AN OPINION By Vijay Oddiraju: CEO Volante Technologies
And President, Center for
Brahmin Excellence
On My Book
PROFESSIONS, CHECKERED CAREER, AND LESSONS
(From Librarian to CPRO to CM KCR)
A Journey from Khangi School to Center for
Excellence
By Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao
Writing an opinion on a book is new
territory for me, and I say that with humility. Yet, after reading Professions,
Checkered Career, and Lessons by Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao in one continuous
sitting; such was the pull of his narrative -I feel compelled to reflect on
what makes this work not only compelling but deeply meaningful.
It is rare to find a memoir that is at
once simple to read and rich in insight, personal in texture yet expansive in
its lessons. Jwala’s writing achieves all of this with a clarity and sincerity
that are unmistakably his own.
What stands out first is the style.
The book is written in remarkably accessible prose - clean, direct, and deeply
engaging. There is no pretentiousness, no complex literary scaffolding. He
writes like a man who has observed life closely, lived through multiple phases
of India’s administrative and political evolution, and remembered every detail
with astonishing precision.
His vivid recollections from childhood
in a small village to his final year as CPRO in 2023 speak to a mind endowed
with both sharp memory and extraordinary awareness of context. His ability to
retain and narrate decades of events with accuracy reflects not only
intelligence but also a contemplative temperament that has silently documented
the world around him.
This memoir is not simply a
chronological journey. It is a portrait of a life shaped by hard work,
humility, service, and resilience. Jwala’s path was never linear. In fact, it
wound through professions that rarely intersect in a single lifetime: librarian,
administrative officer, public relations professional, journalist, faculty,
consultant in emergency healthcare, and eventually Chief Public Relations
Officer to the first Chief Minister of Telangana. Across each role, he
demonstrates a singular trait of adaptability without losing one’s values. That
is easier said than done, especially in public life.
The early sections of the book, where
he recounts his childhood, schooling, and initial career as a librarian, are
filled with warmth and honesty. He neither glorifies nor sanitizes his
beginnings. Instead, he candidly acknowledges academic struggles, early
uncertainties, and the influence of individuals who shaped him.
Among the most touching narratives is
his encounter with Mrs. Shahjahana Begum, the District Educational Officer who
offered him his first permanent job. His gratitude toward her is enduring and
heartfelt, reminding the reader how life-altering a single act of kindness and
fairness can be. This theme of teachers and mentors guiding him at pivotal
moments echoes throughout the book.
Jwala’s career trajectory reflects a
rare combination of competence and conscience. One of the most fascinating
sections is his detailed account of working in Raj Bhavan and later as PRO to
Dr. Marri Channa Reddy. These chapters offer a window into governance, power,
decision-making, and the delicate dance between administration and politics.
He does not shy away from describing
challenges professional insecurities, political undercurrents, or attempts to
undermine him, but he narrates them without bitterness. Instead, he treats
setbacks as opportunities that strengthened his resolve and broadened his
understanding of people and systems.
This tone of humility continues when
he writes about the most transformative chapter of his professional life, his
involvement in establishing and expanding emergency healthcare services. His
time with EMRI (108 services) and HMRI (104 services) forms one of the most
impactful portions of the memoir. Through these pages, we witness the emergence
of modern emergency medical response systems in India.
His leadership in public–private
partnerships, negotiations with governments across states, and coordination
with multiple stakeholders displays not only administrative ability but also a
deep commitment to citizen welfare. These initiatives have saved countless
lives and continue to serve millions across the country. Few public careers
leave such a measurable and lasting imprint.
The book also reflects the emotional
and moral resilience required to navigate a profession intertwined with
politics. Jwala writes about moments when his integrity was tested, when vested
interests attempted to obstruct him, and when professional recognition lagged
behind actual contribution.
Yet, he constantly returns to his core
belief in purposeful work. His recollection of highs and lows is not a
self-pitying exercise but an affirmation that meaningful careers are built not
just through successes but through endurance.
His decade-long role as Chief Public
Relations Officer to the first Chief Minister of Telangana, K. Chandrashekhar
Rao, forms an important part of the narrative. In these chapters, he captures
the birth of a new state, the formative years of its administrative identity,
and the intense communication efforts required to shape public understanding
during a historic phase.
His proximity to long-term policy
design, governance reforms, crisis communication, and political transformation
gives the memoir a special significance. It becomes not only the story of one
man but also the story of Telangana and its evolution.
Perhaps the greatest strength of the
book is that Jwala writes with conscience and gratitude. He remembers every
superior who guided him, every colleague who supported him, every institution
that shaped him, and every circumstance that tested him. This ability to credit
others, even when recounting his own achievements, reflects both character and
emotional maturity.
As a reader, I found the memoir deeply
inspirational. It shows that one does not need a straight-line career or the
privileges of elite institutions to make a meaningful contribution to society.
What one needs is integrity, adaptability, a willingness to learn continuously,
and the courage to stand firm in difficult times. It shows that service is not
measured by titles but by the number of lives one touches, the systems one
strengthens, and the values one refuses to compromise.
In conclusion, ‘Professions, Checkered
Career, and Lessons’ is a compelling, insightful, and beautifully honest book.
It captures a life defined by purpose rather than position, by contribution
rather than recognition, and by resilience rather than entitlement. For anyone
interested in public life, governance, administration, or simply the story of a
man who lived with dignity and served with conviction, this book is a
must-read. It is not just a memoir; it is a reflection on India’s evolving
systems, a tribute to mentorship, and a celebration of a life lived with
intent.
Based on the breadth of his experience, depth of his service, and the clarity of his thought, it is my sincere belief that Jwala’s contributions to public health, administration, and public communication merits for consideration for yet another suitable assignment, if only he is willing to take up. His lived understanding of governance, institutions, public systems, and citizen needs would make him an invaluable voice in national policy discussions.
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