Velchala’s book released

Eminent speakers all praise for his syncretic approach to diverse themes
Hyderabad: A 667-page book ‘Gleanings and Rambling Thoughts’ penned by Dr Velchala Kondal Rao, a leading writer, educationist and editor, was launched here on Friday. A glittering function was organised by Viswanatha Sahitya Peetham at Hyderabad Study Circle, at which the book was dedicated to Dr Ch Hanumantha Rao, an economist of international renown and a former member of the Planning Commission of India.

Going down the memory lane, Dr Hanumantha Rao recalled his association with Kondal Rao during their early school days when both of them took part in the freedom struggle and courted arrest. Dr N Jayaprakash Narayan, national president of the Lok Satta Party who presided over the function, praised Kondal Rao for his wide-ranging interests and syncretic and harmonious approach in dealing with diverse themes and topics in the voluminous book. Dr Y Venugopala Reddy, Chairman of the14th Finance Commission, who released the book, drew the attention of the audience to the insights and artistry enriching it. The dedication page was a treat, he remarked. Prof J V Raghavendra Rao, former Professor of Sociology, Osmania University, and Dr K S Ratnakar, Director, Global Hospitals, in between them effectively and comprehensively reviewed the book bringing out its specialities and uniqueness as well as the personality of Dr Kondal Rao – his contributions to and output in the fields of education, management, literature, journalism and translation.

The speakers complimented Kondal Rao on his prolific, purposive and aesthetic writing. Much of the elite of the Twin Cities as well as a fair sprinkling of youth attended the regaling meet. While the meeting was welcomed by Sujatha Gopal, an editorial member of the Jayanthi bilingual monthly and an English lecturer, the vote of thanks was proposed by U Atreya Sarma, Editor of the Muse India literary ezine.