AN ASYNCHRONOUS HISTORY SCRAPBOOK...Jwala we know and not : Bhandaru Srinivasa Rao

AN ASYNCHRONOUS HISTORY SCRAPBOOK

Jwala we know and not 

Bhandaru Srinivasa Rao

If attempting to write an introduction about a personality, who does not need any interaction, is audacity, writing such an introduction is, indeed, an act of bravery.

When asked to write this introduction about Jwala Narasimha Rao, affectionately referred by everyone as Jwala, I had to think several times often falling in the Hamilton dilemma, “To write or not to.” The fact that Jwala is a multifaceted personality and that his forays into several fields of activity from Marxism to Sundarakanda and his deft approach to issues both nominal and phenomenal is all well known. If I attempt to write about the achievements, skills and his variegated works, it would not serve any purpose as his friends and foes knew all about it. My attempts to unearth the unknown facet of Jwala did not yield any success. The reason is both simple and profound. As a prolific writer, Jwala wrote extensively about himself and left none for others to dwell into. Then in such a situation, where the way out for me?

One cannot start writing about the ideal qualities of Jwala as he himself confessed that he had none. Any attempt to write about his negative traits, even his foes will not accept it. But there is one common aspect that everyone unanimously endorses about Jwala. This is nothing but his friendliness. He is always a friend to one and all and deserves to be called “Ajata satru.” From his childhood friends with whom he used to play Pebbles to his latest acquaintances till this date, every one adores him as the best friend in need and deed.

I have a feeling that Public Relations are part of Jwala’s DNA. From his childhood friends to his classmates in his Degree and later while pursuing PG in Nagpur, from his early struggling days as Librarian in BHEL School to his position as PRO to Chief Minister, Jwala till dates maintains contacts with them. This alone proves that Jwala is born with these PR skills. But his PR is not to profit him in his life pursuits but it is purely on his conviction and a way of life. I think this singular positive trait in Jwala that stood him in good stead all through his life till date. This alone shields Jwala’s negative traits if any.

While wishing Jwala, all the very best while releasing this book, I sincerely hope that like other works of Jwala, this Collection of Essays too will become popular and become a favorite with the readers. I also wish him good health, happiness and contentment in life.

Bhandaru Srinivasa Rao

Senior Journalist