'Maataku Maata' book released

Hyderabad: When a political leader makes a false statement, people get hurt. However, the falsified statements are countered by a columnist through his articles – the hallmark of a straight-forward journalist. Articles of one such columnist – Katta Shekar Reddy, CEO of Namaste Telangana – have been compiled into a book named ‘Maataku Maata.’

Justice Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court Judge, released the book at a function held at Sundarayya Vignana Kendram here on Sunday.

Juluri Gowrishankar, the president of Telangana Writers Association, presided over the meeting which was attended by K Srinivas Reddy, a senior journalist, K Srinivas, Editor of Andhra Jyothi, K Ramachandra Murthy, Editor-in-Chief of HMTV and The Hans India, Ashok Tankashala, a senior journalist, Allam Narayana, Editor of Namaste Telangana, Devulapalli Amar, a senior journalist, and others.

Addressing the gathering, Allam Narayana explained how journalists used very little space provided to them in bringing to light the issues of Telangana “at a time when the power is in the hands of Andhra rulers.” He described Shekar Reddy as one of those who played a major role in the Telangana movement and appreciated his efforts in standing up for TRS party when it was being attacked by the other section.

Narayana said that Shekar Reddy was a columnist who did not beat around the bush in his column and had a straightforward approach towards countering certain arguments.

Ramachandra Murthy said Shekhar Reddy was a journalist who held very high principles. He said the guests who were present at the event never compromised on questioning injustice.

Ashok Tankashala felt that the articles, which are written to counter the statements of political leaders, would always have a contemporary value. He explained how the Telangana writing evolved during the Telangana movement, countering the arguments of Andhra writers. He felt that the opinions of the people of Telangana, living in rural areas at different stages of the movement, needed to be recorded so that the history of Telangana movement could become complete.

Devulapalli Amar said that columnists do not enjoy freedom anymore as they are expected to cater to the needs and views of editors and managements.

Justice Sudershan Reddy said that Shekar Reddy’s writings showed a left-oriented Telangana ideology, with a philosophical shade. He observed that the book was about questioning a question, answering a question and asking a series of questions in response to an answer.

He felt that a section of the media was playing a dangerous role in misleading people into agitating for wrong reasons.

He said that all the senior journalists present there were such writers who had experienced the sorrow of the society, questioned and transformed themselves, and expressed their displeasure about issues with a view to igniting the minds of the people in achieving a wise goal.