
Lokabai, Mrs. Harinath, and Rukmabai Naidu were the three
obstetricians. Dr Goka Mohan, Dr Balamba, Dr K. Vijaya Laxmi,
and Lokabai's daughter and few others were assistant
professors in obstetrics. Dr Manimala, Dr PS Reddy were the
Assistant professors in anaesthesia. Dr Dayakar Reddy, Dr
Narahari and few others were PG students. Dr G. Vijaya Laxmi
was a PG student of obstetrics.
Dr Rupendra Lal was a close associate of Dr Venkat Rao
who was the Director of health then. Dr LN Rao and Dr Venkat
Rao had some differences of opinion on their seniority.
However, both were nice to me. Rupendra Lal would often
entertain us at Nizam's club. Dr Dayakar Reddy who was the
PG student opened a nursing home by name "Gaganmahal
nursing home". He wanted me to introduce him to some
Specialists consultants who would admit cases in his nursing
home. I introduced to him Dr Venkat Ratnam, an orthopaedic
surgeon (In Nizams hospital), and Dr S. Yellareddy surgeon. Dr
Sharma opened a good X-Ray centre by name Satya X-Ray
clinic in Himayathnagar which became very popular. Dr Venkat
Ratnam’s wife Dr Padmavathy was highly qualified. She was a
surgeon and obstetrician.
N. Laxman Rao a school classmate met me accidentally one
day. I invited him for dinner to my house. He was the only son
to his parents. His father died at the age of 35 Years so was his
grandfather. With that background he gave up non-vegetarian
food and was living mostly on boiled vegetables. He would
only eat twice once after the sunrise in the morning and once
before sunset. Despite all the care he took and meticulously
followed the advice of doctors he too died suddenly soon
after. Destiny?
My uncle Parvatal Rao was staying in Punjagutta
Government quarters. One day my aunt Sarojini went into
"Status asthmaticus" and I took her and admitted her in
Osmania General hospital. That day my uncle took an
application from me for allotment of a Government quarter.
In those days there were very few Doctors in Punjagutta area.
Nizams hospital was only an orthopaedic hospital.
Venkappa (Bhandaru Venkateshwara Rao, my mother's
younger brother) met with an accident in the village and broke
his two bones. We got him admitted in Kavitha Nursing home
under Dr Srinivas Rao an orthopaedic surgeon and after an
operation he recovered and went home without any disability.
Few friends who were applying for job in Iran persuaded
me to apply too. We all went by train to New Delhi and stayed
in AP Guest house and appeared for the interview. Later for
some reason the interviews were cancelled. Mallikarjun at
that time minister for Railways helped us in getting return
tickets. Later many Doctors left for Iran, Iraq, Saudi etc and
made some money and returned back and re-joined the
service.

Treasure Hunt with KS Bhargava

Bhargava a forest officer, friend and relation of Jwala told

us of an incident that happened in the forests of Acchampet.
He said a tribal boy was chasing a porcupine and it escaped
and entered into a small hole in a hill. The tribal widened the
hole to capture it and to his amazement found the hole caving
in and leading to a big hall. When he lit a light, he found that
there was a big marble table in the middle with many statues
sitting around it. He got frightened and came out and informed
the forest officer. Few of us on hearing it decided to visit the
place. Jwala, Seenappa, G Krishna, Harinarayan and his wife
along with Bhargava decided to go. We drove in two vehicles
and went into the cave. It was a big cave leading to many more
caves. It was very cool. The water dribbling from the roof
mixed with many minerals got deposited on the walls and the
floor and formed into various shapes. It was a natural art.
 1000 lights festival-Ramappa Temple

We saw a very big advertisement in newspapers about a

dance programme in the temple of Ramappa on Sivaratri night
under castor lamps. Few of us decided to witness it. Dr
Prabhanjan who was the district leprosy officer at that time in
Warangal said he would take us from Warangal to the temple
in his official 14 seated vehicle as he was deputed for the
festival. Bhargava who was working as Forest Range officer
assured accommodation in his forest guest house in Pakala.
Jwala, Seenappa, Ramakrishna Rao from AIR and few others
left for Warangal by train and with few other friends joining
from Warangal proceeded to Ramappa in the evening. There
was heavy traffic. The pace was slow. When we reached
Ramappa we could not see even one light or any indication of
a dance. We were very disappointed. We proceeded to Pakala
wild life forest sanctuary. The cottages were very nice. We had
dinner there and Bhargava took us into deep forest and we
saw almost every wild animal that night. Thanks to Bhargava,
it was a well-maintained sanctuary. Next morning the 14-
seated vehicle broke down. We stayed there for another two
days and enjoyed our stay.

Visit to Vellur

Harinarayan was posted as MD Lid Cap. One evening he

asked me about various components for rehabilitation of
Leprosy afflicted patients. He told me that Government of
India provide some funds for that purpose. We zeroed on
"Foot care by foot wear" programme. Both of us went to
Vellore to see the Foot care programme started by Dr Prichhi.
We were impressed by his programme. He explained to us in
detail.

Brahmotsavam

On our way back, we went to Tirupati and met PVRK Prasad

who was the EO of TTD. Brahmotsavam festival was being
celebrated then. Along with him we went for darshan and also
saw Brahmotsavam.
Sanjay Gandhi died in a small aircraft crash on 23rd June
1980.

Moving to Punjagutta Quarters

Parvatal Rao mamiah got a quarter PJ 28 in Punjagutta

quarters allotted to me. It was diagonally opposite his quarter.
It had three bed rooms and rent was only Rs 75 per month. My
right side neighbour was Raghavendra Rao, the then secretary
to Chief Minister. The quarter of Ravulapati Seetharam Rao
was across the road. I shifted to the quarters on 4th
September 1980. My shifting to Punjagutta has caused much
inconvenience to Jwala, as we were sharing the house at
Ashoknagar. I used to commute to Gandhi Hospital on my
scooter. I and Jwala purchased new scooters under NRI quota.
The amount was given in dollars by Dr Venkat Ram Reddy
living in USA. Jainder stayed for a month in the flats at
Punjagutta and later shifted to Erramanjil quarters. Banerjee
used to live diagonally opposite to him. Dr Pachuri, and Danam
were living in Punjagutta quarters.

Nela-Nela Vennela

CV Krishna Rao garu used to organize "Nela-Nela Vennela"

literary programmes. I attended most of them.
Kedar was born on 8th September 1980.
Tanguturi Anjaiah became Chief Minister of AP on 10th
October 1980. He had the Jumbo cabinet. He was a labour
leader, was simple, and friendly, and was easily approachable.
Bhandaru Srinivas Rao was well known to him. Parvatal Rao
continued to be his PRO.
Soon APCASA organized a convention at Hyderabad and
invited CM to be the chief guest. Husain Reddy sitting next to
him goaded him to concede to most of our strike demands and
he did so.
 Kolipaka Ranganayakamma (Peddathiah) died on 28th
February 81.
Harinarayaan was posted as collector Srikakulam. Banerjee
became Director Social welfare.
Dr Surya Prakash Rao, husband my cousin sister Padmaja
died on 14th August 1981 at Veliminedu. I attended his neuro
surgery at Chennai earlier. I went for his cremation.

Working with differently abled

AP Handicapped Coop Finance corporation

A new corporation for the welfare of Handicapped was

formed by Government of AP. Banerjee IAS was in additional
charge of it as MD. One evening he invited me for dinner to his
house and proposed that I should go on deputation to ministry
of social welfare, Government of AP as MD of newly created
corporation for handicapped welfare. He persuaded me, and I
agreed. He sent necessary proposals to the Government. KR
Venugopal IAS was the Secretary Social welfare. He
recommended, and the file was sent to Koneru Ranga Rao the
then minister for his approval. It was kept pending by the
minister for few days. Banerjee asked if I knew anyone who
could put in a word to the minister. Bhandaru Srinivas Rao met
Koneru Ranga Rao and broached the subject with the minister
and it was immediately cleared and I was appointed as MD of
A P Handicapped Cooperative Finance Corporation. I took
charge on 10th October 1981.
The creation of handicapped finance corporation had an
interesting history. A Government school for the blind, Deaf
and dumb existed for a long time in Malak pet. There was a
hostel attached to it. Differences between Blind, Deaf and
Dumb inmates arose and there were physical clashes in the
hostel between them. Naturally the deaf and dumb used to
have an advantage. One night the blind planned it well and
attacked the deaf and dumb. The blind switched off the lights
in the hostel and attacked. Since the lights were switched off
the deaf and dumb were at greater disadvantage of loss of
three senses: sound, communication and sight. The blind had
only one disadvantage that was lack of vision. Few students
were seriously injured. There were violent protests and
dhrana. Groups of handicapped formed into associations and
raised demands. Their common demand was creation of an
exclusive corporation like SC and BC corporations to attend to
their specific needs.
The money available for leprosy rehabilitation Rs 25 lakhs
was used as corpus money and a public society under
cooperative law was established. Laxmi Devi from Anantapur,
a former minister was made chairperson. A three-room office
was taken on rent near Nizams hospital on the main road and
was furnished. The basic idea of the corporation was to
arrange for bank loans for handicapped providing 20% seed
money by the corporation. Blind, Deaf and Dumb,
orthopedically handicapped, mentally retarded and Leprosy
deformed or disabled were the categories eligible for
assistance under the newly created corporation. A manger, a
clerk and two attenders, a driver and a PA were the posts
created and filled in by the time I took charge. An ambassador
car was purchased for the chairperson. Swamy on deputation
from coop department was the manager. Rajamalliah on
deputation from secretariat was the attender. His wife
Kusuma Latha was taken on daily wages as another attender.
Rajaiah orthopedically handicapped was the clerk on contract.
Yadagiri was the driver. Koneru Ranga Rao minister visited the
office one day.
By the time I took charge Daljit Arora was posted as
secretary Social welfare in place of Venugopal.
A meeting was organized to felicitate Anjaiah CM in
Tyagaraya Ganasabha by the handicapped associations on 3rd
November 1981. It was a good success.
I was not very happy with the only programme of loaning
by the corporation. The banks were not coming forward to
lend. The handicapped didn't have the necessary skills or
training to use the loans meaningfully. Only those vocal, city
bred handicapped were using or misusing the programme. We
didn't even have district wise number of handicapped
category wise. I felt these following programmes should
precede the loaning activity
1. Identify the handicapped category wise with extent of
handicap.
2. Identify the training needs
3. Identify and correct the handicaps to the extent possible
4. Supply teaching, and mobility aids
5. Create job opportunities by reservation or by subsidy
6. Promote NGO sector participation
7. Train professionals to undertake the programmes
I convened the first board meeting to discuss these issues. I
went to Daljit Arora to seek his advice and guidance. He heard
me patiently and told me that I was free to take up these
activities provided my board decides to back me up. He also
provided me some tips how to go about it.
Our board consisted of chairman, myself, a
representative from Finance wing of Government, Sarasvati
Devi from Vizag (running an institute for mentally retarded
(Lebenshilfe)), Miss. Gool Plumber, (running a mentally
retarded institute in Hyderabad- A.P.A.W.M.R., Andhra
Pradesh-Hyderabad), a parsi lady), Professor of Osmania
University (Handicapped Person), and couple of others. In the
meeting everyone heard my plan of action with patience. But
the representative of Finance department turned down my
proposals saying that we could only take up loaning
programme. One beauracrat silenced everyone. However, I
have not lost hope. I remembered the advice of Daljit Arora.
However, I pushed for sanction of some posts and for a vehicle
which were agreed upon. I wanted few professionals to enter
the organization.
I placed an order for an Ambassador car. It was not easy
in those days to get immediately the car or a telephone.
Everything involved influencing. Jalagam Prasad knew some
dealer and through him I took delivery of the car in a month
which would have otherwise taken six months. I appointed
Nageshwar Rao as the driver. I used to pay Rs 500 per month
towards my personal travel for 500 kilometers.

UNICEF: Childhood disability

I went to Delhi to attend a workshop on childhood

disability organized by UNICEF. I stayed in AP Guest House. At
that time the new block was not constructed. Accommodation
was very difficult. I met Aiyar of Hyderabad UNICEF. Dr YV
Reddy, Pediatrician and Director Health and I shared a room in
the guest house.

BDL: Blind and Fuse Wires

I heard that BDL was using the visually handicapped to

prepare fuse wires for their detonators. I approached them
through Vittal Rajan to explore the possibility of employing
more. They readily agreed and employed about 25 visually
handicapped persons.

IPM: Rehydration powder

IPM was manufacturing Orosol packets (Rehydration

salt). I met Dr Rajya Laxmi the then Director to explore the
possibility of using the blind in the process, and we found it
was feasible. We invested some money for expansion and she
too employed a hundred visually handicapped.
Laxmi Devi Chairperson resigned since she was
contesting the MLC elections.
I found it difficult for the handicapped to climb up the
stairs as our office was in the first floor. We searched for new
accommodation and shifted into a house in Shanthi Nagar.

Handicapped Survey in Medak with Gayathri help

Samal IAS MD of BC corporation and I went to Sanga

Reddy, Medak district. After reviewing with bankers, we went
to meet Gayathri Ramachandran IAS the then District collector
and had lunch with her. That was my first introduction to her.
I spoke to her about the welfare of handicapped and various
programmes need to be taken up for. I mentioned about a
camp for identifying the handicapped to find out their needs.
Immediately she volunteered to take it up in Medak district. I
informed her that I would revert to her in few days with a
detailed plan and after return to Hyderabad I prepared a
detailed plan with the help of few specialists like Dr CV Ratnam
orthopedic surgeon of NIMS, Dr Jain, Superintendent, and
Nandur, audiologist from ENT hospital, and Dr Narsimha Rao
and few other doctors from Sarojini Devi eye hospital,
Niranjan Reddy and Jhansi from Institute of mental sciences.
Gayathri made few modifications and we conducted a massive
camp for a week. Thousands of Handicapped persons were
mobilized from villages from all over the district free of cost
and were given food, examined, investigated and certified and
needs identified. Koneru Ranga Rao, minister and Jagannadha
Rao deputy CM attended the camp. Thanks to Gayathri it was
a great success and thrown open to us the massive problem.
Thousands of persons required calipers, artificial limbs,
Hearing aids, Vision correction, and training to use them.
We set up a small training unit at Sadashiv pet in Medak
district. A young lady who herself was handicapped by name
Miss. Kapadia was kept in charge by the District collector.
Dr Vyaggeswardu a famous Ortho Surgeon was
conducting free camps to correct the disabilities of polio etc.
with great dedication. He too required calipers, braces etc.
Many other NGOs doing voluntary work required support. The
problem was huge.
I went to Nizams ortho workshop to estimate their
capacity. Shetty an engineer was in charge. He was a capable
person but was working in isolation. The workshop was very
well equipped, thanks to vision of Dr Ranga Reddy (Bokkala
Ranga Reddy) the founder of the hospital. They were
manufacturing few dozens of calipers a year and few artificial
limbs a year. Only very few highly motivated or educated were
using them daily in real life. We required few thousands for
one district.
 I flew to Lucknow from Delhi and went by Taxi to
Kanpur and visited The Artificial Limbs Manufacturing
Corporation of India (ALIMCO) to explore the possibilities of
limb and caliper fitments to the identified disabled. The
situation there too was similar. They were costly too.
I and Samal IAS (Friend from Bhadrachalam days) used
to plan joint visits to districts. Soon Niranjan Rao IAS MD of SC
Corporation too joined us. Our corporation didn't have any
field functionaries. We had to take the help of the Executive
officer of either SC or BC corporations. That was an extra work
for them. However, the joint tours with these two IAS officers
helped me a lot and I could get the ball of our work moving.
We visited most of the districts jointly.
UNICEF wanted our corporation to start specialist
teacher training programmes for the disabled children. They
said they could partly fund the programme. We decided on
two courses, One for the mentally retarded and another one
for Deaf and dumb children.
I identified few well qualified young professionals like
Latha Menon, Rama Baru, Social workers, Pushpa Srinivasan
an Audiologist and Sudha Kishore a physiotherapist.
While I could locate the needed personnel still I had to
overcome two problems. The objection raised by Joint
Secretary of finance department limiting our activity to
loaning only and the problem of recruitment of those persons
we identified. I was told by my office that I must inform the
Employment exchange to sponsor the candidates and I had to
select from them.
Few IAS friends advised me to meet BPR Vital the then
secretary Finance. I called on him and sought his guidance. He
heard me patiently and said he would discuss with his
colleague.

Anwar-Recruitment

I met the Commissioner employment exchange Anwar

IAS and sought his guidance on recruitment. He patiently
heard me and revealed the secret of recruitment. He said it is
obligatory for a Government corporation to inform the
employment exchange to sponsor their candidates. At the
same time, we were at liberty to advertise or notify the
vacancies and invite applications and consider selecting the
candidates from a combined list of sponsored and directly
applied candidates. Further he also said they were not
permanent posts and as they are technical posts for which
they may not have registered candidates. I requested him to
be chairman of selection committee and he was kind to oblige.
I called for the Management committee meeting and
again repeated my proposals. Fortunately, the Joint Secretary
from finance has not raised any objections and our proposals
were approved by the board.
I recruited all the above candidates we have already
identified. They all agreed to work for some paltry amounts.
They were all young and fresh and were bubbling with
enthusiasm. They were a great asset.
We started the Deaf and Dumb training course. Chary
of Deaf and Dumb School agreed to give space in their school
for training. We made him in charge of the programme.

Sound Library

We planned to start a sound library for the benefit of

visually handicapped. The plan was to start recording the
lessons on a tape and supply the same to Blind students along
with a tape recorder. With good will of Bhandaru Srinivasa Rao
the engineers of AIR helped me to design the sound proof
studio, and in selecting the suitable tape recorder. I was
looking for space to set up the studio. I heard of Andhra Mahila
Sabha. I called on Smt Durgabai Deshmukh and CD Deshmukh.
Durgabai was not keeping good health. However, she saw me.
She readily agreed to spare space in literacy house to locate
the studio. We established the Studio soon and commenced
the programme. Geetha and few other volunteers used to
come and record the lessons.
 Braille Press

I visited Chennai to see the programme of

rehabilitation taken up by Andhra Mahila Sabha for
orthopedically handicapped. They housed me in their guest
house. I saw their programme and also went to see the Braille
press in Chennai. I met there a couple. The lady belonged to
Khammam. They gave me the necessary details of Braille
printing press and various other details like cost and processes
involved. They also helped in training our printers. We set up
the press in Victoria Memorial home belonging to Social
welfare department. We started printing our own Braille
books for our students.

Hearing Aids

As a part of our programme and the subsidy scheme of

GOI we were distributing the hearing aids freely to those who
were recommended by ENT surgeons. I thought ECIL a
pioneering organization in Electronics would be the best to
advise us on the topic. G. Krishna a senior journalist friend and
I called on AS Rao the founder Director of ECIL in that
connection. He was helpful and gave me the necessary
information and also the necessary contacts to procure them.
We set up a audiology center in Gandhi hospital and
Pushpa Subramanyam who was an audiologist was recruited
for necessary screening.
Still I could not address the problem of supply of
calipers and artificial limbs effectively. I was looking for
alternatives. I heard about Jaipur Foot. I was planning to visit
Jaipur and know more about it.
Achanta Satyanarayana IAS was posted as Secretary
Social welfare. He was a very meticulous person. Adiraju
Venkateshwara Rao a journalist friend met him and in
conversation mentioned about me. He was very courteous to
me when I met him. He agreed with my approach, but felt
urgency was lacking in my actions. He asked me to work
against deadlines. He told me that I was free to walk into his
office without appointment and I could telephone him even in
the middle of the night. He was very passionate. He asked me
which programme I would firm up in the next 15 days and
implement on the scale I planned. I said, "Jaipur foot".

Jaipur Foot

Within two days I picked up an all-round artisan to go

to Jaipur with me. He was a good craftsman, intelligent and
sharp. He had some experience in traditional artificial limb
making. He went in advance by train to Jaipur. I joined him
after three days. We visited the workshop and Dr Kasliwala, a
colleague of Dr Sethi spent lot of time in showing us around
and explaining the concept and technical details. Next day Dr
Sethi met us.
He was a very soft-spoken person. He was a good
observer. At the outset he complimented me saying that it was
a good thing that I got an artisan to accompany me. He told
me that our Indian artisans are very good but lack the skill to
understand and replicate when presented in two dimensions
on a paper as a design. He said they would replicate exactly
any product when it is presented in three dimensions in full
form as a product. How true he was? He enquired about my
work the support I get from beauracrat, and Specialist
Doctors.
He took me around and showed me how persons who
were fitted with these gadgets were trained. There was a
young dancer from Tamil Nadu who lost her lower limb in a
car accident and was being fitted the device and was under
training. She was practicing dancing with the new limb. Much
later she acted in a Telugu film produced by Ramoji as heroin
dancer, which won national awards. I also saw some young
people playing football and some climbing trees. It was
amazing. It was a new life to them.
Later he arranged a meeting with other Governing
members of their team which included Dr Mehta an IAS
officer, who later rose to become Deputy Governor of RBI and
chairman SEBI. He was a great support to them. After a
prolonged discussion they said they would give us the required
training, technology and support if we fulfilled certain
conditions.
1. The service should be free
2. Key Doctors and artisans should be sent to Jaipur for
training.
3. Initially they would supply a limited quantity of
“Jaipur foot" pieces at actual cost. Limitation was due to their
limited capacity to produce Jaipur foot. Lack of enough dyes
and high manufacturing costs of Dyes was responsible.
4. We must organize facilities close to hospital for free
boarding and lodging of Beneficiaries along with an attendant
while they were undergoing training. The travel costs must be
paid by us to the beneficiary.
5. Only after true satisfaction of these facilities they
would supply us the parts.
I assured them that I would organize all these in a
week's time and invited them to visit us and satisfy
themselves. They were skeptical.
Jaipur is a beautiful city. It was full of palaces. People
were friendly and helpful. However, when we were there it
was very hot. We stayed together in a small room in an
inexpensive hotel. Luckily there was a desert cooler in the
room. We visited the SMS museum, Hawamahal, Jantar
Mantar, the fort and Jalmahal. They were exquisite. I bought
few toys. One evening it was very hot and we decided to have
a beer. We had to go miles and stand in a Q and drink it in
open.
I returned to Hyderabad by flight via Mumbai. On the
flight I was thinking how to go about implementing the
programme.
Dr Sethi was given the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his
invention of Jaipur foot. Basically, the foot piece was made of
galvanized Rubber which has some elasticity and is joined to a
length of leg piece made of aluminum (Molded and welded
into the shape of a leg piece). The stump of the amputated
limb snugly fits on to the tubular hollow leg piece with some
padding. The western technology uses a shoe made of leather.
The advantage of rubber foot is one could walk into a kitchen
or a temple with it. It is cheaper and can be made by a local
welder/artisan with little training. The looks are more natural.
The foot is made in different Bata shoe sizes and is available in
different skin colors. They are mass manufactured. Aluminum
Dyes to make these were expensive. Second difficulty was
aluminum welding technology.
I got down at Mumbai to change my flight to
Hyderabad. Sharma garu an old friend affectionately called as
Bombay Sharma came to see me. We met and spent some
time and he gifted me a big thermos flask. It was very useful
to me for many years in my travels by car.
On the flight to Hyderabad I got into conversation with
a co traveler sitting next to me. Knowing the purpose if my visit
to Jaipur he got interested and told me that he owns an
industry in Hyderabad where they manufacture the aluminum
wheels for the cars which were of low weight. It was a new
technology which they pioneered in India and they were also
into making aluminum dyes. What a coincidence. His name
was Galada. He said he could help us. I was thrilled. Next day I
went to his office and we firmed up our association and I put
him in touch with Dr Sethi. I got the necessary orders issued
by the Government for hiring space for lodging patients and
costs for their food and travel etc. Nizams hospital was
identified as the fitting and training center. I requested Dr
Jairam Pingle and few junior artisans of the workshop to visit
Jaipur. We made necessary travel and stay arrangements. The
artisan returned from Jaipur with few foot pieces.
A girl by name Swaroopa was referred by a doctor
friend for some help. She was handicapped as she lost her
lower limb in a train accident. She was 18 year old bubbling
young lady. She discontinued her studies after 8th standard. I
decided to get her fitted with Jaipur foot and subsequently
employ her in the unit. She was very happy and agreed. Our
Artisan with the help of Chetty started working on her. They
fitted her limb in three days and she started to practice
walking. In a week's time she was walking. She was employed
and soon was motivating others.
G Krishna journalist friend wrote a beautiful human
story on her which was published in Andhra Prabha. The title
was "Swaroopaku Kalu Molichindi". Many amputees were
registering their names for fitment. As we didn't have any
more pieces of Jaipur foot we started manufacturing calipers.
We employed more trained handicapped persons. The unit
was bubbling with activity. Sudha Kishore was providing them
with necessary physiotherapy and training. Jairam Pingle and
his assistants Dr Prasad BN, and Dr Narendranath would come
to workshop daily and evaluate. Mr Galada promised to
deliver the first two pieces of dyes in the next few days.
I invited Dr Sethi to visit us and satisfy himself with our
arrangements. He came the next week and was highly
impressed. Dr Jairam gave us a dinner in his house. Achanta
interviewed Dr Sethi on AIR for 15 minutes in English which
was broadcast nationwide on national hook up. Towards the
end of interview Achanta asked Dr Sethi: How was it possible
to replicate fitting of the limb in such a short time outside
Jaipur? Dr Sethi replied: “Dr Ranga Rao”. Achanta concluded
saying: “Yes, we have a dynamic MD”. It went on air.
That year around 500 limbs were fitted, and thousands
of calipers were manufactured in a unit where they were in
two digits in earlier many years.

Release of Jaipur foot

Indira Gandhi's participation in ZP meeting

Gayathri IAS was transferred and Jainder Singh IAS

(Friend from Bhadrachalam days) was posted in her place.
Jainder took active interest in follow up of the cases we
registered. I used to visit him often in that connection. I met
KV Rao IAS, who was Joint collector, and JC Mohanty and Kutti
all IAS officers in the district.
 Indira Gandhi was elected as Member of Parliament
from Medak. She was planning to visit Sangareddy to attend
ZP meeting. A meeting was held to coordinate the visit and all
heads of departments were invited. I too attended the
meeting. It was decided that Jaipur foot would be presented
to a disabled candidate on the occasion. I was invited to the ZP
meeting. I was highly impressed the way in which Mrs. Gandhi
addressed the meeting. She was humble. When a speaker held
the mike too close she got down from dais and showed him
how to use the mike. She spent lot of time discussing small
issues concerning villages and was guiding the audience how
to address them. At the end of the meeting the Jaipur foot was
presented. I was thrilled. I had the opportunity of sitting few
yards away from Jawaharlal Nehru the then prime minister in
a public function in Ravindra Bharathi and again participated
in a meeting in official capacity with his daughter who too was
prime minister after few decades. Thanks to Jainder for the
second opportunity.

Tricycles: Mobility Aids

Many orthopedically handicapped suffer with the

problem of locomotion. Otherwise they are capable of
performing any function like a normal person. Because of
paralysis, and wastage of muscles due to disuse, and
contractures in their legs they are incapable of normal gait.
Minor Operations to release the contractures, Physiotherapy
to strengthen the muscles, provision and training on mobility
aids like Tricycles would improve their capacity to be mobile.
We used to receive many applications for free supply of
Tricycles for use by ortho handicapped. District officials were
procuring them at a very high cost from the open private
market.
I heard that Blind Men's Association in Ahmadabad was
manufacturing them at a much lower cost and with a better
design. I went to Ahmadabad to see the same. Patel the
founder of the organization "Blind men's association" was a
blind person himself. He was a physiotherapist and was
trained in UK. He was training blind in physiotherapy and in
many other skills. Tricycle unit was one such. He was ably
assisted by his wife. Many handicapped were trained and
employed in that Training cum production center. Two fresh
graduates from Ahmadabad institute of management were
working with him. They took pride in what they were doing.
One was a lady by name Miss. Joshi another was from Punjab.
They showed me all their activities. They were running a hostel
for the handicapped. I was lodged in one of the rooms. They
were using steering wheel in place of a handle in the tricycle.
The motion to propel the vehicle was provided by a wheel
which was rotated circularly using the wrist and elbow power.
I visited Bapu ashram and seen few other places. I invited Patel
and his team to visit Hyderabad to discuss and plan and train
our handicapped in the state to produce them. They agreed
and after few days all of the four came to Hyderabad.
DV Janardhan Reddy engineer friend who helped me a
lot in Bhadrachalam was on leave having picked up a quarrel
with his immediate boss. I asked him if he would like to come
on deputation to our corporation. He agreed. I used good
offices of Bhandaru Ramchander Rao who knew the chief
engineer well and got him deputed. He was made in charge of
the Tricycle production center. He further improved the
design and we rolled out tricycles at half of the earlier cost.
We employed many handicapped in the process.
The activities of corporation were picking up. Often, I
and the programme officers used to meet in the evenings in
someone's house and share views and used to have brain
storming sessions. The spouses also used to join us. Badri,
Latha’s husband along with his friend Ram Prasad and his wife
Shyamala, Rama and her husband Sanjay Baru were the
frequent visitors to such meetings.
 Teacher Training programme for mentally retarded

Mental retardation can happen in an infant for genetic

reasons, insufficient oxygenation during labor, or infections.
There are different grades. Some need to be fully taken care,
some can be trained to do repetitive physical jobs not
requiring higher intelligence and some can be trained to look
after themselves. The number of mentally retarded in India is
huge and the institutional facilities and funds available were
not sufficient. We thought we should train one teacher in
every school who could train the parents and the sibling in
their own environment. We were looking for a suitable
person to anchor the programme. One day a lady walked into
my office and met me. She did her studies in mental
retardation in USA and was looking for a placement. She was
more interested in spending her time usefully than earning a
livelihood. I had a lingering thought that her face was familiar.
She told me that her husband owned some printing business.
I recruited her on the spot. Later I came to know that she
(Satyavathi) was the daughter of the great Cine actor Akkineni
Nageshwar Rao. She must have felt proud to get the job on her
own merit. Along with her I went and met Smt Suguna Mani
President of Andhra Mahila Sabha and requested to give on
rent the building: “Rachana" where Deshmukh couple lived
and owned. We hired it at a low rent. Same evening the sister
of Waheeda Rehman a famous cine actress was recruited. She
worked for few months.

Foot Care by Foot Wear

Leprosy was still a major health problem in India. The

best lecture I heard on Leprosy was in School of Tropical
Medicine in Liverpool where I was a student. The next best
was from Dr Prichhi in Vellore when Harinarayan and I visited
him. It was about preventing deformities of feet with wearing
specialized foot wear. In Leprosy afflicted persons the
peripheral nerves supplying the feet and the hands are
damaged. They lose the sensation of pain in their hands and
feet. The feet of leprosy afflicted person walking bare foot may
be pierced by a thorn, a pebble or a nail and he would not
realize it. He may touch a hot vessel and burn his hands and
not know it as he has no pain. As they have no pain they
continue to use their hands and feet which would get infected
and develop gangrene and the toes or fingers would fall off
and deformities develop. Pain is a protective reflex. It is lost
in leprosy patients. Hence, they are advised to wear leather
gloves or tongs when handling hot or cold objectives. They are
advised to wear chappals or shoes made with micro cellular
rubber.
Micro cellular rubber of 18 gauges has the same
consistency as that of sole of the foot. By providing the arch
and heel supports and the belt, gait is made easy and the
weight of body evenly distributed. We wanted to supply
custom made chappals to patients with loss of sensation in
their feet. We got the measurements of individual from
various district leprosy centers. We bought the Micro cellular
rubber from Salur. We got workers trained from Shivananda
and Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh at Salur. We were looking for
some committed person to take care of the programme. One
day one elderly unassuming simple person walked into my
room seeking a job. He worked and retired from Government
as trainer. I offered him the job and he took it up. He was
Subbiah and was a great asset to the organization. He
organized the production centers at Shivananda, Mowlali,
HKNS-Jammi Kunta, and at Anantapur. Rani Kumudini Devi of
Shivananda, Janardhan Reddy, MLA, a Gandhian, and
president of HKNS Jammi Kunta, Dr Gangi Reddy Leprosy
officer were kind to me and helped set up these centers.

Raju - The attender

Dr Sarasvati Raju, a colleague in Medical department

asked me if I could rehabilitate a person who was a convict and
also a cured leprosy patient with deformities. He was a poor
man from a higher caste who killed his wife in a fit of anger
and was convicted and underwent imprisonment. He was
diagnosed as afflicted with leprosy at a late stage in jail and by
the time the diagnosis was made he lost few fingers. He
underwent treatment and was declared free of disease but left
with deformities. He could not do any manual work and could
not be employed. He had young children to take care. I
appointed him as an attender. He used to serve water, tea etc.
to me and the guests and carry the files from one section to
the other. Initially there was resentment from other staff but
slowly everyone relented and accepted and soon he won the
affection of others.
Bhavanam Venkat ram became CM in February 1982
and continued till Sep 1982. He was succeeded by Kotla Vijaya
Bhaskar Reddy and continued till congress lost to TDP in
September 1983. We organized a seminar in literacy house of
Andhra Mahila Sabha during Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy's tenure.
Chandra Mowli was posted as Secretary social welfare and
Achanta was made as chairman of Vikalongula corporation

Elections in the State

NT Ramarao a matinee idol formed a new regional

party "Telugu Desam" and contested assembly elections. He
won majority of seats and was sworn in as CM on first
September 1983.
Soon afterwards Chandra Mowli was transferred as
Secretary Social welfare. Chandra Mowli requested Achanta to
continue as the chairman. Pratibha Bharathi, MLA from
Srikakulam who was the daughter of Justice Punniah became
the minister of Social Welfare. Banerjee IAS became the
deputy secretary in CMs peshi.
NT Ramarao during his election campaign vowed that
all the new corporations created would be abolished as a
measure of austerity. One such corporation in the list for
abolishing was our corporation. I was planning to go back to
my parent department.
 Handicapped persons and associations were very much
peeved with the idea of abolishing their corporation, which
they fought and achieved. They were sitting and protesting
silently on the roadside in front of CMs residence in Abids.
After few days CM noticed it and enquired with Banerjee to
find out why they were sitting their daily.
I think it was thirteen days after CM was sworn in. I was
asked by Banerjee to come to CMs office and explain. I went
to Chandra Mowli, and both of us went and met Achanta and
briefed him. Three of us went to CMs office and met Banerjee.
He led us to CMs presence.
Three of us were introduced to the CM. I narrated how
and why the corporation was created and the work it was
doing and requested him to visit Nizams Hospital and bless the
work they were doing. CM turned to Banerjee and told him
that he would visit ortho workshop in Nizams the very next
day. It was the first outside official visit of CM after his
swearing in.
Next day I accompanied Achanta and Chandra Mowli to
CM’s office. We waited in Banerjee room for CM to finish his
lunch. Mrs. Basava Tharakam, wife of NT Ramarao used to
bring him lunch from home every day and serve him in the
office. As the word came out that he has finished his lunch we
went into the corridor. The door opens and walks out the
handsome, tall, CM, his Dhoti tucked in like a king. This
memory is again printed as photographic memory in my mind.
As CMs convoy reached Nizam’s Hospital there were
huge crowds to see him. We led CM into the workshop and
showed him caliper and Jaipur foot manufacturing and fitment
center and the beneficiaries. He made few enquiries with the
beneficiaries. At the end he walked out as a very satisfied man.
I introduced the waiting hospital authorities, Directors of
health department, and secretary medical & health
department to him. As he was getting into the car he looked
at me and asked me to accompany him to the office for further
discussions. After reaching his office he told us that there was
no question of closing the corporation and wanted us to tell
what more we can do and how to expand what we were doing.
I took few minutes to explain the need for few Training
cum production centers in different zones in the state and
later in each district. I also mentioned that one TCPC can be
started at Tirupati by TTD which we can help set up and one
can be started at Vizag if the Collector can find suitable
premises funded by the corporation. He immediately asked to
be connected to the EO TTD and Collector Vizag. He simply
informed them on the phone that Dr. Ranga Rao would be
visiting them in the next few days and asked them to do the
needful and disconnected. He asked me to proceed
immediately and tie up the things. I was aghast at the sudden
twists and developments. Two days earlier I was planning to
pack and go back to my department and suddenly two days
later I was to plan expansion and implement new projects.
Few days after CM’s directions and as a follow up I
made a visit to Tirupati and Kumara Swamy Reddy EO of TTD
received me at airport and after briefing and lunch at his
residence we visited Tirumala and after darshan of the lord he
showed me a building which was newly built one. I
immediately agreed that it would be most suitable one for the
purpose of locating TCPC. We drew the activity and time line
after which I returned to Hyderabad happily.
Gopala Sastry was appointed as the Director of the
newly created Directorate for the Handicapped. Ramalinga
Reddy and Raju were taken as Deputy Directors. Gopal Sastry
was additional Director in information department and
worked for some time on deputation and was a known writer.
He was a great humorist. He unfortunately was suffering with
Pseudo Muscular Dystrophy and his mobility was highly
restricted and was dependent on attenders for movement.
Since there were no funds available immediately I made Gopal
Sastry as one of the Executive Directors and made him in
charge of routine administration. I recommended that he
should buy a jeep and not a car so that he could easily get in
get out of the vehicle with ease. I provided him with a wheel
chair. The directorate was mainly responsible for educational
institutions and hostels for handicapped.
I took Sudhakar Deputy Director Information
department on deputation as OSD. Government has also
issued orders making all joint collectors in the districts as
Executive Directors of our corporation and Eos of SC
Corporation as Executive officers. Hitherto we did not have
district officials. All these initiatives were of Chandra Mowli.
Few days later I visited Vizag and met SV Prasad the
Collector, Jannat Hussein the joint Collector, and KV Rao
Municipal Commissioner. They received me well and showed
a campus at Bakkanna Palem 15 kilometers away from Vizag
on high way to Srikakulam. Earlier It was occupied by a NGO
who ran some rural development center and had built
structures which I found useful to establish the center. KV Rao
IAS took me to Rani Chandramathi Devi rehabilitation center
attached to KGH to locate the caliper and Jaipur foot center.
The collector assured that they would renovate both the
places and hand them over to the corporation. They were also
kind to recommend an officer by name Mr. Roy who was
working as a BDO to manage both the centers. I issued camp
orders appointing him on deputation and highly satisfied and
jubilant I returned to Hyderabad.
Soon after a non-official by name Rajeshwar was
appointed as chairman. He was the president of NTR fans
association. He was a very simple innocent person. He
admitted on meeting me that he has no experience either in
politics or in administration. He assured me all cooperation
and non-interference in administration. He lived true to his
word.
Pratibha Bharathi the minister was a graduate and was
fresh from college and was happily married to her mother's
brother. She was very fond of her father. She was highly
religious and surprisingly a pure vegetarian. She was a very
kind and affectionate person. To learn more about
handicapped welfare she was curious to see various
programmes in other parts of the country. I discussed with the
secretary and he too recommended that I should take and
show her some programmes. He was of the opinion that we
should constantly show and expose the higher ups especially
in political field the developmental programmes so that they
would get inspired. I contacted the National Institutes of
visually handicapped at Dehradun and Hearing handicapped
at Mysore. They soon sent the invitations with their
convenient dates.
I requested Chandra Mowli IAS to join us as I was not
sure of myself how I should handle a VIP trip. He was kind and
assented. I and Chandra Mowli left in advance and flew to
Dehradun via Calcutta. Dehradun was a small sleepy town
those days. There were no big hotels and even transport was
rudiment. We went to National Institute for the Visually
Handicapped. We stayed in their guest house that night.
Director took us around the campus and shown us. He was
very a friendly and knowledgeable person. In those days there
were no private airlines. Obtaining an air ticket at short notice
was a herculean task. We spent the night in the guest house
of Institute. Next morning, we drove to Mussorie a hill station.
Dehradun was not very cold. The director on observing that
we did not have enough warm clothing lent us some warm
woolen wear. IAS training institute was in Mussorie. On way
up from Dehradun we could see many small waterfalls.
However, we could also see lot of forest and rock
destruction. Chandra Mowli took me around the campus. We
snoozed under the woods in the afternoon. From our room
window we could see the Himalayas and through the
telescope the peaks of Kanchan Junga. I met Mr. MG Gopal IAS
from Khammam who was doing his training there. We slept
the night in the institutes guest rooms. In the night we got a
message that minister would be landing at Dehradun next
morning at 10 am. Since we sent back the taxi we walked down
some distance and reached the bus station and caught a bus
to Dehradun. We reached the airport in time to receive the
minister. The Government guest house in Dehradun sent a car
to the airport since the minister was a state guest. We drove
to the guest house. It was the best maintained guest house I
have ever seen. It was lovely. There were not many guests. The
minister was accompanied by her PA. We were all
accommodated in different rooms.
There were huge big trees in the campus of different
species. They were mostly planted by VIPs who stayed in the
guest house. It is said that Pandit Nehru used to spend many
of his holidays in this guest house and was very fond of the
place. His recorded appreciation is well kept till day in the
visitor’s book. After lunch we visited the national institute for
visually handicapped. The minister appreciated the
programmes. We returned back to the guest house. Minister
sent for me in the evening. She told me that she was not
comfortable with the north Indian food and expressed her
desire to cook some south Indian vegetarian dish. I went to
Mr. Chandra Mowli and informed him of minister's desire. We
went to the chef and requested him to provide the needed and
allow her to cook. He flatly refused saying he would lose his
job if it is done since she was a state guest. After much cajoling
and at the prospect of a fat tip etc. he relented. Minister with
his assistance cooked Sambar and rice and some curry. Since
she could not communicate in Hindi to him I acted as a
translator. We were relieved. I enjoyed a hearty meal. We
were to leave next day at 10 am by car to Hrishikesh and
Haridwar.
Next morning, I was woken up by a knock on my door
by the PA of minister. He informed me that minister was
waiting in the lounge. I got ready quickly and rushed. The
minute I met her she asked me what time we were leaving?
On coming to know that at 10 am she asked me why we cannot
visit some interesting places before that. I replied there were
no interesting places nearby. She got up and took me and
showed me a hanging board. It was a board depicting the
names and distances of some interesting places nearby. She
pointed to some cave temple 4 kilometers away and said we
could go there instead of wasting time in the guest house. I
made the arrangement for the car and we drove to the place.
There was a small cave on the banks of a stream in the midst
of forest. There was a Sanyasi living at a small temple in the
cave. Few persons were bathing in the stream. The Sanyasi
was offering a Harathi to the goddess. I alone went in and he
offered me the Harathi and anointed my forehead with
vermillion and gave me Prasad. I came out and minister went
in. Soon after within seconds I found minister rushing out and
on seeing me with Prasad in my hands came down and threw
away the Prasad and wiped the vermillion mark from my
forehead. I was taken back.
She then said that the Sanyasi was a fake. I don’t know
what caught her eye or what act of Sanyasi made her to come
to that conclusion. We proceeded to Hrishikesh which was 40
kilometers away. It was an Ambassador car. It easily
accommodated four of us and the driver.
At Hrishikesh, Ganga leaves the mountains and joins
the plains for her long journey. It is situated at the confluence
of river Chandrabhaga and Ganga. We saw Laxman Jhula and
Ram Jhula which were the suspension bridges on river Ganga.
We saw some ashrams. The river is very calm and water very
clear.
We proceeded to Haridwar. We had our lunch. We
went on a rope way and saw Mansa Devi temple. . The huge
riverbed of Ganga, many bridges built on it and the crowded
part of the city could be seen while ascending to the temple.
The Mansa Devi Temple is an ancient 11th century temple
situated on the hill top of Bilwa Parwat, and is considered as
one of the Siddhapeethas.
We went to river bank in the evening and had a holy dip
and watched the religious rites of Ganga Harathi on the bank
of the river when the Sun was about to go down below the
horizon.
This is extremely scenic and spiritual. Small candles are
floated on the river. The place looks enchanting. The river
looked beautiful with many such lamps floating.
We returned to Dehradun and rested for the night and
caught a flight to Delhi next morning.
 After going to Delhi, we planned a trip to "Agra" since
we could get tickets only next day. Many a times I wanted to
visit Taj Mahal in Agra. But somehow or other it didn't fructify.
On the way we also saw the great Fatehpur Sikri built by Akbar
and later abandoned for lack of sufficient water for the
population living in.
We preceded to Taj Mahal another 25 kilometers away.
As we took some turns and went down suddenly we saw Taj
Mahal as if a painting was put up on the horizon. It was breath
taking.
We spent time going around. We marveled at the
arches, Jails’, delicate pierce work, plant motifs, incised
paintings, Calligraphy of Persian poems, reflective tiles, Finial
flooring tiles, marble designs. It was a great art work.
Next day we returned to Hyderabad. On way back, we
planned our trip to Karnataka and to the National Institute of
Hearing handicapped.
After few days we proceeded to Karnataka. Minister
asked me on the flight to find out if Satya Sai Baba was at
Bangalore. After reaching Bangalore and after enquiries I
informed her he was at Puttaparthi. I didn’t ask her the
purpose. However later I came to know that she was his
devotee. On reaching Bangalore we checked in at the State
guest house and Chandra Mowli went on some other work.
We were invited for lunch by the minister of Social Welfare
Mrs. Chandra Prabha Urs. The minister wanted to visit the
famous Nandi temple. I planned to attend the Andhra
association meeting. We all agreed to directly reach minister's
house by lunch time. I found on reaching the ministers house,
both the ministers in deep conversation. On seeing me
Pratibha Bharathi said that I missed to see a great temple
where Nandi is said to be growing each year. I smiled at the
remark made by the minister. Minister in an annoyed tone
said that I seem to be an atheist. Then Chandra Prabha Urs
narrated a popular story of her family. Chandra Prabha Urs is
said to be from the lineage of Mysore royal family.
 The story was about the curse of Maharani
Alamelamma on the Mysore Royal family the Wodeyars 400
years back. The curse was (a) Talakad would be submerged
under creeping sands, (b) a cruel whirlpool be scourge of
Malangi and kings of Mysore suffer the pangs of childlessness.
Mrs. Urs told us that all the three have come true till date. She
further said while the first two could be explained on the
diversion of course of river Kaveri etc the childlessness could
not be explained so far. I jocularly said that if someone funded
me I would not only unravel the mystery but also in the
process solve India's growing population problem and also win
a noble prize. I said the special Prasadam given to the Royal
families at the Chamundi temple need to be analyzed. All had
a hearty laugh and adjourned to a sumptuous lunch. After that
both ministers went for silk saree shopping.
Next morning, we left for Mysore and checked in the
guest house which once was a palace of Maharaja. I could
never even dream that I would have the experience of sleeping
in the Maharaja Palace.
We visited “The All India institute of Speech and
Hearing" in Mysore in the morning. It was an autonomous
institute established in 1965. The major objectives of the
institute are to impart professional training, render clinical
services, conduct research, and educate public on issues
related to communication disorders.
Government of India has established three national institutes
one each for orthopedically handicapped at Calcutta, for
visually handicapped at Dehradun and for hearing
handicapped at Bombay. We also visited the Central Food
Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore.
In the evening we visited Mysore Palace. It is a three-
storied stone structure, with marble domes and a 145 feet
five-storied tower. The palace is surrounded by a large garden.
The facade has seven expansive arches and two smaller ones
flanking the central arch, which is supported by tall pillars.
Above the central arch is an impressive sculpture of Gajalaxmi,
the goddess of wealth.
 In the night we visited Brindavan Garden. The garden is
laid out in 3 terraces which contain water fountains, Ficcus
trees, foliage plants, and flowering plants. The musical
fountains were a great attraction. Next morning, we checked
out and visited Chamundeshwari Temple located on the top
of Chamundi Hills about 13 km from city of Mysore early in the
morning. The main deity at the temple is Chamundeshwari /
Durga (the fierce form of Shakthi, a tutelary deity held in
reverence by Mysore Maharajas.
We proceeded to Halibedu, the Hoysaleswara temple.
It is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of
the temple are covered with an endless variety of depictions
from Hindu mythology, animals, birds and Shilabalikas or
dancing figures. Yet no two sculptures of the temple are the
same.
From Halibedu we went to Belur which was 16
kilometers away. The temple is a holy house for sculptures
showcasing innumerable variety of ornaments, the doorways,
the ceilings, the birds, the animals, dancers and other figures
are fully decorated as if they are full of life and vigor with
variety of actions and movements. The doorways are guarded
on either side by the gorgeously decorated dvarapalaka.
From Belur we proceeded to Shravanabelagola. It
housed the 57-feet tall monolithic statue of Gommateshvara
is located on Vindyagiri Hill. It is considered to be the world's
largest monolithic stone statue. Every twelve years, thousands
of devotees congregate here to perform the
Mahamastakabhisheka, a spectacular ceremony in which the
statue is covered with milk, curds, ghee, saffron, and gold
coins. I and Chandra Mowli climbed the steps to reach the
base of the statue. Minister and the PA came up on a Doli.
Very tired we returned to Bangalore and caught the
flight next morning to Hyderabad.
Few months after, TCPC Tirupati was to be inaugurated
by NT Ramarao, the CM on Ugadi (Telugu New Year day). I
booked an air ticket to Tirupati the previous day. I was wait
listed as One. On reaching the airport I could not manage to
get the seat confirmed and in panic I rushed to Railway station
at Secunderabad and caught the train to Vijayawada. From
there I got into a bus to Tirupati. NT Ramarao was travelling by
road on the same road and there were huge traffic jams and I
could only reach Tirupati by midnight. I checked into a small
hotel and got up by 5 am and got ready and went to TCPC to
be on time. TCPC Tirupati was inaugurated by CM who was
very happy.
On my many trips to Vizag I also visited Harinarayan
who was working as Collector Srikakulam. He showed me
many developmental projects he was pushing. He took me to
Sri Kurmam, Sri Mukha Lingam, Aras villi, the famous temples
in Srikakulam.
In Sri Kurmam the deity is Kurmam (Tortoise) the
second avatar. The head of the Kurmam is said to be the actual
fossil of Kurmam and the tail a saligram presented by Adi
Shankara. Interestingly there are two Dwajasthambhams.
Sri Mukha Lingam is on the banks of Vamshadhara
river. The deity is Sri Mukhalingeswara (Lord Shiva). The
gateway is adorned with statues of Lions. The walls of prakara
contain innumerable pieces of art work and carved windows.
Aras villi the temple for Sun god is near to Srikakulam.
The granite Sun god flanked by his consorts Padma, Chaya, and
Usha on a chariot gives darshan.
I also visited the famous Simhachalam temple on the
hillock. Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy is the presiding
deity. It is said to be the lion-man avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is
usually covered with sandalwood paste. The original shape of
the deity has two hands with the head of a lion on a human
torso.
Pratibha Bharathi, minister inaugurated the caliper
center at RCM hospital, Vizag.
A hearing aid center was established in Gandhi hospital.
Harinarayan was transferred as Collector Krishna in
April 83.
 Krishna district unit of Vikalongula Corporation
established a Rickshaw manufacturing unit which was
inaugurated by Harinarayan.
My official car met with an accident and I hired a car
from AP Tourism Corporation and used it for few months.

National Institute for

Mentally Handicapped (NIMH)

In the meetings with Ministry of Social welfare in Delhi

we started canvassing for locating the National Institute for
Mentally Handicapped at Hyderabad. At last they have
decided to locate it at Hyderabad.
We apprised the CM, NT Ramarao to allot 25 acres of
Government land for the institute. He called for a meeting and
allotted the land in Sikh village in few minutes. Narasimhan
Joint Secretary Ministry of Social welfare was the chairman of
the Institute. He requested me to be in Additional Charge of
post of Dy. Director (Administration) and to initiate the work.
I consented, and he has issued orders to that effect. I took
charge in Feb 84. We took some office space in the Institute of
Deaf of Dumb in Maredpalli. I bought a car and necessary
furniture for office and recruited a PA (Ms. Mangala) and
Accounts assistant Ramachandran, a driver and an attender. I
got the land handed over to the ministry from local revenue
officials.
An international Leprosy congress was held for a week
in Feb 1984 at New Delhi. Thangaraj from Salur organized it. I
attended the same and we were lodged in "Yatrik Nivas" The
congress was held in Vignan Bhavan. Many international
delegated attended. We were entertained to Dinners by
President of India, Health minister, Lt Governor Delhi etc
during the course of the congress.
After few days we again approached CM with a request
to allot the land belonging to Deaf and Dumb institute to the
corporation. In this case also he was very kind and quick and
allotted it. It was a great asset created for corporation. Thanks
to Chandra Mowli all these were possible.
I developed a feeling that I was moving away from my
profession. Added to it was the feeling that I have done
enough, and some new blood should come in to take forward
the activities of the corporation. There was also
disenchantment about the attitude of some of the
handicapped. They were looking more for immediate small
monitory benefits than long term programmes. I applied long
leave for two months. SR Shankaran was the new Secretary of
Social welfare department. He was kind enough to call me and
asked me to rethink about my request for repatriation to my
parent department. However, I persisted. A letter was sent to
Health department for my posting. I met Dr Sunder Rao, the
then Director. He suggested a posting in State TB centre.
I was posted as MO STC on 6th Oct 1984 ending my
tenure on deputation at Handicapped Finance Corporation.

Operation Blue Star

A military operation code named “Operation Blue Star"

was launched to eliminate armed separatist groups from the
Golden temple. It lasted from June 3rd to June 8th, 1984. The
temple was freed from the militants and Jarnail Singh
Bhindranwale who was leading the militants was killed and
temple freed.
I developed a feeling that I was moving away from my
profession. Added to it was the feeling that I have done
enough, and some new blood should come in to take forward
the activities of the corporation. There was also
disenchantment about the behaviour of the handicapped.
They were looking more for immediate small monitory
benefits than long term programmes. I applied long leave for
two months. SR Shankaran was the new Secretary of Social
welfare department. He was kind enough to call me and
rethink about my request for repatriation to my parent
department. However, I persisted. A letter was sent to Health
department for my posting. I met Dr Sunder Rao, the then
Director. He suggested a posting in State TB centre.
NT Ramarao went to USA for heart surgery and on his
return, he was dethroned by Nadendla Bhaskar Rao with the
help of Congress and was sworn in by Governor Ramlal on 16th
August 1984. An all-party agitation started, and a new
Governor Shankar Dayal Sharma was appointed as Governor
on 29th August 1984. V. Chandra Mowli who was working as
Resident Commissioner of AP Bhavan accompanied him and
was subsequently posted as Secretary to Governor. Nadendla
could not prove his majority in the assembly and NT Ramarao
was sworn in again on 16th September 1984 by Shankar Dayal
Sharma.

Birth of EMS (Essential Medical services)

Punjagutta was not so crowded in those days. There were

few nursing homes and hospitals in the area. Traffic used to be
very little specially in the nights. Cycle Rickshaws were still the
major transport vehicles.
Banerjee was working as Director Civil Supplies. One
evening he discussed with me about the options of providing
outpatient care for his employees. I proposed that they could
start a voluntary organization and fund it which would provide
free diagnostics and consultations to their employees and
families and provide similar services to others at an annual
membership and at cost price. He said he would come back to
me on that. After few days he said our proposal was liked by
many and they were trying to find ways to fund it.
Soon after one night around 2 am there was a knock on my
door. My uncle Parvatal Rao, and Paramahamsa IAS were
there. Mrs Paramahamsa suddenly took ill with pain
abdomen. I went and examined her and gave some palliative
treatment and spent some time talking to Paramahamsa.
He was working as MD of civil supplies corporation. In the
conversation he raised the proposal I discussed with Banerjee
not knowing that I made that proposal. I told him that I only
gave that proposal. He told me that he would discuss with
others and make available the needed funds. He requested me
to prepare a detailed project report and visit them and make
a presentation. Soon a date was fixed, and I went to their
office to make the presentation.
As I entered the meeting room the person sitting at the
head of the table said: Yes, he is the person who discussed the
proposal with me in Vijayanagaram in Bhide's house few
months back. It was Chandra Mowli who was the
commissioner of Civil Supplies and chairman of civil supplies
corporation.
The others in the room along with him were Banerjee IAS,
Paramahamsa IAS, Murali Krishna IAS, Sharma IAS. The only
person I didn't know earlier was Sharma. I made the
presentation, and all agreed through their nod. Alladi
Vasudevan a chartered accountant from Nellore prepared the
draft rules of the society and got a voluntary society
registered. It was registered on 30th October 1982 with
Number 2340/1982. Civil Supplies Corporation funded it and
gave some space in their building to commence the activity. It
was inaugurated by G. Venkata Swamy, Minister for Civil
Supplies. After few days in the campus of Civil Supplies Bhavan
we shifted to another rented independent house in
Punjagutta.
After some time, we also started a branch in Ashoknagar in
Jupudi Prasad house. Vijayakumar son of Aitharaju Janaki
Rama Rao started working in Ashoknagar branch. We started
a lending library. My uncle Pingali Madhusudhana Rao
husband of Prema too joined. They were staying in the
premises.
However, the employees of Civil Supplies corporation
didn't use its services as we expected. But it used to serve the
middle-class families. We had an annual fee of Rs 25 per year
per head and no charges for general consultation and Rs 5 per
specialist consultation and actual costs of investigations. Many
senior officers including IAS officers were using its facilities. Its
working hours were from 7 am to 10 pm. We had a lab doing
all biochemical investigations and even an x-ray plant gifted by
Dr Umapathi Rao.
Very senior specialists used to provide consultation
services like Dr Dayasagar, Dr Seshagiri Rao Cardiologist, Dr
Jairam Pingle, Dr BN Prasad, Dr Narendranath, Dr Srinivasa
Rao, Dr Mukundan, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr P
Nagabhushanam, Dr CB Srinivasa Rao, Physicians, Dr
Gangadhar Gowd, Pulmonologist, Dr Vani ENT Surgeon, Dr
Manikya Chary, Dr Murali Dhar Krishna, Dr Qadir,
Ophthalmologists, Dr AV Manohar Rao, Dr Prema Menon,
Paediatricians, Dr Alladi Laxmi, Dr Ratna Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists, Dr Niranjan Reddy Clinical Psychology
services, and Dr Venugopal Psychiatry services.
We shifted EMS from Somajiguda lane into Perika hostel
which was more central and was the corner building at
Visveswaraya Junction. There was parking space. Dr Ranganna
Sharma and other doctors continued. While the institution
was known and popular it was not making enough to meet the
expenses. However, we have not shifted from our objective,
we persisted with the low cost. Dr Vani ENT surgeon was
popular.

ESMEDS Medical Shops

After a detailed study I proposed that running of medical

stores may be outsourced to EMS and get a fixed income to
Red Cross. It was agreed upon and EMS took over the
management. Initially Dr Ranganna Sharma and later Dr
Susheela took the responsibility of running it. We slowly
turned it into a profitable venture. We employed nearly 25
professionals and expanded. On the request of Dr KV Naidu we
also opened a shop in Osmania Hospital. With the savings we
purchased accommodation in Amritha Ville and Nalanda
complex to locate EMS and main stores. We bought a Maruthi
van and an auto Rickshaw. I could provide employment for
many. We also purchased half acre plot in the campus of
Valmiki Vanaprasthsramam.
 Stint in State TB Centre (STC)

I was posted as MO STC on 6th Oct 1984. Thus, ended my

tenure on deputation at Handicapped Finance Corporation. I
think I was the only person who was only a civil assistant
surgeon to be sent on deputation to another department to
head a state level Government corporation.
Four months after the "Operation blue star ", on 31
October 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her
Sikh bodyguards in what is viewed as an act of vengeance.
Following her assassination, more than 3,000 Sikhs were
killed. Rajiv Gandhi was sworn in as prime minister of the
country on the same day.
State TB centre was the diagnostic, Training and research
centre of the State of AP for Tuberculosis. In addition, it was
the district TB centre for Hyderabad. It was staffed by a Civil
Surgeon TB specialist as Director (Dr Gangadhar Gowd), a Civil
Surgeon Microbiologist (Dr Babu Rao), an epidemiologist civil
surgeon (Dr David Raj) and three other civil assistant surgeons,
one civil assistant surgeon radiologist and 24 Medical officers
manning TB centres located in various places in Hyderabad
district. One post of civil assistant surgeon was occupied by Dr
Devender Reddy, a paediatrician and my class mate in
medicine. With my joining second post was filled and soon
after Dr Janardhan joined the third post. Our working hours
were from 8am to 2pm. we were expected to conduct the
outpatient consultation, read the X-Rays and assist in
admissions. Dr Devender helped me to read the X-Rays.
However, I was not very good in it and often I was corrected
by him or Dr Gowd or Dr Babu Rao. Dr Gowd was a close
associate in Doctors association and in the doctor's agitation
and Dr Babu Rao was a co house surgeon who studied in
Bankura.

National Information Services

On the initiative of Jwala my brother in law we registered

"National Information Services" a bi-lingual news and feature
services, to provide factual information, articles of interest,
and publish books. The body was registered under societies
act with J. Harinarayan IAS as the president, myself as
Secretary, DV Janardhan Reddy, Jupudi Prasad and Dr
Manohar as members. G Krishna was its editor, Jwala and
another journalism student of G. Krishna were its accredited
correspondents. It was registered under societies act on 2nd
December 1984 with Number 1951 of 1984. Many of the
articles of G. Krishna and Jwala were published. Prema Malini
(Bunti) was also associated with it subsequently. The first book
(a travelogue) published under this banner was "Maa Uttara
Bharath desa Yatralu" written by my father. It was the only
other travelogue published in Telugu after the book of Enugula
Veeraswamy. It was unveiled at a small function in Parvatal
Rao's house by my grandmother. Subsequently a book
"Kshaya" (a book on Tuberculosis) in Telugu written by me was
also published and so also another book "Mana Aarogyam)
written by me. Another book published was “Paramachaarya
Pavana Gathalu” written by Parvatal Rao. Many more were
also published later. NISCORD a collection of articles published
by NIS was released by the then Governor Kumud Ben Joshi.
Venkanna my youngest brother finished his law. His
marriage was fixed with Nirmala daughter of Ramesh Sagar an
advocate from Karimnagar. Ramesh Sagar's brother was our
neighbour when we were living in Ashoknagar. His wife
Swathanthra hailed from Khammam. The marriage was
performed in Karimnagar in bride's fathers house on 13th June
1985. We all attended the marriage. Paramahamsa was the
collector and he too attended the marriage. Soon after the
marriage I left for Hyderabad to make arrangements for
reception of couple and for them to spend the three nights at
my house and the traditional Satyanarayana Vratham. The
couple stayed in our house for few months and then shifted to
Ashoknagar into their own accommodation.
Jupudi Narasimha Rao garu, my sisters father in law broke
his hip joint but opted for conservative treatment of traction
at Khammam. Even though he recovered from it, soon after he
died suddenly on 25th September 1985. We went to
Khammam for cremation and ceremonies.
One-day Chandra Mowli asked me to accompany him and
the Governor to Tirupati. I gladly followed along with
Viswanath. It was the practice of Shankar Dayal Sharma the
Governor to reach Tirumala by foot from Tirupati. We started
climbing the hill at 4 pm. Within no time Governor and his wife
quickened the pace and marched and reached almost a hour
ahead of us. I along with Chandra Mowli and Viswanath
leisurely climbed and took a hour extra. I was tired. Governor
and his wife were getting ready to go to temple and perform
"Porludu Dandalu" (Rolling lying on ground) around the
temple and later have darshan of Lord. I was woken up in the
early morning to accompany the Governor for Abhisheka
Darshanam. I was amazed at the physical stamina and
spiritual will of the Governor and his wife who were in their
seventies.
My father suffered an attack of chest pain at Khammam.
Luckily Dr Venkat Reddy was in Khammam and he brought my
father in his car to Hyderabad. We admitted him in NIMS. He
had another attack of chest pain in the hospital. Dr Soma Raju
attended on him. The same evening of my father's admission
my mother too complained of chest pain. She too was
admitted in the same ICCU next to him. However, both
recovered and were discharged after a week. The facility of
Angiogram and Bye pass surgery were not available in
Hyderabad then. They advised to go to Chennai. My father
declined and opted for conservative treatment.
Kumud Joshi was sworn in as Governor on 26th November
1985.
Raghu Bhandaru son of Parvatal Rao got married to Sudha
his maternal Uncle's (Venkateshwara Rao) daughter on 14th
December 1985. We all went by a special bus to Thirumalagiri
gattu (Venkateshwara temple) near our village . This was the
temple where most of our childhood ceremonies like
Annaprasan or first shaving of hair were performed. We had
to climb the hill.
 Siva Raju Narasimha Rao, my father's elder brother who
was given in adoption to his maternal grandfather suddenly
died on 17th Feb 86. I attended the ceremonies in Madipalle.

Kala Bhairava Kennel Foundation

Chandra Mowli had a good friend and class mate from

Madras by name CV Rao who was a commercial tax officer. His
father was C Narasimhan an ICS officer, who headed
Administrative staff college. CV Rao's brother was head of
"Trade Wings" which helped me to fly to UK and another
brother was in forest department. They were students of
Mahadevan who lost his wife and was lonely and was in his
80s. He was a master trainer of dogs. He was a very pleasant
person and a good conservationist and knew Sanskrit and
wrote some books. He is credited to have trained many dogs
of Gemini studios which appeared in many films.
CV Rao and Chandra Mowli decided to rehabilitate him in
Hyderabad. They bought some dogs of good pedigree and
even imported a dog from Germany. They rented a flat and
arranged a helper by name Jyothi to look after Mr.
Mahadevan. A society was formed by name "Kala Bhairava
Kennel Foundation". Dr Rao, the founder of IAS study circle,
Mahadevan, I, Viswanath, Jyothi were the office bearers. The
daughters of CV Rao, D. Rama Naidu, a film producer, Radha
Bala wife of Balasubramaniyam IAS officer, SV Rao, Dr Marla
Sharma, K. Narsinga Rao a contractor and student of Chandra
Mowli, Raghava Reddy an advocate, Zaheer Uddin a sports
person, Madhav Byas a photographer were the other
members. Madhav Byas was the official photographer for Red
Cross latter.

AP State Red Cross Society

Chandra Mowli asked me to look after the medical

institutions of Red Cross Society. Governor is the president of
state Red Cross Unit. Usually the spouse is the chairman of the
executive committee and looks after the day to day affairs.
Since the present Governor was a spinster the Secretary to
Governor Mr. Chandra Mowli was the chairman. The deputy
Secretary to Governor Mr. Rambabu was in additional charge
as Secretary of Red Cross State Unit. It was few days after I
took charge that I was appointed as the State Secretary and
the Government of AP has issued orders keeping me in
additional charge of the post of State Secretary Red Cross on
23rd March 1986.
Till then the office of Red Cross was in the ground floor of
"Lady Barton Hospital" in Secunderabad on the road from
Railway Station to clock tower. It was the own building of Red
cross. The state unit of Red Cross was running three Maternity
hospitals. They were Lady Barton, Paul Doss in Rani Gunj and
another one near Paul Doss. It was a running a school near
Masab Tank on the main road. It was also running an
orphanage in Malak pet. However, the State Unit also had the
responsibility to oversee the functioning of District and other
units. The finances of the State Unit were in great distress. We
were falling short of cash at the end of every month to pay the
salaries of the staff. The revenue was only from donations
given by patients after delivery and sale of Red Cross seals. It
had no vehicle of its own. I was working without any
remuneration.
There was a ladies committee which used to meet the
Governor regularly and was supposed to raise donations and
promote the activities. The prominent members were Mrs.
Chandrasekhar Reddy, Mrs. Pushpa Chalani and Saraswathi
Rao. Dr Saraswathi Rao was a naturopathy doctor and a good
social worker and was very active Blood donation promoter.
She used to organise Blood donation camps and distribute
certificates. In spite of her advanced age she was untiring and
persistent. She has donated lot of her savings to Red Cross
Society. There were three Staff members to assist in the office.
Our first effort thus seemed to be to improve the finances
and take up new activities. We initiated a scheme to offer
Honorary Vice Presidents of State Red Cross to those selected
persons who contribute Rs 10000/. We also started improving
the life memberships. A trickle started, and it soon gathered
momentum. We then started initiating new schemes to
improve the image of the organization during non-disaster
times. Geetha Reddy, and most of the members of ladies’ wing
joined as Vice Presidents. Ananda Gajapathi Raju's wife Uma
Gajapathi Raju and many industrialists became members. The
scheme generated some amount to start expansion of
programmes.
A lady gifted many of her paintings. Dr Geetha Reddy
introduced Kimji a painter and Sculptor who agreed to
organise the painting exhibition. We could sell most of the
paintings and make some money for Red cross. Kimji became
a good friend and so also Patricia his wife. He was very
talented person and he had a farm where he built a cottage
with lot of innovation. I became his student to learn water
colour painting and he was very patient to teach me. He gave
me some books, brushes, paints and paper. We travelled
together to various places and used to meet often. Our
friendship and association continued for a long time till his
death. I introduced him to permaculture.
I found some unused accommodation in the campus of
Staff quarters adjacent to Governor's building. It was a big
shed. We shifted the Red Cross office to this.
A new Fiat car and an Ambassador car were gifted to our
State Branch.
We started in cooperation with retired army personnel
"Security Services" and started lending services of guards on
payment. Ram Murthy father of SV Rao auditor helped me a
lot to set it up.
We started a Lady driver training programme.
We started a lending library in the premises of the Red
Cross School and employed handicapped persons to man it
with the books all of us have donated. The family of Dr
Melkote a renowned person of Hyderabad donated the library
of Dr Melkote. We found many interesting books in his
collection.
 We set up donation coin boxes in many banks and it used
to generate good revenue. Ramchander Rao Bhandaru helped
in the effort and also helped SBI to take on rent the unused
area of Lady Barton hospital to set up their branch.
I and Chandra Mowli visited the National Red Cross office
in Delhi and met Bowmick who was the Secretary General. He
rose to the rank of Secretary General from a clerk without any
formal academic qualification. He was only a matriculate. He
was a self-made man. He was very efficient and judges and
estimates persons correctly and has a very wide contact
internationally in Red Cross Circles. He was highly respected in
those circles.
Many interesting renowned persons used to visit Raj
Bhavan. Mostly they were senior citizens, freedom fighters
and artists like Dr P. Tirumala Rao, (Who was my professor of
Paediatrics in the medical college, a freedom fighter). KB Tilak
a renowned Cine Director, Thakur Hari Prasad, Rev. Y Papaiah,
educationist, etc. They organised a function to felicitate
freedom fighters. Many attended including my father. They
were often interacting with the Governor and proposing to her
to take up socially relevant activities.
Chethana an NGO organisation was started by Smt.
Sharada Mukherjee after the Divi Seema Cyclone. It was
mostly to rehabilitate the orphaned children in the disaster.
She raised funds and bought the house of Justice Bhima
Shankaram in Malak pet and housed the orphaned children. It
was handed over to Red Cross to run. Two nuns from a mission
organisation were taking care of children. I often used to go
the orphanage and spend time with children.
Governor decided to activate the organisation which was
dormant. Coming to know of it Jwala who was working in BHEL
Higher Secondary School applied for a job as Administrative
Officer and was selected. Dr Marla Sharma, NRI and settled in
Germany used to visit and participate in some programmes.
A massive plantation programme was taken up in the
premises of STC, TB Hospital, University campus, and
Women's college. Thousands of social forestry species were
planted, To nurture and water the plants a small tanker was
purchased and Madhusudhana Rao Pingle was appointed by
Chethana to oversee it. Both Jwala and Madhusudhana Rao
were provided accommodation in Raj Bhavan campus.
There were unprecedented floods in river Godavari due to
severe monsoon in August 86. The Godavari recorded a
maximum level of 75.6 feet at Bhadrachalam on August 16,
1986. Flash floods encircled the temple town submerging the
main streets and several structures, including the cottages, for
nearly five days. Many districts were affected, and it was said
that 20 lakh people were affected, 400 deaths happened, 4
lakh houses were damaged and the estimated loss due to
damages were nearly 1600 crore rupees. Worst affected was
Khammam District
Governor made an appeal for donations to Red cross. NT
Ramarao also made an appeal for donations to CM's relief
fund.
We kept our office open round the clock and gathered
volunteers to receive and sort and pack relief material. We
appointed new staff members Radha & Ramakrishna. We soon
shifted our office into a vacant quarter of ADC and made the
present one as office for NISA, Chethana and stores of Red
Cross.
One evening all the office staff left and I was alone working,
and the attender told me that a lady wanted to meet me. I
asked him to send her in. A young thin lady walked in and
introduced herself as Rama and told me that she was looking
for a job. She did her MA and passed higher type and
shorthand. I asked her to sit and take a dictation and type the
letter. I dictated an appointment order without mentioning
the name. She typed and brought it back. I filled the blank
name and gave it to her. It was her appointment order. She
worked for a year and got selected in SV university and left.
Afterwards she got selected in Andhra Bank. She married a
classmate of her (Inter caste marriage) Lincoln who is a direct
recruit DSP and later worked as Security officer to Chief
Minister Chandra Babu Naidu. I also appointed Rajamowli the
son of G. Krishna. The sons of the Rajbhavan drivers were
appointed as drivers of Red Cross vehicles. Alladi Viswanath
was appointed as assistant Secretary.
On another evening I was called by the Governor. As I was
leaving a young lady of foreign origin came to my vehicle trying
to speak to me. As I was in hurry I told her to wait and went to
see the Governor. The presence of this lady slipped my mind
and from Governor’s office I drove home. I got a telephone call
at 10 pm from Red Cross office saying that a lady was waiting.
I immediately drove to the office and met her. This young lady
from Sweden came to India hitch hiking and in that process,
came to Hyderabad. She sought my help for accommodation.
As it was too late at night to make arrangements I took her
home. Next day I put her up with some friends but soon she
returned saying she was not comfortable. Next, I put her up in
ladies working hostel but again after few days she returned
back. Then I asked her to stay with us. She stayed with me and
accompanied me in all my travels for next few months. She
was interested in knowing about the rural life and
documenting them. She named our farm in Mudigonda as
"Sumuktida". She adjusted to our food and habits and was a
member of the family. After few months she flew back and
used to correspond.
I toured the effected villages in Bhadrachalam, the area
with which I was very familiar. I assessed the immediate and
long term needs and interacted with local NGOs and decided
to reactivate Bhadrachalam branch, and also form a branch at
Chintoor.
Governor made a visit to the flood affected areas in
Bhadrachalam. I and Chandra Mowli accompanied her. She
inaugurated the branch of Chintoor in the hospital premises of
Bhadrachalam. We stayed for the night in Bhadrachalam
paper board guest house. We nominated Chandrasekhar of
Girijan Seva Samithi as the Secretary of Chintur branch and
Kodanda Ramaiah as the Secretary of Bhadrachalam branch
which was dormant.
 A National team comprising Chowdary and Colonel
Venugopal came to Hyderabad to discuss the way in which the
cyclone shelters which were built after Divi cyclone could be
effectively used. We started from Hyderabad in a jeep at 12 in
the afternoon as they wanted to interact with the officials of
the districts. Our plan was to drive to Srikakulam and on the
way, meet the district officials of Krishna, West Godavari, East
Godavari, Vishakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram and finally at
Srikakulam and return to Vizag by next evening and fly back to
Hyderabad. An Ex-army driver recruited in our Security
services was the driver and three of us were the passengers.
All the concerned District Collectors who were also the
presidents of the district branches of Red Cross were
informed. We did not really have an estimate of the extensive
damage the floods caused to the roads. Even reaching
Vijayawada on not so damaged road took us 8 hours. After
meeting the district officials, we proceeded to Eluru which
took us four hours i.e. at 12 am. The driver was too exhausted,
and I took the wheel. Our next stop was at Kakinada which we
reached at 3am. Luckily the officials were waiting. We then
proceeded to Vizag. We straight went to hotel, checked in and
rested for few hours which was badly needed. We took a taxi
from there went to Srikakulam and reached back Vizag in time
to catch the flight back. The driver returned with jeep after
two days.
I again went to Bhadrachalam with lot of relief material we
collected at our office and the supplies we received from
National Red Cross and distributed in many villages.
We drew up a plan to build 3 monsoon shelters, three in
Bhadrachalam area and two in East Godavari area at a cost of
one crore rupees. We have to raise the funds.
Pakistan Cricket team was visiting India for a series in early
1987. Mansingh, Secretary of Cricket board and ML Jaisimha
were contacted to help organise a charity one day cricket
match between India eleven and Pakistan eleven to help
relief in Flood affected areas. Geetha Reddy and Mansingh
flew to Delhi and Pakistan and obtained the consent of
concerned. A match was scheduled on 18th January 1987 in
Fateh Maidan Stadium. I was made the convener for the
match. It was jointly organized by NISA and Red Cross. While
the technical aspects of the match like grounds, players,
timings, etc were taken care by HCC we were to take care of
the travel, stay, sale of tickets, Crowd control, manning the
gates, refreshments, advertisements, and security. Dr Ram
Mohan an active member of HCC who was my class mate
helped me to understand the intricacies of the match. We
needed the cooperation of Police department. MV Narayana
Rao former DGP helped us a lot in it. TS Rao was the police
commissioner and Vyas was the concerned DCP. When I met
Vyas he assured total cooperation if we adhered to certain
norms. I could understand that crowd control was the main
problem.
The capacity of the stadium was about 8000. Another extra
accommodation of 2000 can be provided by providing
temporary shelter. Usually tickets more than the capacity are
printed and sold. The gates are manned by the organizers.
There is no control over them. They allow many known
persons and VIPs without tickets. The tickets are sold in bulk
to organizations who indulge in black marketing subsequently.
Sometimes the sale of tickets is out sourced and they indulge
in printing of counterfeit tickets and sell. Taking advantage of
the malpractices of organizers Police too indulge in letting all
their officers and their families free. The police usually
organise three rings of security. One is 1/2 km away from
stadium on the roads leading to stadium, one is immediately
outside the stadium and another one is inside the stadium.
Once the match starts all the police personnel deployed enter
and occupy the areas adjacent to the playground. The
spectators then start throwing various missiles. Vyas narrated
to me his experience of the earlier match which created lot of
heart burning amongst the genuine spectators because of
above reasons.
I agreed to abide by his advice and convinced the
Governor.
 We made arrangements for special chartered flight to pick
up the teams from Delhi and drop them at Jaipur after the
match. We made arrangements for their stay (Boarding and
Lodging) in a hotel near Mojamjahi market (later converted
into a hospital). There were no star hotels at that time. Geetha
Reddy looked after this aspect.
Advertisements were collected for hoardings, runners
along the side of the grounds etc.
We got the tickets printed in the security press of race
course. The total number of all denominations were 10000.
We also got printed Duty badges which every person including
police on duty of the match should wear. The badge had the
facsimile signature of mine and the police officer designated
by Vyas. Any person seen without a duty badge or ticket
whatever status one was can be challenged. The badges had
different colours for easy identification, like different colours
for different perimeters.
Every gate was manned by an IRCS official, a volunteer, and
a police person.
Outside drinks and bottles and any other type of missile
were prohibited. We made arrangements for sale and
collection after use.
We started sale of tickets just 5 days before and a person
was sold only two tickets.
The sale was inaugurated by the Governor in Rajbhavan.
She brought the first ticket by her own money. We followed
next. Everyone was to buy tickets. We publicized that no one
however high he may be will not be allowed without a ticket
or a duty badge.
We gave wide publicity that since it is a charity match no
complimentary was allowed.
I was very apprehensive. There were rumours that the
teams may not come, some rowdy and vested interests may
create problems etc.
We all reached the grounds early, so too the Governor.
The stadium was full. Governor went around the stadium
greeting the spectators. Match started, and spectators fully
enjoyed. It was a grand success. There was not even a small
hitch.
Governor gave a reception (at home) to the players,
HCC, and all volunteers, officials and the departments like
police etc in the evening. Someone paid a compliment saying
that the man of match award should be shared by Dr Ranga
Rao and Vyas.
Monsoon shelters were built in Bhadrachalam (College
Grounds), Chatti and Kunavaram.
I, another 12 members of state Red Cross accompanied
the Governor to Kadapa in a chartered flight to attend the
General Body meeting of District Red Cross. We visited Gadapa
temple.
Sir Ronald Ross who discovered that Mosquito
transmits Malaria used to live in a house in Begumpet
Secunderabad which was subsequently named after his
memory. Thakur Hari prasad, Chairman of St John Ambulance
canvassed for acquiring the Ronald Ross Building near the
Begumpet airport and develop it. It is a tiled building and was
under the control of a committee headed by Vice Chancellor
Osmania University. After persuasion they have agreed and
handed over the campus and it was renovated and housed the
offices of St John Ambulance and Security services, Ladies
Driving school etc.
Similarly, a building belonging to Central Social welfare
board on Karimnagar road was acquired and much later
housed a Urban health Post of Red Cross.
A foreigner who developed an easy technology to build
dome houses in three days was invited to build a small dome
house for demonstration in the premises of Rajbhavan. He
came and built one. First, he built a circular basement up to 3'
with brick and prepared a skeleton of dome with iron rods. He
inflated a balloon over it and sprayed cement mortar and kept
the balloon inflated for 3 days and afterwards deflated it and
cut windows and doors. It was a simple technology. Mr. Tilak
and his son wanted to build such houses in rural areas without
much success.
 KB Tilak developed a light and sound show around the
life of late Indira Gandhi and named it "Bharatha Ratna
Indiramma". NISA sponsored it. It was presented for 40
evenings in the grounds of post graduate college in
Secunderabad. Dr Geetha Reddy enacted as Indira Gandhi.
Thousands witnessed it. It was later presented in various
districts of AP.
I visited Duggirajpatnam in Nellore district where a boat
clinic was being run by Red Cross. It was run on Buckingham
canal. It was facing many problems. The canal was highly
silted, and movement of boat was very difficult. Dr Prabhavati
was the Medical Officer. She was fresh from the college and
was very enthusiastic. We travelled on the boat to some
villages and got late but the workers rowed the boat whole
night and reached us home at 4 am. Though it was very
arduous for rowers it was a very pleasant night for us.
In Nellore district Red Cross owned 20 acres of land and
we planted cashew in the same.
Red Cross branches owned many properties in the
districts. I tried to document them.
Nizams orthopaedic hospital was taken over by the
Government to be developed as multi-speciality hospital and
Kakarla Subbarao became the Director. He invited Red Cross
to man the Medical shop in its premises. We agreed, and
Governor inaugurated the same.
We started a "Hospital on Launch" in Chintoor area to
serve the population inaccessible by road. Vijaya Kumar
Aitharaju was posted there as an assistant. After few months
he went missing. Till day nothing is established about his
whereabouts except for some unfounded rumours.
A society of senior citizens was sponsored by Red Cross
and got registered. It acquired some land in the outskirts of
Hyderabad on Vikarabad road and built some cottages.
However, it was abandoned later for lack of water.
I attended a meeting of IRCS in Delhi held under the
chairman ship of PV Narasimha Rao the then Union Minister
for Human Resources in Rashtrapathi Bhavan.
 Few days before the annual General body meeting of
our State Branch I requested Chandra Mowli and Governor to
relieve me as Secretary of State Red cross. With great
reluctance they have agreed on the condition that I would
work as Secretary of HKNS.
I conducted the annual general body meeting of State
Red Cross in Raj Bhavan and took leave. My maternal
grandmother attended the same as a senior Red cross
member. Surya Narayana Deputy Secretary to Governor was
kept in additional charge of the post.
I was the State Secretary from 23rd March 86 to 23rd
Feb 87 just for 11 months. However, we could do many things.
The finances of society have improved a lot so also the
infrastructure.

National institute of Social Action (NISA)

Jogins Welfare: One fine morning a story broke out in

the press that a marriage of a Jogin was performed in Raj
Bhavan. The real truth was that a daughter of a Jogin escaped
from being converted into Jogin and eloped with a boy who
was interested to marry her. Their marriage was witnessed in
Raj Bhavan.
In south India a Devadasi (Servant of God in Sanskrit) or
Jogin in Telugu is a girl dedicated to worship and service of a
deity or a temple for the rest of her life. Originally in addition
to taking care of the temple these women learned various
forms of dance and singing and enjoyed a high social status as
dance and music were essential part of temple worship and
rituals.
This practice got corrupted and they were marrying
wealthy patrons and instead of performing routine chores of
a house wife they spent their time honing their skills of music
and dance. Often the patrons had another wife to serve as
house wife.
 It got further corrupted for lack of patronage by rich
and decayed into forced prostitution in the villages and
became hereditary.
This type of Jogin system existed in the districts of
Telangana specially in Karimnagar, and Nizamabad districts. A
study was conducted by Hemalatha Lavanam a social activist.
She was working in Verni in Nizamabad district.
The Jogin system is based on the traditional belief in
Andhra Pradesh that evil over the family or the village can be
avoided by dedicating a girl in the family to be a Jogin by
offering her to "Potharaju". As soon as she reaches puberty,
she becomes the exclusive concubine of the feudal gentry in
the village. Married to God before puberty, the devadasis, or
Jogins, many of whom live in the temples, become sexual
servants to the villages’ upper-caste men after their first
menstrual period. In some villages, the men who bought them
keep Devadasis as concubines. In others, they are public
chattels, who are used by men free of charge.
Socially they are outcastes, but they do suffer from
severe venerable or sexually transmitted diseases from the
men.
Ultimately the seniors decided to start an organisation
to take up social issues and registered an organisation by
name "National institute of Social Action (NISA)". It was
registered on 13th July 1986 with registered number under
societies act. NISA registration Number is 1587/1986.
Governor Kumud Joshi was the president, Chandra Mowli was
the Secretary and I was made the Treasurer. Mir Akbar Ali
Khan, former Governor, Rani Kumudini Devi, former Mayor,
Samyuktha Bullayya Social Activist, Mohan Guru Swamy an
intellectual, were the other signatories. All the Vice
Chancellors, and heads of Banks etc were made as ex-officio
members. Alladi Vasudevan was appointed as auditor.
Nookala Sharma was appointed as Junior Assistant.
 Verni Residential school for the children of Jogins

It actively took up the cause of Jogins. Many workshops

and seminars were held. A Jogin rehabilitation programme
was drawn up by NISA. Few of us proposed that the best way
of abolishing the system was to wean away the children of
Jogin and provide them education in a residential school. We
made an application to Government of India for funding. We
awaited sanction.

HKNS (Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh)

Kumud Ben Joshi, the Governor wanted me to take

interest in HKNS activities. We made few changes in the
structure. Dr Shanthi Narayan Mathur was the founder
Secretary, continued to be Secretary. I suggested that he
should be elevated as chairman and two Secretaries can be
appointed. One secretary can be Ex officio i.e. the additional
Director Leprosy and other Secretary can be nominated by the
Governor. I was nominated as non-official Secretary. I
continued in that post till 1993. I could not do much as
Secretary because of other preoccupations. As usual we were
opening a stall in the annual industrial exhibition in
Hyderabad.
We planned to create an awareness programme in
young students and took up a programme in Medak district. I
wrote a small booklet on various diseases and preventive
action to be taken and also designed a self-vision testing chart
and peer examination model.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr Geetha Reddy
who by then became a minister and Garg IAS, collector
presided. Dr Shanthi Narayan Mathur was felicitated.
During the period I was State Secretary of State Red Cross
few events have happened in personal life.
Parcha Ramam husband of Vimala Kavuturi died on 26th
November 1986, in a jeep accident. Parcha Ramam was my
contemporary in School at Penuganchiprolu and was related
to Annapurnakkaya my aunt. I attended the ceremonies. His
son was given a job on compassionate grounds subsequently.
Rani got married to Dr R. Ramarao at Bhadrachalam on 14th
December 1986. We attended the marriage. Rama Rao was
very active in students’ politics and completed his MBBS from
Gandhi Medical College.

Panchavati

I attended a lecture on permaculture. I also visited the farm

in Zaheerabad run by DDS and met Dr Venkat there. I was
drawn to the idea. On one of my visits to Khammam while I
and Dr SP Ranga Rao were travelling to his village he
mentioned about land for sale near Mudigonda. We both went
and saw the land. The land was surrounded by hills and was a
like a valley and had well. I fell in love with the land and told
Dr Ranga Rao to negotiate. Soon after wards my uncle
Satyanarayana Rao also showed interest and so also Prasad
Jupudi and Jwala Narasimha Rao. Dr SP Ranga Rao perused the
matter further and ultimately, we all five put together bought
25 acres of land there and named it "Panchavati".
We got the land registered in April 1987. We decided to
practice techniques of Permaculture. I read many books on the
subject and interacted with Dr Venkat. Dr Venkat was a senior
Medical Practitioner and was in his 70s and took retirement
and continued to practice permaculture and promote. He was
of great help. He was very passionate and helpful. He was the
maternal uncle of Vasantha Kannabhiram.
My uncle Satyanarayana Rao took lot of interest and
planned plantation of orchard. It was no mono culture. We
decided to go for verities of plants like mangoes, Guava, Ber
etc. On the edges we planted bamboo, Toddy and various
thorn plants. We built a small cottage deeper in the land and
quarters for staff near the road. Even though the land was
contiguous since we bought it 3 phases we divided them into
3 plots. Entire land was fenced. We got electrical connections
and organized two motors and underground pipe lines. We
employed two families (one Lingaiah and another Lambada
family). Both used to live in the quarters on the land with their
families and children. We appointed Laxmi Narayana as
Supervisor. My uncle and Dr Ranga Rao developed the
infrastructure and looked after the plantation. I used to visit
the farm often and spent many hours. We used to have parties
and many friends visited the farm. All of us were in love with
what we were doing. We used to be at peace whenever we
visited the place. We used to party there and had
Vanabhojanams in Kartheeka Maasam.
We never used chemical fertilizers or pesticides. It was
totally organic farming. We really never had pest attack. It was
mostly companion plantation of Glyricidia and Avisha.
Mulching was practiced.
However, disaster stuck in 2002. Many Stone crushing mills
and Granite cutting workshops came all around the orchard
and the dust was heavily causing damage to the workers and
the fruit bearing as the accumulated dust was interfering with
photosynthesis. Underground water level too was going
down. We complained to pollution board without much
success. We were against odds. We sold the land in March
2004 without incurring loss on our original investment.

Bharath Higher Studies

Bharath passed Intermediate. After much discussion we

decided to put him in Dental College. In this connection I and
Viswanath went around Karnataka state to see various Dental
colleges. We visited Bangalore, Manipal and Davanagere.
There were many Telugu students studying in these colleges.
After return from these colleges I, Viswanath and Narsing Rao
went to Gulbarga in Maruthi 800. We selected Davanagere.
Bharath secured admission in Davanagere.
I sold the plot in Khammam and sold the plot in Mahindra
Hills to Dr P. Venkata Rami Reddy and in Doctor's colony to
procure needed finances for Bharath admission.
 Rani Bhandaru got married to Balaram in a simple function
on 2nd June 87 and Veni Bhandaru to Ramesh Kolipaka on 21st
June 1987.

Sustaining a Fracture

One-day, Dr SP Ranga Rao and I planned a visit to

agricultural university to meet some experts and take their
advice on our "Panchavati Venture" venture. Both of us left on
my Scooter after lunch and I was driving. We were travelling
on Rajbhavan Road and another scooter was closely following
us. Suddenly a cyclist crossed our path and to avoid hitting him
I applied brakes. However, the scooter behind hit us and we
fell down. We got up immediately and got on to the pavement.
While Ranga Rao escaped with no injury I sustained a fracture
of my left forearm. We got into a shop and I telephoned
Rajbhavan and a car came to pick us up and we went to NIMS.
Dr Srinivasa Rao attended on me and after X-Rays etc put it in
a plaster. However, advised internal fixation. I contacted Dr
Ratnam and he came to see me at home and advised internal
fixation and advised to get admitted in a nursing home in
Ameer pet. My grandmother came to see me. It is said that she
was having a nap at the time the accident has happened and
suddenly woke up and started mumbling that something
happened to someone dear. My parents came from
Khammam and many visited. I was operated and discharged
after two days. Kumud Ben Joshi, Governor paid a visit to my
house to see me. It was very kind of her.
I was put in plaster for 6 weeks. However, I used to go to
STC and work. Dr Babu Rao used to pick me up in his car and
drop me. Dr Babu Rao died prematurely.
A small nerve fibre got caught in the suture line and I still
have paraesthesia in my left thumb and index finger. I required
an extra pillow to rest my arm while sleeping and it became a
habit which continued till day. After the accident I never drove
a two-wheeler.
 Advisor IRCS- IPKF- Northern Sri Lanka

While I was attending the Out Patient at STC the

attender came and informed me that there was a trunk call
from Delhi for me. To my surprise it was Bowmick, Secretary
General Red Cross on the line. After initial exchange of
pleasantries, he asked me to promise to oblige a request of
his. After agreeing he informed that I should go to New Delhi
by the next immediate flight and from there to Sri Lanka for
three days. When asked about the purpose of such visit he told
me that it was to assess the needs of civilians in the then
conflict between IPKF & LTTE. I replied saying that I have no
valid passport and no ticket etc. He assured that all of that
would be taken care. He informed me that a flight ticket would
be delivered at my house in the next hour for the afternoon
flight and a staff member with a vehicle would receive me at
Delhi and from then onwards he would take care. I applied for
five days CL and went home. My parents and all my kith & kin
came to Begumpet airport which was very close to my house
to see me off. It was like someone going to the battle field.
I flew to Delhi on 17th October 1987 (Saturday) and
Bowmick was waiting in the office and he briefed me on my
assignment. I filled in the forms for a pass port and VISA and
went to Jainder's house. Jainder gave me a very detailed
briefing on the army structure and functions of various officers
etc. It was very useful to me. Next day was Sunday. However,
my passport and VISA etc were procured and given to me.
They gave a survival Kit and a camera. I flew to Chennai along
with three nurses and two assistants from central Red Cross.
It was a hopping flight with a break in Hyderabad. Again, my
family members came to see me at the airport. We reached
Chennai and rested in Hotel Ashoka in Egmore.
We waited in Chennai for two days to fly to Sri Lanka.
After intervention from Delhi I alone was permitted to fly by
army plane to Sri Lanka. A Red Cross Jeep was available to us
at Chennai for our transport. A young Gurkha lad was the
driver. He was very resourceful. He could speak both Hindi and
Tamil very fluently. He took me to Thambaram air force base
after lunch and put me in army plane. It was transporting
goats, vegetables and poultry and I was one of three
passengers. It took us 40 minutes to reach Palely air base in
northern Sri Lanka. It was raining. I got off the chopper and
looked around. Even in the rain it was buzzing with activity. It
was like a scene in a war film. Everyone was in uniform except
me. I took out my Red Cross badge and pinned it on my shirt.
It was getting dark. I introduced myself to an officer nearby
and whom I should contact to go to Jaffna Hospital. He told me
that only way to go to Jaffna hospital was by chopper and
there were no more sorties that evening. Understanding my
predicament, he led me to the nearby army medical core first
aid post and asked them to accommodate me for the night in
their tent and send me to him for arranging my departure to
Jaffna in the morning. The staff conversed with me for some
time trying to know about Red Cross and what the purpose of
my visit. They shared two chapattis of their ration with me and
a cup of black tea. I slept on the floor spreading my hold all. I
had a disturbed sleep.
Next morning, I shared some biscuits from my survival
kit with them along with their black tea. The officer who
helped me the previous evening listed me on one of the
choppers. I flew in it to Jaffna around 10 am. Few minutes after
they dropped me a wide road. An army truck unloaded the
supplies from the chopper and was about to leave. They gave
me a lift to Jaffna General & teaching Hospital.
On the way I could see devastation. There were burnt
out vehicles, corpses of few days old, eagles and dogs around
them all over the place. I could only see the faces of army
personnel with their helmets, guns pointed behind makeshift
sand bag shields. I could hear occasional gun fire. Except these,
roads were deserted. After few minutes of drive the truck
stopped and the army Jawan pointed to a building as hospital.
I got down with the hold hall in my hand and the bag on my
shoulder. I entered the hospital campus passing by the side of
the army post. I saw a half-naked man in loin cloth in the open
drain few feet deep trying to get up. I proceeded towards him
with an intention to pull him out and was suddenly stopped by
the shout of army Jawan not to do so. I looked at the Jawan
and he gestured me to proceed ahead. I entered the hospital
corridor and there were sign boards pointing to Outpatient
block to the left and In patient block to the right. There was an
army Jawan guarding the closed door of the OP block. I wanted
to go and meet doctors in the OP block, but Jawan guarding
gestured me towards the other side. I turned towards the IP
block and after few steps found an officer coming out of a door
and introduced myself. After listening to me he introduced
himself as Colonel (Dr) Puri and asked me to follow him. We
moved towards the Emergency Area Operation theatre.
Colonel Puri along with two other army Doctors and staff were
living in a room in theatre block. They shared their lunch
consisting of hard chapattis and the black tea.
While we were conversing a Jawan came to inform that
few civilian causalities were brought, and no one was
attending on them. The army Doctors were treating the
Military causalities and civilian doctors were expected to treat
civilian causalities. There was no response from the Army
Doctors. I could hear the wailing and crying in the corridor. I
told Colonel Puri that I would go and find out from the civilian
doctors and request them to which he assented and ordered
a Jawan to accompany me. I was led to a ward nearby which
was the emergency observation ward and pointed to three
beds in a corner where the doctors were lying. There was one
young lady Doctor, a doctor past his middle age and another
male doctor in his thirties. They all looked very haggard. I went
to them and introduced myself and after some indifferent
pleasantries informed them that some causalities were
waiting for their attention. They were silent. I told them that
I can assist them if they required. After few minutes the senior
person said that they had to leave in the next half hour after
which it would be dark and dangerous for them to leave and
treating the causalities may take more time than that. They
were living in another portion of the hospital.
 There was no electricity in the hospital and even in the
town. There was curfew in the town. Movement even in the
hospital after 5 pm was not allowed and army may shoot any
person moving. After getting more details from them about
their apprehension and fears I went back to Col. Puri and
sought his permission for their movement after 5 pm. He
reluctantly agreed. I went back to the civilian doctors and told
them about the permission and also assured them that I would
personally accompany them. With reluctance they went and
attended to the cases. Meanwhile I chatted with the Doctor in
his thirties and tried to find out the other problems they were
facing in attending to the cases. The main problem was
shortage of man power and medical supplies and electricity.
We both prepared an inventory of requirements and I went
back to Colonel Puri and requested him to arrange to send my
indent to the Secretary General IRCS at Delhi. He promised to
arrange for it as a top priority. The three Doctors returned
after attending to the cases. I told Colonel Puri that I would
accompany them and spend the night with them and picked
my bag and accompanied them. A Jawan accompanied us. I
was focussing my torch light on my Red Cross apron and at
every guard station the Jawan would shout in Hindi and inform
the guard to let us pass. After 10 such passes the Jawan said
he was returning as no more guard points were there ahead.
I suddenly realised that from then on, my saviours were
these three civilian doctors. We crossed few more corridors
and they pointed out to a room for me to sleep. It was the
labour room. I stretched myself on the labour table. Except
few hard chapattis and two cups of black tea I did not have
anything to eat whole day. I was hungry, tired and fretful. It
was dark and sultry. I cursed myself for having agreed to come.
It was a nightmare. I was frequently disturbed by mosquitoes
and sounds of gunfire and distant explosion of bombs.
I found an open well in the morning nearby and drew
water with the help of a bucket and completed my morning
rituals and went back to Col Puri and had my cup of black tea.
Col Puri with the help of some other unit arranged to send my
request. I tried to converse with the civilian doctors, but they
were still very cold to me. Their silence was demoralising me.
I asked Col Puri why I was prevented by Jawan from pulling out
the person from the gutter. He said everything has to be
viewed with suspicion. He may be a suicide bomber? Then I
asked him why I was prevented from entering the OP block he
told me that it was sealed by the infantry. Both answers have
not satisfied me. I was curious. At that moment I realised that
death may strike one from any corner any time and it was
futile to be afraid of it. Fearing death does not help- Instead
one can really do what one should do. That thought cleared
my mind. I decided that I should be a real Red Cross worker
and maintain my neutrality. I should first win the confidence
of the three Civil doctors so that we could help those in need.
However, I had to wait for it for another day. The labour room
was again my bed room in the night.
Next morning Col Venugopal arrived along with two
General Duty Doctors and the three nurses and two assistants.
All of them were from Delhi. We found some accommodation
for all of us in some hostel rooms in the hospital near to
Emergency areas. In the afternoon at around 3 pm a truck load
of medicines and supplies arrived from Delhi. I was surprised
at the prompt reaction of IRCS in sending them. The truck
unloaded them and left. All of us (the medical team) carried
them and stored them in the stores of the hospital and handed
over them to the Civilian Doctors. They too were surprised at
the prompt action.
Colonel Venugopal of IRCS mentioned to me that some
civilian dead bodies were lying in the hospital for last few days
and required mass cremation. He sought my help to convince
the civilian doctors and other members of staff to help. When
he revealed further details I was shocked and went numb for
some time. He gave the official version.
On 22nd October 1987 two days earlier to my arrival
there were some serious skirmishes between LTTE and IPKF
forces. It is alleged that LTTE was firing from the hospital
premises at the advancing IPKF. IPKF bombed the hospital
areas. I could still see the gaping holes in the roofs of the
emergency ward. Since the firing from hospital has not
stopped even after the bombing IPKF forces entered the
hospital premises. They rushed into the OP block which was
suspected to be the area from which LTTE was suspected to be
firing. In the resulted firing it is said that that totally 70 persons
were killed, and the number included patients, two junior
doctors, three nurses, and a senior doctor and some LTTE
activists and sympathisers. The bodies of the dead were still
lying in the OP block which was sealed after sanitisation.
I met the civilian doctors. They thanked me for the
supplies. I distributed biscuits from my Survival kit to celebrate
the supplies. After slight easing of tensions, I enquired about
the incident in the OP block. There was numbed silence for
some time after which Dr Shashi Sabha Ratnam who was the
lady house surgeon opened. She said that she was one of the
lucky survivors who was in the toilet when the incident
happened and locked up herself in the toilet after hearing the
firing and wailing. The sanitising team brought her out next
day. She said that they were conducting Outpatient clinic. The
other male doctor who was an assistant professor said he was
taking out some records from a steel cupboard which was not
in the line of firing and thus was saved and was brought out by
sanitising team next day. Dr Ponnampalam the surviving
professor of surgery was in the wards conducting rounds. I
expressed my regrets at probable loss of life of some innocent
and professional persons and told them that whatever might
be the truth the fact still remains that we have to face the
reality and do our best to conduct last rites of cremation of the
dead however painful it may be. In addition, we also had the
responsibility as Doctors to prevent spread of any infection
from the dead bodies. They all agreed at the end to cooperate
and mobilise few people in the hospital for the mass
cremation. Colonel Venugopal arranged for some dry timber,
and petrol. The civilian staff mobilised some spoiled
mattresses and furniture and old waste and in a mass
cremation in the corner of the premises of hospital the bodies
were consigned to flames. We, from Red Cross observed it
from a distance.
I felt I succeeded in breaking the cold silence of the local
civilian Doctors. The conversations became easier. They
started opening up. We could frankly discuss issues and share
concerns. The father of Dr Shashi Sabha Ratnam was a
Sinhalese who published a newspaper from Colombo, and
mother was a Tamilian from Jaffna. They were separated and
living apart. Her mother was in UK teaching. Dr Shashi was
staying with her grandparents in Jaffna. She studied in Jaffna
medical college and was doing her horsemanship. Dr
Ponnampalam was a Tamilian and did his FRCS from UK and
was the professor at Jaffna medical college. He married late
and had two young children. He was a Hindu and very God
fearing. Both the doctors were stranded in the hospital from
22nd October and have not gone to their homes since, as total
curfew was imposed in the town by IPKF. They were sleeping
in the hospital and eating in the hospital kitchen and bathing
at the open well. They were very worried about their families.
They requested me to find out the welfare of their families. Dr
Shashi asked me if I could spare a soap cake for her. I gladly
gave her a soap and a towel and a T- shirt. She was thrilled and
profusely thanked me.
Colonel Venugopal found some accommodation within
the hospital for the Red Cross team to stay and we all moved
into it. We all slept on floor in the same room. Col Venugopal
made some arrangements for food to be cooked in a hotel
nearby "Subash Hotel".
Curfew was lifted for few hours after a week after its
imposition. There was a chaos. The general market which was
close to the hospital was looted. Even the patients left their
beds and returned with whatever they could lay their hands
on. There was a barter between people and they exchanged
the required goods. I gave some money and requested Dr
Shashi to procure me some cigarettes as I was running out of
my stock.
 Next morning, we decided to visit some camps where
people congregated to know their requirements. I requested
Dr Shashi to accompany us as she was the only person who
could converse in Tamil. The camps were well stocked with
food supplies and clothes etc. The demand was more for
sanitary napkins, soaps, toiletries, milk powder and anti-
hypertensive and anti-Diabetic medicines. The camps were full
mostly with senior citizens and children below 16 years. We
could find very few males in the age groups of 20 to 60 years.
This surprised me. We found many shops and houses shutters
and doors broken and the tell-tale signs of looting. Dr Shashi
was very bitter about it. On the request of Dr Shashi Sabha
Ratnam we visited her house to find out about her
grandparents. The house was damaged with some bombing
and neighbours told her that both of them died and
neighbours cremated them. She broke down.
We tried to establish clinics in the camps. Very few
attended and those attended were asking for medicines which
at that time were not available in India. There was a big
communication gap. We had to find interpreters for the staff
from Delhi to translate from Tamil to English and vice versa. I
sent a report requesting for Tamilian Doctors and staff to be
deputed. Colonel Venugopal said it may be rejected. Dr
Ponnampalam's family was found in one of the camps and
they were all safe.
There were supplies of food materials from Red Cross
for free distribution in the camps. Few more Red cross
members arrived to take care of the distribution.
I and Colonel Venugopal made a courtesy visit to the
newly appointed town commandant Brigadier Callahan. In his
office we met two IAS officers from Tamil Nadu cadre who
were assisting him in civilian administration. There I also met
Major Narasimhan (Narsi) who was from Hyderabad and
instantly we struck good relationship.
One day as I was walking in the corridor a small boy
around 5 years age caught hold of my hand and started
walking along with me. I stopped and looked at the boy. He
had a dangling left upper arm which was amputated at elbow.
I could not converse with him as I could not speak Tamil.
Meanwhile an old man rushed and picked up the boy. I
gestured them to accompany me and gave them some biscuits
from my survival kit. I requested Dr Shashi to find out who they
were and why the boy lost his arm. It was a pathetic story. The
boy's parents and grandfather were labourers from a nearby
village and near the hospital they were caught in cross firing
and both the parents lost their lives and the boy his arm. He
was amputated in the hospital attended by his grandfather
who at that time was 75 yrs old. They could not return to their
village and had no food and were begging those who though
rich could not give them the food as they too were in similar
position. An irony. I made arrangement with the hotel to
provide them food and charge to my account.
Dikshit who was Indian Ambassador visited Jaffna and
the hospital. There was a doctor patient in the hospital who
was from Colombo and was injured and was in coma and
required higher level Neurosurgeon intervention. I requested
Colonel Venugopal to broach the same with the ambassador
and see if he can make some arrangement to shift him to
Colombo. Dixit agreed saying he could travel with him if a
Doctor accompanies him to attend to him on the flight. I
immediately remembered Dr Shashi and asked her to
accompany him. She jumped at the opportunity and left with
him to Colombo where her father was and probably from
there to her mother in UK.
The Red Cross Stores in Kankasanthurai, a port near
point Pedro, in Jaffna peninsula was gutted. It stored a
wireless set and there was an enquiry.
Days passed by and there was no let-up in the fighting.
It spread to new areas. Total curfew with relaxation for few
hours was imposed throughout the northern peninsula.
Curfew in Jaffna lasted for 21 days. I could not contact my
family during the period. I decided to go to Chennai since
Bowmick was visiting Chennai and I wanted to brief him and
also know for how long I should stay. I requested for a seat on
one of the choppers going to Chennai. After a day's wait I flew
to Chennai. Even though it was a great relief I used to shrug at
every loud unexpected sound like a door banging etc since I
was used so much at bomb exploding noises in the last few
days. I telephoned my house. All were well.
Bowmick came and we exchanged and discussed the
matters. He requested me to continue for some more time. I
raised the subject of Tamilian staff being sent for the relief
work. After persuasion he agreed, and we sent off a letter to
Tamil Nadu Government and Colonel Venugopal followed it
up. A team consisting of thirty-five with 8 doctors was
deputed. I returned to Jaffna after few days at Chennai and
the team to arrive. We divided the team into four groups the
bigger group staying back at Jaffna and others were sent to
Batticaloa, Vavuniya, and Trincomalle and to point Pedro.
The team at Vavuniya faced some threats and could not
find accommodation and food. They made desperate contacts
with a request to be brought back to Jaffna. I relented and
agreed. This action infuriated Major General Khailon the town
commandant who in a fit of rage was to have said that either I
should be sent back or punished as anti-national. However,
Subramanyam and other IAS officer from Tamil Nadu cadre
who were deputed as advisors to town commandant pacified
him.
The teams were conducting camps in various localities
and in refugee camps. They were distributing rations and
other relief materials. IRCS sent three vehicles for our
movement. The three vehicles were used for relief work. I
hired a vehicle for my movement. The driver was also the
owner and was a local Tamilian who could also speak English.
He was very friendly and tell us of his bitter experiences during
the skirmishes. Two Tamil drivers from Chennai were sent for
two Jeeps.
However, one was locally recruited. He was a local
Tamilian but could speak Hindi and little English since he
worked for thirty years in middle east with a north Indian firm.
He was very friendly and despite threats from LTTE he was
working with us. It was really tragic to know after my return
from Sri Lanka stint, that the hired driver was killed in a road
mine blow up while he was returning alone after dropping the
team at a camp site.
I used to visit Trincomalle, Batticaloa once in 10 days. I
could not go by road and I had to use the flight to Chennai and
fly next day to either Batticaloa or Trincomalle. In Trincomalle
the team was housed on the sea view hotel overlooking the
beach & bay. I used to enjoy the tranquillity, sea breeze, and
the beach. Except our team no one else used to stay there. We
were treated as special guests. I picked up a coral from that
hotel and an empty grenade from Subash hotel as souvenirs. I
preserved them till my retirement and lost both of them when
I was vacating Government quarters. I used to keep a flower
in the empty grenade. I also brought a mango plant which had
three different verities of mango cuttings transplanted. I
planted it in our orchard "Sumuktida"/"Panchavati" in
Mudigonda. I could never enjoy its fruits since we sold the
orchard latter.
In Batticaloa our team was housed in a Bed and
breakfast facility owned by a local Tamilian who a paper
correspondent was also. It is said that earlier he used to
publish a small local newspaper.
Often, I used to see on my trips from Sri Lanka on the
Army flights vast amounts of goods like tape recorders, video
players clothing, and jewellery. Most of these were imported
into Jaffna area and no import taxes were paid there since
most of the area was not controlled by Government and no
customs duty was collected at the exit in India since there was
no excise and customs checking at Military airfield where army
personnel were disembarking.
Ramakrishna Mutt, and Satya Sai Baba were very
popular in northern peninsula. I often wondered why?
On one of the trips to Chennai Ramappa came and
stayed with me. On another trip I was asked to go to Delhi for
a briefing. I met officials of cabinet Secretariat and Ministry of
foreign affairs. On the way back, I broke my journey at
Hyderabad spent two days with my family. I also visited Dr
Shashikala and the new born daughter Indu.
The Red Cross used to receive many enquiries from
various countries in regards the safety and whereabouts of
persons said to living in Jaffna peninsula. We used to verify and
convey them the information we gathered. We also used to
visit the prisoners caught by Indian army and enquire about
their condition and also used to give them day to day personal
hygienic needs in shape of gifts.
Once I went to a house on Nallur Temple Road to
enquire about the safety and whereabouts of some persons
said to have been living in that house. The house was totally in
ruins with a bombing attack. No one was found in the ruins
and on enquiry the neighbours told us that two persons living
in the house were dead and the neighbours cremated the
bodies. Numbed with the information I approached and got
into the front seat of our Van. The driver was about to get into
his seat. I observed two youngsters riding on a cycle
approaching us. The pillion rider was holding a folded paper in
his hands. The cyclist stopped it in front of the vehicle and the
pillion rider came towards my side and pulling out a gun from
the folds of the paper gestured me to get down from the
vehicle. Meanwhile another four boys from nowhere
surrounded the vehicle. The boy with the gun pulled at my
identity badge and in the process, tore my shirt. The other
boys got into the vehicle and started searching throwing out
the contents. I was non-pulsed. I could see lots of people
witnessing us from their houses. The boys were conversing in
Tamil. I could only mutter that we were from Red Cross and
we had no arms. The boys were very tiny, and young being
hardly 14 or 15 years. My initial thought was whether they had
the maturity to decide to kill or not to. They did not seem to
understand English. If the boy had no Gun probably I would
have slapped him and scolded him. All the time the boy was
pointing the gun at me. The driver was arguing with them in
Tamil. Till today that scene remained as a still photograph
memory on the back of my mind. I felt stupid and helpless at
not being able to communicate with them since they could not
understand what I was saying in English l and I their Tamil.
After few minutes of arguing the driver seemed to have
convinced them that we intended no harm and they gestured
at us to leave. Immediately the driver sped the vehicle and
drove out of the area. I was reluctant to report to the army,
but I was advised to report. Along with the report I also sent a
request to the Cabinet Secretariat and Red Cross to see that
no media in India would cover this news since I was worried
about the likely agony my family would go through.
After few days I went to distribute the gifts to the
prisoners. Our van driver came with me carrying the gifts.
There were about twenty prisoners. As I proceeded handing
over the gifts one boy prisoner on seeing me approaching him
suddenly turned his head. In that flash of a second I recognised
him. He was the boy with the gun. I handed over the gift and
walked past. Both of pretended as if we never saw each other
earlier.
Slowly the life was returning to normalcy. There was
nothing much for me to do. After intimating IRCS I withdrew
and returned to Hyderabad to re-join my regular duty. The
period of my stay was treated as on deputation.
I often wondered what were the factors that led to civil
strife in Sri Lanka. Jaffna peninsula was mostly inhabited by
Tamils and Keralites, whereas southern Sri Lanka was mostly
inhabited by Buddhists who migrated from north India during
Ashoka time. While Tamilian in Jaffna Peninsula consisted 20%
of population the Southern were 80%. The northern areas are
not fit for agriculture and the people were mostly occupied in
the service sector. Education was the industry in northern
areas. Every alternate house was an educational institute.
During the period of rule of Bandaranaike in Sri Lanka there
was massive agitation against the predominant occupation
and domination of Tamilian in Government jobs and
professional courses. This led to legislation of reservation in
Government jobs and professional courses for the majority.
The country was taken as a unit for its application. Suddenly
Tamilian population found themselves in minority in
Government jobs and Professional courses. Tamilian student
who secured marks and stood 4th in the country could not
secure a seat in Jaffna medical college and was accommodated
in Colombo. Such sudden shift in their prospects led to strikes
and agitations, which were effectively were suppressed by the
ruling Sinhalese majority. To make a living majority of young
educated Tamilian population migrated to other countries
while the older members of family stayed back in northern Sri
Lanka. Since there were many cheaper educational
opportunities in northern Sri Lanka their children stayed back
with their grandparents. There was a tremendous vacuum of
age groups of 20 to 60 in northern Sri Lanka for decades. The
migrated population used to send money from abroad to
support their parents and children. The small group of
uneducated Tamilian population mostly living on fishing and
allied activity soon took control of the local situation. There
was a big scope for them to indulge in smuggling activity to
neighbouring countries like India where a sympathetic Tamil
population lived. The young children living with their
grandparents were soon lured to the adventurism and under
the guise of culture and fight against exploitation joined the
cadres of LTTE. The grandparents who lost the earlier
opportunities and suffered the majority rule stayed as silent
mute spectators.
We can see many such similar conditions existing in
India.
I re-joined my job at State TB centre. Bharath was
studying in Davanagere. Dr Jaya Shankarappa, who worked in
NIMH at Hyderabad resigned his job and went back to his
native place "Davanagere". He was initially the local guardian
of Bharath.
I started taking interest in Mudigonda farm. I used to
catch a night Bus for Khammam on Friday night and spend
Saturday and Sunday in the farm and return to Hyderabad on
Sunday night. This almost was a regular routine for me.
 Meeting Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi

Dr Geetha Reddy became well known after her role as

Indiramma in "Bharatha Ratna Indiramma" Light and sound
show. She joined congress party and was taking active interest
in politics. She established contacts with leaders at central
level specially with family of Rajeev Gandhi. We often used to
meet either at her house or at Kimji's place. In one of those
meetings she asked me to consider joining the politics in a
lighter vein I told her that at my age I cannot start as ordinary
worker and I cannot be elevated by nomination to a higher
cadre since I have no contacts with politicians and have no
money and time to chase them. I told her that I basically
survived on my salary and loss of the same would starve my
family. I also told her that I could not even think of making a
trip to Delhi to meet the leaders for lack of finances. Even if I
could find the finances I cannot even meet them unless an
interview is arranged by recommendation of some influential
person. She enquired if I was prepared to consider if those are
taken care. In a much lighter vein I said "Yes".
After few days she telephoned and told me that air
tickets are sent to my house and accommodation and
transport organised at Delhi and an appointment fixed with
Rajeev Gandhi, the then president of Congress and the prime
minister.
I flew to Delhi in the evening and was lodged in a hotel.
Next morning, I was taken to the person who was in charge of
Rajeev Gandhi constituency and we discussed various projects
that were initiated in the constituency. After lunch at 3 pm I
was taken to the residence of Rajeev Gandhi. After elaborate
security screening I was ushered into a room to wait. Few
more people were also waiting. The room was not air
conditioned but was pleasant. It was simple. My meeting was
at 3-40 an. At 3-40 someone entered the room and told that
all the interviews were cancelled since the prime minister was
busy in the parliament. We got up to leave.
 Someone called my name and I was told to wait. I
became anxious. My flight was at 9 pm. I vacated the hotel
room and I did not have enough money for stay or for ticket
back to Hyderabad. I was ushered to a person in the next
room who told me that my meeting is rescheduled to 6.10 pm
and was taken to another room to wait. This room was much
bigger and appeared to be a waiting room for VIPs. I was alone
in the room and I was served coffee. Being a smoker, I looked
around to see if I could smoke. Luckily there was an ash tray. I
had to wait another 2 hours. To kill the time, I attempted to
solve the word puzzles in the newspaper lying around. In the
process I exhausted all my cigarettes. I could not even solve
one tenth of the puzzles. At 5.30 pm walked in Moopanar. He
picked up a newspaper and eased himself into the sofa and lit
a cigarette. He must have been bored and looked at me and
introduced himself and started a conversation. On hearing
that I was in Sri Lanka the conversation shifted to Sri Lanka.
During the conversation while lighting a cigarette he offered
me one. My tension eased off.
At 6.10 pm I was called and was a taken to door and
was told to go in. It was a small hall I entered which was
overlooking a garden. A person was sitting at a table with his
back to the door I entered. I cautiously stepped to his table.
He was looking into the Garden. At the sound of my footsteps
he rose and turned around and greeted me. I was non-pulsed.
It was Rajeev Gandhi. I was seeing him for the first time from
closed quarters. He was a very handsome man. There was
sweat on his forehead. After exchanging pleasantries, we sat
down. I introduced myself and gave background of my family
and my education and job etc. As I was narrating Dr Geetha
Reddy walked in and took her seat. Suddenly a question was
posed to me. Whom should we make as the next PCC
president of AP? I was taken aback. I never expected such a
direct question. I said I cannot half hand mention a specific
name but can suggest that someone who had not enjoyed any
office in the Government, who was young, educated,
belonging to backward class, and Andhra Region could be
thought of. He discussed the background for each condition.
Then he asked me how to strengthen the party in A.P. I told
him few things that came to my mind. My thoughts were no
more in the conversation. I was looking for the conversation
to end. I was eager to go out and smoke. He asked me to send
a list of names to be considered for the PCC president. I
mentioned that I may not be able to join the party
immediately since I have some personal responsibilities. He
asked me to keep in touch. Slowly I rose to take leave. He got
up and gave a warm shake hand. I left.
I think neither of us could impress one another. I had
the occasion of observing Jawaharlal Nehru in Ravindra
Bharathi, Indira Gandhi in the meeting in Sanga Reddy and
Rajeev Gandhi in his own residence. I was mostly impressed by
Indira Gandhi. However, I carried with me Rajeev Gandhi's
pleasant and innocent smile, his extremely polite and humble
courteous manners. I felt sorry that I could not seize the
opportunity, Dr Geetha Reddy created. I decided that I was not
fit for politics.
Atluri Subbarao a friend of SV Rao the auditor made a
layout "Deepti Sree" in Miyapur and offered some plots. My
wife and my father bought one each. Father bought the plot
to be given to Buzzi after him.
In March 1988 Chandra Mowli was transferred to Delhi.

Trip to Kaulalampur

On 1st May 1988 Bowmick, Secretary General IRCS

called me and requested me to go to Kaulalampur as
representative of Indian Red Cross to participate in "South
Pacific area Disaster Management Workshop" and asked me
to go over to Delhi the same day. As usual he sent the tickets
and organised transport etc. My passport which was valid only
for Sri Lanka was stamped for all countries and a VISA was
obtained and I flew by Malaysian Air Lines to Kaulalampur in
executive class. On landing at Kaulalampur airport
representative of Malaysian Red Crescent met me at the steps
of the plane and took me in a car without any formal checks.
He took my passport and got all the stampings. I was
accommodated in hotel "Petaling Jaya International". A guide
was allotted to take care of me. Incidentally the guide studied
in India in Chennai and was of Indian origin. He was very
helpful
I stayed in Kulalampur from 4th May to 9th May 1988.
The stay was very pleasant. During the day we used to attend
to the conference and in the nights, we were entertained to a
dinner by a VIP. Even we had a dinner in presidential palace.
The hospitality was excellent. I had the occasion to listen to
activities of various countries Red Cross/Crescents and their
preparedness for disasters.
We saw many tourist interest places. We went to
Gentling heights, Batu caves, Presidential palace, and the
mosque and the aquarium. Gentling heights was 50 kilometres
from the city and at was the height of 1700 ft. It was foggy. We
observed the gambling. Batu caves are about 15 Kms from city
and there is a Hindu Muragan temple inside it. Aquarium was
the most impressive.
I returned back to India via Madras on 9th May 88. I
stayed in Ashoka hotel and caught the train to Khammam and
visited my parents and reached Hyderabad after a day.
I re-joined my duty at STC.
I bought a Fiat car from BK Rao which was twenty years
old. I only used it in Hyderabad.
We found that the medical shops in NIMS were not
doing well and I was asked by Governor to do something about
it.

Freedom fighter
Assignment of land in Brahmanpalli - Toopran

As a freedom fighter during Nizams rule my father was

entitled to grant of 10 acres of land. He explored the possibility
of acquiring this land earlier. Long-time back he was offered
land in Hyderabad Banjara Hills. However, he didn't like the
idea as it was all rocky and was not fit for cultivation. In those
days land was only for cultivation, not for real estate. Once he
asked me if I could try for some land nearer to Hyderabad. I
asked Jainder and he spoke to Mohanty the then collector of
Medak. After few days Mohanty identified the land and called
to go and see the land and if we were interested he could
assign it. The land was in Brahmanpalli near Toopran. I and my
father went and saw it my father liked it. The land belonged to
Krishna Reddy a local landlord and former ADC to Nizam of
Nawab. He surrendered the land as excess under land ceiling.
I visited Krishna Reddy. He was very cordial, and he took me
to the land and shown its boundaries. Suddenly he asked what
we were planning in the land and learning that my father was
interested in agriculture asked me about our plan for water
source. I replied saying that probably we would dig a well. He
asked me where would I dig the well?

Divining Water

I made a face and he showed me how to search for

underground water. He asked the driver to cut and get him a
wooden branch of few feet size in a Y shape. After procuring
he asked me to try and divine water. I was to hold the top ends
of Y in my outstretched hands parallel to the ground and walk
slowly. He asked me to practice it. Afterwards he took me
nearer to a ants hill and asked me to walk. After walking few
steps, I found that bottom end of Y was wildly oscillating up
and down. He asked me to stop at the place where it oscillated
maximum and said that is where I should dig the well.
Amazing. Later I read lot of literature on it and also the famous
book which G. Krishna recommended. I practiced it with
copper wire and also with coconut. Later I identified the spot
for extra well in Panchavati, in my village in Ankammagadda
land and also in EMS land in Ashram premises. I got them
checked scientifically and found that I was correct. That day
three others tried it but were not successful and Mr. Krishna
Reddy told me that in some people the flow of water
underground creates a movement and that is how water is
divined.

Comfrey Plant

After reaching his house he showed me a plant in his

garden and asked me if I knew the importance of the plant. He
cleared my ignorance by saying that it was comfrey a wild
plant which is useful in treating chronic leprosy, diabetic ulcers
and also gastric ulcers. The leaves are to be dried and
powdered and applied on the ulcer and bandaged and the
ulcers would heal after few days. For Gastric ulcers one has to
take the powder has to be boiled in water and can be taken
after cooling. I tried on few leprosy ulcers with Success.
Amazing person.
Pratibha Bharathi was kind enough to speak to the local
MLA who was a member of assignment committee to assign
the land. The land was assigned and handed over.
However, my father could not proceed further as my
mother took ill and he himself was not well. He told me that
the land would should be shared by the three daughters in
laws (2 acres each) and four daughters (One acre each). They
all jointly sold the land after my father's demise.

Homeopathy: Ten tissue salts

I used to often visit Khammam to oversee the work on

orchard "Panchavati". and used to interact with Dr SP Ranga
Rao who then was practicing in Khammam. One day he
showed me a small book written by a lawyer / Homeo
practitioner and told me that he experimented with few and
they worked well. I got interested and took the book and
bought the tissue salts.
One evening my nephew Rajeev son of Ravulapati
Seetharam Rao (Working as DCP then) came to me and told
me that his whole body was itching, and he had to appear for
a crucial examination next day. I examined him and found that
he was suffering with Scabies. I told him that there was no
miracle instant cure for it in allopathic medicine and I could
recommend him to try Homeopathy. He consented and gave
him the powder which I mixed and asked him to mix it in
lukewarm water in a cup and sip it over a period of one hour.
He went back home and did the same and wrote his exam next
day in comfort. All the family members came to me and they
were all suffering with the same and they were all treated the
same way.
Jainder Sigh rang me one early morning and his voice
not audible. I advised him to come home. When he came I
found that he could not speak as he was suffering with acute
laryngitis. He was going to Delhi that morning to make a
presentation in the ministry. Again, I mixed the powders and
asked him to mix with lukewarm water and sip over a hour on
the flight. He did that and rang me from Delhi. His voice was
clear.