November 12, 2025: Day of Friendships and Collective Recalls: Jwala Narasimha Rao Vanam

 November 12, 2025: Day of Friendships and Collective Recalls

With Dr Ravi Mallu MP, Bhandaru Srinivasa Rao, and

Shyam Mohan Anantula at My Apartment

Jwala Narasimha Rao Vanam

There are moments in life that quietly reaffirm the beauty of enduring friendships and shared memories. When individuals who have walked their own long, meaningful paths in political-public life, writing-journalism, and communication-Public Relations, physically meet after a considerable gap, though in touch over phone occasionally, the atmosphere naturally fills with warmth, reflection, and goodwill. The November 12, 2025 turned out to be a memorable day when I had the privilege of receiving and spending quality time beginning with Shyam Mohan Anantula. Later Dr Ravi Mallu and Bhandaru Srinivasa Rao visited my apartment. And finally, it was KD Prasad.  

Shyam Mohan Anantula (Younger Brother of Late A Madan Mohan, a former Minister in Erstwhile AP State) is the Vice-Chairman TPCC Disciplinary Action Committee, and Founder President of Forum for Democracy and Global Peace (FDGP). Dr Ravi Mallu is a third time Lok Sabha Member, one time MLA, Senior Vice President of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee, Chairman of its Disciplinary Action Committee, twice Government Special Representative in Delhi. Bhandaru Srinivasa Rao is a Vetern Journalist, Prolific Writer and Analyst, former AIR and Door Darshan (IIS) News Correspondent. KD Prasad is Senior Chartered Accountant.   

Shyam Mohan recently compiled, edited, and published the book, ‘India’s Democracy: Pearls and Perils’ through the FDGP. Being the ‘Brain Behind the Anthology’ Shyam Mohan wrote a thought-provoking essay in it, titled ‘Safeguarding Democracy-A Challenge for Future Generations’ which rejoices India’s democratic achievements while cautioning against complacency. ‘How Leaders Maintain their Magnanimity’ has been explained by him. He concludes: ‘Long live India’s democracy-more pearls and less perils.’

Shyam almost a month ago presented me a pre-release copy of that book, which among others’ articles, there is one by me, titled: ‘Democracy is Capable to Save Itself, Come What May, Despite ‘Perils’ Replacing ‘Pearls’ of Democracy.’ In fact, that book inspired me to search all my articles on Democracy and Governance, written over a period, leading to compiling them in to a book, and publishing, which is awaiting its release.

What began as a simple invitation from me, for a brief get-together with Dr Ravi Mallu turned into a memorable and soul-refreshing four-and-a-half-hour luncheon conversation that flowed effortlessly across time, experience, and human connection, in a completely relaxed environment. Veteran Journalist and Prolific Writer Bhandaru Srinivasa Rao joined us at my apartment, on request from both me and Ravi, and soon the casual gathering took on the flavor of a long-awaited meeting of three family friends, each in his late seventies (75+ 77+ and 79+), each with over four decades of shared acquaintance, and each carrying the wisdom of a life well spent in his chosen sphere.

Our conversation strolled gracefully from democracy to governance, from recollections of leaders who shaped our times to anecdotes of friendship and gratitude. The name of Jalagam Vengal Rao, the former Chief Minister from our Khammam district, evoked a warm discussion on his rare blend of practical sense and quiet statesmanship. The talk then naturally flowed toward the transitional phases of politics, not in criticism or comparison, but in an academic spirit of learning from the past. The focus intermittently was with reference to the Good Governance of CM Revanth Reddy with appreciation.

The fond memory of Dr AR Mallu, preferred to be called him so by Anatha Ramulu Mallu after he was awarded PhD, the elder brother of Dr Ravi, dominated substantial part of our discussion. Rising from a humble government position to become a two-time Lok Sabha Member and AICC General Secretary in charge of 14 North Eastern States during the Indira–Rajiv Era, his journey stood as a testament to sincerity and perseverance.

We recalled the day of AR Mallu’s sudden demise, February 7, 1990, when I was staying in Raj Bhavan Quarters, where I hosted him the Break-Past that morning, and coinciding with Krishna Kant taking oath as Governor succeeding Kumud Ben Joshi. I further shared the deeply touching condolence message on his demise, from Rajiv Gandhi, then former Prime Minister and AICC President, which I received on the Teleprinter, when serving as PRO to the then AP Chief Minister Dr M Channa Reddy. There were many more of course.

We also remembered Ravi’s father-in-Law, Late Koneru Ranga Rao, the former Deputy Chief Minister, with deep appreciation for his generosity and helpful nature. A particularly cherished moment revisited was when Bhandaru and I called on him, then Social Welfare Minister, to commend a deserving doctor (Dr AP Ranga Rao, who in later days pioneered 108 and 104 Services in AP and in India) for appointment him as the first Managing Director of the AP Handicapped Corporation, by clearing the file pending with him, subject to his pleasure that Ranga Rao truly deserves. It was heartwarming to recount how he responded positively, an act that reflected his innate kindness and respect for merit.

As the conversation went on, Dr Ravi Mallu’s own journey became a natural point of reference, such as his becoming MP thrice in 1991, 1998, and 2024, his tenure as MLA from Jadcherla (winning a bye-election) in 2008, and his service as Special Representative in Delhi during Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s time. We recalled with gratitude his gesture of inviting both of us to Delhi on that memorable occasion of his taking charge, even arranging air tickets himself, an act symbolic of his affection and humility.

Dr Ravi Mallu continues his long association with public life, blending experience with grace. Yet, what made this meeting special was not his political journey, but his simplicity and warmth that made our lunch consisting only of home-made pickles and fresh curd, feel more delightful than any elaborate feast. That afternoon reminded me that friendship, when seasoned with age and sincerity, becomes one of life’s most refined pleasures. Conversations rooted in shared history and goodwill nourish the mind as much as a hearty meal does the body. There was no agenda, no argument, no longing for power, only a gentle reaffirmation that human connection outlasts professional titles and political timelines.

Adding a special personal note, it was heartening that my wife, at 72 years of age, without any prior information about the arrival of our guests, prepared lunch with admirable ease and quiet warmth, a simple rice meal dominated by pickles and fresh curd with full cream, yet perhaps to the full satisfaction of both Dr Ravi Mallu and Bhandaru Srinivasa Rao. That homely simplicity, I believe, reflected the essence of our bond.

Dr Ravi Mallu, his late brother Dr AR Mallu, and one of his younger brothers occupying a key position in Government with considerably busy schedule always, have always been our family friends, and perhaps that warmth explained why Ravi chose to spend such quality time with us, transforming a casual visit into an afternoon of lasting memories. Meanwhile, our maid servant Anitha served us all with a choicest WAGH BAKRI PREMIUM LEAF TEA. Thank you, Dr Ravi Mallu, Bhandaru Srinivasa Rao, earlier visitor Shyam Mohan, and late evening visitor KD Prasad, for turning an ordinary day into an extraordinary one. Such moments stand as gentle reminders that while years may pass, true relationships only grow deeper, richer, and more meaningful.

I had the privilege of presenting a pre-release copy of my latest book, ‘Democracy and Governance Through Lens and Blurred Glasses: A Journey into Distorted Visions of Modern-Day Politics’ to Shyam Mohan and Dr Ravi Mallu. We sealed the meetings with photographs that captured not merely our faces, but long-lasting shared respect, mutual admiration, and unspoken camaraderie. Shyam Mohan also honored me with a Shawl, a bouquet, and Prasadam from Jogulamba Temple. Thank You All once again.