‘Not a regionalist, but a humanist’

Hyderabad: Eminent educationist Chukka Ramaiah, who turned 87 on Wednesday, advised the future rulers of new Telangana State not to commercialise the education.

Speaking after the release of his book ‘Ramaiah’s Memories’ here on Wednesday, he said that education from primary classes to professional courses shall be available to all, in an equal way, and there shall not be any scope for corporatisation, which could be detrimental to the real talent of students.

“It was former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao who brought about seminal changes in education system by reviving the residential (Gurukul) modal schools in the State. They have become a role model for the expansion of Kendriya Vidyalayas and establishment of Navodaya Vidyalayas across the country,” Ramaiah said.

Expressing concern over the lack of quality of education, he called for constant brushing up of skills of teachers. “The teachers should also have passion and then only they can inspire the students and impart better education. Those who cannot love students, cannot become good teachers,” he opined.

‘Ramaiah Memories’ was a translation from the original Telugu book. It was released by Telidevara Bhanu Murthy, son of T Venkata Rao, who was Ramaiah’s friend and colleague.

On his public life, Chukka Ramaiah said he was never a regionalist or divisionist but would like to be remembered as a humanist. “I feel proud to be a son of this soil. Unfortunately, I was branded as a divisionist by some for raising my voice against the inequalities, injustice meted out to people of this area,” he explained.

Narrating his journey in public sphere, He said: “When I was a teacher in Bhongir, the 13th Meetings of Andhra Mahasabha were held. Ravi Narayana Reddy, who spoke against the Nizam rule, was a source of inspiration for me. I too fought against the oppressive policies and I learnt English from fellow prisoners. From washerwoman Ilammma to B N Reddy, there have been many stalwarts like P V Narasimha Rao, in Telangana.”

Strongly supporting the cause of separate statehood, Ramaiah said it was wrong to portray the people who demand separate Telangana as betrayers and Naxalites. ‘Telangana has a unique history. 4,500 Naxalites from this land have been encountered. They died for public cause,” he stated.

Senior journalist Potturi Venkateswara Rao lauded Ramaiah as a tall man who fought assiduously for the good of the society and not for money. Vimalakka, a revolutionary balladeer, showered him with praise saying that Ramaiah was the first to raise the voice of separate Telangana with a firm desire.

M Nageswara Rao, Principal of Eenadu School of Journalism, said that Ramaiah is an asset of all the Telugus and his life was a source of inspiration for millions.

K Ramachandra Murthy, Editor-in-chief of HMTV and The Hans India said Ramaiah was a quintessential educationist and human being and he was the inspiration behind formation of a university in Silicon Valley for Telugu culture. Vedakumar of Forum for Better Hyderabad said Ramaiah was a man of action and he guided the Telangana society towards struggle for a State with a vision.

Dilip Kumar, MLC, said the octogenarian educationist, who represented teachers community from Warangal in Council was a role model for many members like him and he proved how constructive discussions in the House shall be held.

Vijaya Rajam, Director of Namaste Telangana daily urged Ramaiah to pen down a book suggesting the way forward in education sector in the new State. “I request him to write a book which shall be a guide for the society by incorporating suggestions for students to brace themselves for the cut-throat competition,” she felt.