When Dialogue Expands Horizons
Memory
Meets Social Consciousness
Ninth
Friday Evening at Press Club (April 17, 2026)
Vanam
Jwala Narasimha Rao
(April 18, 2026)
If
the earlier Friday evenings at the Press Club Hyderabad quietly transformed
memory into meaning, the ninth gathering, held on April 17, 2026, demonstrated
how such a space can also evolve into a platform where experience meets social
awareness, and reflection extends beyond profession into the wider canvas of
public life.
What
began weeks ago as a modest initiative among a few like-minded friends has now
begun to attract individuals whose journeys span journalism, literature,
activism, and public policy. With each passing Friday, the circle does not
merely widen in number, but it deepens in substance meaningfully.
The
evening began in its now familiar rhythm. Present, to begin with, were
Devulapalli Amar, Aruna Attaluri, Bhandaru Srinivasa Rao, BS Ramakrishna, and
myself. Even before the arrival of other participants, the conversation had
already found its footing, this time shaped by a live engagement with unfolding
national events.
In
a scene that captures the spirit of these gatherings adapting to the present,
we found ourselves collectively watching, on mobile screens, the live
proceedings related to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and
the Delimitation Bill. What might otherwise have remained an individual act of
observation turned, in that shared setting, into a collective exercise in
interpretation.
As
the voting process concluded, the discussion that followed was both lively and
layered. There was no attempt to arrive at consensus or uniformity of opinion.
Instead, perspectives emerged from multiple angles: advantages, limitations,
procedural aspects, and the broader implications of the legislative process.
References were made to the positions articulated in the Lok Sabha, especially
of Rahul Gandhi and Amit Shah, not as partisan markers, but as components of a
wider democratic discourse.
What
stood out was the tone. Neither agreement nor disagreement defined the
exchange. Rather, it was a measured engagement: analytical without being
argumentative, reflective without being detached. In many ways, it reaffirmed
what these Friday meetings are gradually becoming: spaces where conversation
retains depth without losing balance.
As
the evening progressed, the circle expanded with the arrival of senior
journalist Mallepally Laxmaiah, and little earlier, senior journalists Yajulu
and Ra Shri. Their presence marked a significant enrichment of the gathering,
bringing with them not only professional experience but also diverse dimensions
of engagement with society.
Yajulu,
known for his long and distinguished career in journalism, continues to
contribute actively as a content writer across a wide range of subjects. His
continued association with the profession, even after formal retirement,
reflects a commitment that transcends designation. ‘Ra Shri,’ a writer and
poet, represents yet another strand of intellectual engagement, where
expression moves beyond reportage into the realm of creative articulation.
However,
it was the presence of Mallepally Laxmaiah that added a distinct and expansive
dimension to the evening. Though he joined nearly an hour and a half later than
the scheduled time, his arrival did not disrupt the rhythm, and instead, it
elevated it. True to the spirit of commitment that defines these gatherings, he
spent meaningful quality time with the group, sharing insights drawn from a
life that bridges journalism, activism, and institution-building.
Laxmaiah’s
journey is not one that can be confined to a single professional identity.
Beginning as a journalist, he moved into a larger role in public life, becoming
a key figure in the Telangana movement. His association as Co-Chairman (or
Co-Convenor) of the Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC), alongside
Professor Kodandaram, reflects his role in bringing together diverse sections: students,
employees, and political voices, under a unified, non-political platform for
statehood. His decision in 2009 to step away from a successful journalism
career to dedicate himself fully to the movement speaks of a certain clarity of
purpose, one where conviction outweighs comfort.
Equally
significant is his work as Chairperson of the Centre for Dalit Studies (CDS),
where his efforts have contributed to research, policy advocacy, and
socio-economic empowerment of marginalized communities. The CDS, under his
leadership, has evolved into more than a research institution.
It
has become an active platform influencing public policy and constitutional
awareness. His involvement in the advocacy of the SC/ST Sub-Plan, ensuring
targeted allocations for Dalit and Tribal Welfare, stands as a concrete example
of how ideas can translate into structural impact.
His
current role as Special Officer of Buddha Vanam, the internationally recognized
Buddhist heritage site near Nagarjuna Sagar, and similar sites elsewhere, adds
yet another dimension to his journey. Here, heritage, tourism, and cultural
diplomacy converge. His efforts in promoting Buddhist tourism as a bridge
between India and other Asian nations have earned recognition at platforms such
as the International Buddhist Conclave in Nagpur, where he was honoured in
2025.
More
recently, his contributions have been acknowledged through the C Subrahmaniam
Award for Community Leadership (2025–26), a recognition that reflects decades
of sustained engagement with issues of social justice and community
development. Yet, what made his presence particularly meaningful in this
gathering was not the list of achievements, but the manner in which his
experiences were shared, without assertion, without emphasis on position, and
in complete alignment with the spirit of these Friday evenings.
The
conversation that followed did not remain confined to biography. Instead, it
expanded into broader themes: social responsibility, the role of intellectual
engagement in public life, and the evolving relationship between journalism and
activism. The interaction illustrated how professional journeys, when viewed in
retrospect, often reveal intersections that are not immediately visible.
What
emerged was a layered understanding: that journalism, at its core, is not
merely about reporting events, but about engaging with society in ways that
sometimes extend beyond the newsroom. As has become characteristic of these
meetings, no single narrative dominated. Contributions flowed naturally.
Questions led to recollections. Recollections opened new lines of thought. The
atmosphere remained informal, yet the content carried depth.
In
retrospect, the ninth Friday gathering marks a subtle yet important shift.
Earlier meetings focused largely on recalling professional experiences,
institutional histories, and personal journeys within journalism and related
fields. This evening, while retaining that essence, expanded the scope to
include social movements, policy advocacy, and cultural initiatives. However, it
is not a departure from the original idea, but an organic progression of it. The
presence of individuals like Laxmaiah suggests that these gatherings are
gradually evolving into a confluence of experiences, not limited by profession,
but united by thought, reflection, and a willingness to share.
Another
point of quiet significance emerged toward the conclusion of the meeting. A
suggestion, echoed by several participants, proposed the possibility of
shifting these regular gatherings from Fridays to Wednesdays, in order to
accommodate wider participation. While no immediate decision was imposed, the
idea reflects a growing sense of collective ownership. These meetings are no
longer defined by a day alone. They are defined by continuity. And continuity,
when supported by participation, naturally invites evolution.
As
the evening drew to a close, the familiar pattern remained: no formal
resolutions, no structured conclusions, yet a shared understanding that the
journey must continue. If anything, the sense of anticipation for the next
meeting seemed stronger than before. What distinguishes this initiative is not
scale, but sincerity. Not frequency, but consistency. Not formality, but
freedom. In a time when conversations are often reduced to exchanges of
opinion, these Friday evenings continue to offer something different: dialogue
that listens, reflects, and connects.
If
earlier we spoke of converting memory into meaning, and later of repetition
shaping tradition, this ninth meeting adds another dimension: Engage, so that
experience connects with society. The evolving essence may now be expressed as:
Meet. Reflect. Share. Expand. Continue. And perhaps, with growing clarity: Include,
so that memory becomes collective, and collective becomes purposeful.
Shift
from Friday to Wednesday may be convenient for others to participate.
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