Presenting history of Telugus

Vakulabharanam Ramkrishna and his team’s decade long penance of abridging and showcasing the Telugu history is yet another milestone and their books 'Modern Andhra and Hyderabad—AD 1858-1956’ volume 7, its Telugu version and ‘Telangana History’ were launched recently

The launch of the much-awaited ‘trilogy’, 'Modern Andhra and Hyderabad—AD 1858-1956’ volume 7, its Telugu version and ‘Telangana History’, witnessed literary stalwarts, history buffs and enthusiastic media, at Telugu University on the weekend.The English version was released by Mandali Buddha Prasad, Deputy Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh;

Telugu version by N Ramesh Kumar, former Special Chief Secretary to Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, who incidentally assumed charge as Andhra Pradesh State Election Commissioner at his office at Buddha Bhavan in the same morning. The ‘Telangana History’ was launched by Dr Ramanachary, Advisor to the Telangana State Govt, who jokingly said it would be better still if he and Ramesh Kumar had swapped the books!

Project coordinator Prof. Mrinalini described the event as truly one-of-its-kind, since it was Telugu people’s pride and all the who’s who of Telugu literature, history took part in it. Prof.RVR Chandrashekar Rao, Former Dean UoH , Dr VK Bawa, renowned Historian, Potturi Venkateshwara Rao, accomplished journalist, BV Raghavulu, Dr CV Ramakrishna Rao-Director State Arch & Museums, and Vadrevu Chinaveerabhadrudu, to name a few. In his opening talk, Prof. E Sivareddy Vice Chancellor,

Pottisriramulu Telugu University said what went into the making of this book is a saga nonpareil as it stuck to an ‘academic honesty’ which helped in not just pooling the facts but presenting them in way that history actually speaks to the readers. Echoing his words, Dr Ramanachary lauded University’s efforts, admitting that this should have been the Government’s work, but because of University’s self-driven workforce, spear headed by historian Vakulabharanam Ramakrishna, it picked up momentum and came on to the stands in the stipulated time frame.

He also said that every Telugu person must read and know his own roots. Quoting a specific instance form the book, Dr Ramanachary said that one needs to learn a lot from this book, especially in times like these where human values depreciating. He mentioned the exemplary deed of the Nizam of Hyderabad who included the alphabet ‘Z’ on all the nameplates of RTC buses in memory of his mother, Zehera Begum. Even when his rule ended he pleaded with the ruling party to retain this, and the latter obliged just to recognise his love for his mother!

Mandali Buddha Prasad lauded the University’s efforts, and urged everyone present to read such books which are integral part and parcel of our culture. Quoting his initial days in the politics he said only because he spent time with such books in the library was he able to understand and appreciate what went into the making of this vast Telugu history. Speaking about the importance of history, Ramesh Kumar recollected his student days with his ‘master’ Vakulabharanam Ramakrishna who inculcated passion for this subject and taught him how to revive and relive history, not viewing it merely as a book but a gateway to life-enriching facts.

When Dr Ramanachary asked for the launch of the last and eighth volume in this series-as last week of this month, Prof. Ramakrishna vehemently replied “April end!” Let us hope to see the grand finale soon and also that these books will not only be used by those preparing for Group II, but all those who are proud of their ‘historical’ roots.