Tapi Dharma Rao, a visionary of free society

Hyderabad: Tapi Dharma Rao was a visionary of free society and supported the vision of the great personalities like Gautama Buddha, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Babasaheb Ambedkar and Periyar Ramaswamy who fought for an egalitarian society, said G Srirama Murthy, senior journalist, while receiving Tapi Dharma Rao Puraskaram at a glittering function organised by Tapi Dharma Rao Vedika here on Saturday. The Puraskaram carried a citation and Rs. 10,000 in cash.

Justice A Ramalingeswara Rao, Judge of Hyderabad High Court, was the chief guest who presented the award to Srirama Murthy at the meeting presided over by the editor of Nadustunna Charithra, monthly magazine, Dr Samala Ramesh Babu. Former president of Andhra Pradesh Press Academy Pothuri Venkateswara Rao and president of Telangana Writers Forum Jayadheer Tirumala Rao, Paruchuri Hanumanta Rao, Narra Kotaiah were the other guests.

Tapi Dharma Rao, grandson and Sujata Shah, granddaughter, of the legendary writer Tapi Dharma Rao were present.

Noted writer Dr Nagasuri Venugopal introduced the recipient of the Puraskaram.

In his speech, Srirama Murthy eulogised the writings of Tapi Dharma Rao stating that they were way ahead of their times. Recalling the contribution of Tapi, he said that books like Devalayalapai Bootu Bommalu Enduku? Iron Chastity Belts, Marriage and its antecedents highlighted various issues relevant to the society.

The senior journalist said that Tapi Dharma Rao underscored the importance of gender equality and challenged the hegemony of Brahmins in studies by securing highest score in the exams.